Cottonwood Springs Reservoir

Located just 5 miles west of Hot Springs, SD is a hidden gem of a campground. Cottonwood Springs Campground is a quiet, peaceful campground tucked away in the southern part of the Black Hills of South Dakota. It offers beautiful scenic views within a short walk of each campsite. Cottonwood Springs Campground features 17 primitive campsites with no water or electric hook-ups. Amenities like potable water, flush toilets, and a playground are provided to help increase camping experience. A camp host is also on site to greet visitors and help with any questions they may have. Access to Cottonwood Springs Lake is only a mile drive from the campground. The boat ramp at the lake is steep, limiting the size of the boat being able to be put in and no gas motors are permitted. Picnic shelters, grills, potable water, flush toilets, and a playground are also located near the lake. Cold Brook Dam and Cottonwood Springs Dam were constructed to reduce flood damage in the Fall River basin. In years past, the Fall River was subject to flash flooding, causing damage to Hot Springs, S.D., and nearby rural areas. The Flood Control Act of 1941 authorized the construction of these two dams and the channel improvements within the community of Hot Springs.