Camping around Devils Tower?

I'm heading up to climb Devils Tower later this month, it will be my first time there.  Can anyone fill me in on the camping situation in and around the park?  Is there dispersed camping anywhere or do you have to camp at established campgrounds?  Thanks in advance for any beta!!

I'd recommend the paid camping by the park service over dispersed camping. We have tried heading into what appears to be usfs land multiple times with pretty poor results. The access roads can go through gated, private land, and the result was usually camping in a bad pull off.

The local's tip is to offer Frank (a local climbing guide who lives on an in holding in the park) some $$ to let you camp on his land. Or for those with more cash, pay to stay in one of the rooms he rents out! It's certainly the most entertaining option, and Frank knows more about the Tower than just about anyone. 

The Devils Tower NPS campground is currently closed for coronavirus, with no estimated reopening: https://www.nps.gov/deto/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm

We were there in July and stayed in a tent site at the KOA – very convenient, though certainly not the cheapest option.

Instead of turning onto the paved road going into Devils Tower National Monument, turn east (away from the tower) onto the dirt road (CR 196) and go 5 or so miles until you hit the Black Hills National Forest. You can disperse camp there and let your crag pup run around. Remember archery season is in full swing! 

Matt Castelli wrote:

I'd recommend the paid camping by the park service over dispersed camping. We have tried heading into what appears to be usfs land multiple times with pretty poor results. The access roads can go through gated, private land, and the result was usually camping in a bad pull off.

The local's tip is to offer Frank (a local climbing guide who lives on an in holding in the park) some $$ to let you camp on his land. Or for those with more cash, pay to stay in one of the rooms he rents out! It's certainly the most entertaining option, and Frank knows more about the Tower than just about anyone. 

Franks instagram is @devilstowerlodge

Planning on heading to the Tower next week. All of the campgrounds around the Tower are closed for the season it seems. Does anybody have any more beta on dispersed camping on forest land?

Anybody know anything about services available in the park? Are the restrooms still open? Where to get water?

Thanks for any help!

Park will be open, there is bathrooms and a place to get water at the climbers registration area. For camping, you can do what others suggest, camping elsewhere other than camping within park boundaries at Devils Tower. As for camping at Frank's place, be aware that the climbers bathroom is closed and there is a suggested fee of 10 dollars a night. Happy climbing! 

Aaron Clifton wrote:

Park will be open, there is bathrooms and a place to get water at the climbers registration area. For camping, you can do what others suggest, camping elsewhere other than camping within park boundaries at Devils Tower. As for camping at Frank's place, be aware that the climbers bathroom is closed and there is a suggested fee of 10 dollars a night. Happy climbing! 

Thanks for the beta! I called Frank, he said his place is closed for the season.