🌤 Weather at Stockade Lake Campground by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24–61 °F | 50–80 °F | 24–71 °F | 16–37 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Custer, 5 mi away, elevation 5,480 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Lakeside Campground in Custer State Park’s Western Gateway — Two Campgrounds (North and South) on Stockade Lake, Tent and RV Sites, Fishing for Trout Bass and Bluegill, Kayaking and Canoeing, Hiking Trails to Needles Highway and Sylvan Lake, Wildlife Viewing for Bison Pronghorn and Wild Turkeys, Western Gateway Entrance Off Highway 16A, Black Hills South Dakota
Stockade Lake Campground is a pair of campgrounds — North and South — on the shores of Stockade Lake within Custer State Park in the Black Hills, South Dakota, managed by SD Game, Fish and Parks. The campgrounds feature tent and RV sites on the shores of Stockade Lake, fishing for rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and bluegill, kayak, canoe, and small boat access on the lake, proximity to Needles Highway and Sylvan Lake via a short scenic drive, wildlife viewing for bison herds, pronghorn, and wild turkeys along Wildlife Loop Road, hiking trails from the campground into the surrounding Black Hills terrain, and a location at the park’s western gateway entrance off Highway 16A.
Stockade Lake sits at Custer State Park’s western entrance — making it a convenient base camp for exploring Needles Highway, Sylvan Lake, and the Cathedral Spires. The two campground areas (North and South) offer different atmospheres: North is more open and lakeside, South is more wooded and secluded.
A Custer State Park entrance license is required in addition to campsite fees. The park’s famous bison herd and Wildlife Loop Road are just a short drive from the campground.
Things to Do
- Camping — North + South campgrounds, tent/RV
- Fishing — trout, bass, bluegill
- Kayaking/Canoeing — Stockade Lake
- Scenic drives — Needles Highway, Wildlife Loop
- Wildlife — bison, pronghorn, wild turkeys
- Hiking — Black Hills trails
Campground Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Western gateway, Custer State Park, SD |
| Campgrounds | Stockade Lake North + South |
| Sites | Tent + RV (check sd.gov for counts) |
| Lake | Stockade Lake — trout, bass, bluegill |
| Nearby | Needles Highway, Sylvan Lake, Wildlife Loop |
| Entrance Fee | Custer State Park license required |
| Managed By | SD Game, Fish and Parks |
| Coordinates | 43.7556° N, 103.4861° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stockade Lake Campground in Custer State Park?
Yes — Stockade Lake Campground consists of two areas (North and South) within Custer State Park in South Dakota’s Black Hills. A Custer State Park entrance license is required. The campgrounds offer tent and RV sites on Stockade Lake with fishing for trout, bass, and bluegill, plus kayaking and canoeing. Located at the park’s western gateway off Highway 16A, near Needles Highway, Sylvan Lake, and the Wildlife Loop Road with bison herds.
Last updated: May 2026
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Custer State Park (a short drive away) or George S. Mickelson Trail (a short drive away).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for South Dakota state parks online at reservations.gooutdoorssouthdakota.com.
⛺ Camping at Stockade Lake Campground: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 65 sites — Stockade Lake is not a stand-alone park; it is a campground area within Custer State Park, split into two separate campgrounds. Stockade North Campground: 42 sites (tent-only, no electricity $16/night; tent-only, electric hookup $23/night; standard site, no electricity $27/night; standard site, electric hookup $34/night); accommodates any camping unit; flush toilets, showers, drinking water, vault toilets. Stockade South Campground: 23 sites (tent-only, no electricity $16/night; electric hookup $34/night); accommodates mid-sized RVs; flush toilets, showers, drinking water. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 13 camping cabins at Stockade South Campground, $55/night. None at Stockade North Campground. |
| Pets | Statewide SD GFP rule applies: April 1-Sept. 30 pets must be under immediate control on a leash no longer than 10 ft; Oct. 1-March 31 leash not mandatory but pet must be under immediate control. Pets (except service animals) prohibited on swimming beaches and in park buildings. |
| Reservations | Book at CampSD.com or call 1.800.710.2267. Custer State Park accepts camping reservations up to 1 year before arrival (all other South Dakota state parks/recreation areas use a 90-day window). Custer campsite check-in/check-out is 12 p.m./11 a.m. (differs from the standard 4 p.m./4 p.m. elsewhere). Cancellation: half of one night's fee if canceled within 7 days for campsites, or within 30 days for cabins. |
| Special sites | Located along Stockade Lake Drive, 4 miles east of the town of Custer on US Highway 16A. Stockade North is near the historic Gordon Stockade (site of the 1874 Custer Expedition gold discovery). Open House Weekend (season-ending event) around Oct. 1, subject to change with weather. |
| Season notes | Seasonal closure around Open House Weekend, approximately Oct. 1 (may shift with weather conditions). |
Camping questions about Stockade Lake Campground
Can you camp at Stockade Lake Campground?
Yes. Stockade Lake Campground has 65 campsites. Stockade Lake is not a stand-alone park; it is a campground area within Custer State Park, split into two separate campgrounds. Stockade North Campground: 42 sites (tent-only, no electricity $16/night; tent-only, electric hookup $23/night; standard site, no electricity $27/night; standard site, electric hookup $34/night); accommodates any camping unit; flush toilets, showers, drinking water, vault toilets. Stockade South Campground: 23 sites (tent-only, no electricity $16/night; electric hookup $34/night); accommodates mid-sized RVs; flush toilets, showers, drinking water.
How do you reserve a campsite at Stockade Lake Campground?
Book at CampSD.com or call 1.800.710.2267. Custer State Park accepts camping reservations up to 1 year before arrival (all other South Dakota state parks/recreation areas use a 90-day window). Custer campsite check-in/check-out is 12 p.m./11 a.m. (differs from the standard 4 p.m./4 p.m. elsewhere). Cancellation: half of one night's fee if canceled within 7 days for campsites, or within 30 days for cabins.
Are there cabins at Stockade Lake Campground?
13 camping cabins at Stockade South Campground, $55/night. None at Stockade North Campground.
Are pets allowed at the Stockade Lake Campground campground?
Statewide SD GFP rule applies: April 1-Sept. 30 pets must be under immediate control on a leash no longer than 10 ft; Oct. 1-March 31 leash not mandatory but pet must be under immediate control. Pets (except service animals) prohibited on swimming beaches and in park buildings.
Source: gfp.sd.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Stockade Lake Campground
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in South Dakota state parks and recreation areas, including campgrounds and most trails, but not in park buildings or on designated swim beaches.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- April 1 - September 30: leash no longer than 10 ft required at all times; October 1 - March 31: leash optional but pets must be under immediate control
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets (except service animals) are not allowed on designated swimming beaches
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Dogs and cats allowed in pet-designated lodges, cabins and suites (roughly 40 parks/recreation areas have designated pet-friendly cabins) with payment of a pet accommodation fee
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use or camping pet fee; a pet accommodation fee is charged for pet-designated lodging
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets prohibited in all park buildings and on the Summit Trail at Bear Butte State Park
Are dogs allowed at Stockade Lake Campground?
Pets are allowed in South Dakota state parks and recreation areas, including campgrounds and most trails, but not in park buildings or on designated swim beaches. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via gfp.sd.gov. More: South Dakota state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Stockade Lake Campground
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
