I was looking at taking a trip to South Dakota in May but I found out that most campsites open after when I was planning. What are the rules to staying in campsites when no host is around? Also what's some of the best black hills climbing during spring?
The meadow down the road from Hanna Campground is really nice and you can get water from the campground itself. Also walking distance to a nice little crag up the road
Edit: At the Hannah Campground there is an “iron ranger” with slips to pay for camping if you choose to stay there. May have a camp host at that point though.
The Hanna Campground is open one week before Memorial Day through one week after Labor Day. NOTE: Walk-in tent sites are open year-round.
I believe the Rod & Gun and Timon campgrounds are "open" year-round, no-host at those sites but the Hanna campground is closest to the best climbing in the canyon.
The city of Spearfish has a campground that's $25 for primitive but has water and showers.