About this campground
From Custer, the Hell Canyon Trailhead is approximately 11 miles west on Highway 16. This trail is maintained for hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers. No motorized use is allowed. The 1/2 of mile of trail climbs at a steep pace with one switchback until you top out on the limestone crest. This trail follows a bench below limestone cliffs and provides outstanding views of Hell Canyon and the surrounding area. The last 2 miles follows a two-track road along the bottom of Hell Canyon drainage.
Activities
- BIKING
- HIKING
- HORSEBACK RIDING
Nearby federal campgrounds
- Hawkwright TrailheadBlack Hills National Forest6 mi
- Bluebird TrailheadBlack Hills National Forest10 mi
- Richardson TrailheadBlack Hills National Forest10 mi
- Southern Hills - CusterBlack Hills National Forest12 mi
- SUMMIT RIDGE LOOKOUT CABINBlack Hills National Forest13 mi
- Ditch Creek TrailheadBlack Hills National Forest15 mi
Explore more South Dakota camping
Hell Canyon Trailhead doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby South Dakota campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.
Browse South Dakota camping →Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.