Boxelder Forks Campground carries a 4.5 rating across 51 reviews, a score that suggests most people who take the trouble to write about it come away satisfied. It sits in Nemo, South Dakota, and is listed as a campground rather than a resort or RV park, which sets expectations for a simpler, outdoor-first kind of stay. The listing places it in the Black Hills region, and reviewers repeatedly frame it that way in their own words, describing ponderosa pines, rock spires and a stream running along the edge of the sites.
The interesting part of this Boxelder Forks Campground review is the split in the record. The great majority of the visitor reviews collected here are enthusiastic, praising the setting, the creek and in several cases the camp hosts by name. A small number are bluntly negative, and almost all of that criticism is aimed at host conduct rather than at the grounds themselves. Both sides are represented below, attributed to the people who wrote them, because a fair picture of this place has to hold the two together.
Boxelder Forks Campground at a Glance
Boxelder Forks Campground is listed at Nemo, SD 57759 in the United States, categorised as a campground and located in the America/Denver time zone. Contact details are recorded: a phone number at +1 605-673-9200 and an official United States Forest Service recreation page on fs.usda.gov, which is the natural place to confirm current conditions before travelling. The listing also records a map location for the site near the coordinates 44.1977804, -103.5349962, putting it squarely in the hilly country southwest of the Black Hills communities.
The attribute data describes a site built around tent and RV use rather than full-service camping. On-site parking is listed, along with a wheelchair-accessible car park and a wheelchair-accessible entrance. Dogs are allowed. On the activity side the listing mentions a hiking area, RV camping, Boxelder Creek itself and walk-in fishing. Amenities recorded include toilet and public toilet facilities, tent sites, and Wi-Fi. A reviewer adds texture that the attribute list does not: a small number of sites, each with parking, a fire pit and a picnic table, plus two latrines.
What Do Visitors Like About Boxelder Forks Campground?
Across the reviews available here, sentiment leans strongly positive, which is consistent with the 4.5 average across 51 ratings. Visitors describe a beautiful, quiet, tucked-away campground beside a creek, and several mention returning year after year. The criticism that does appear is concentrated and specific: two reviewers describe hostile or overbearing treatment by camp hosts, and one of them also raises concerns about water being shut off to the public, an unlatched restroom and a fire during a county fire ban. Notably, no reviewer complains about the scenery, the creek or the size of the sites — even the harshest reviews focus on people and management rather than the setting.
1. A creekside setting that anchors the experience
Nearly every positive review returns to the water. Chris Tumminaro described a site right next to the creek as amazing, and Spencer Lee wrote that the original plan was to move between Black Hills campsites every couple of days but that they became enamoured with this tucked-away spot beside the creek. Kathleen Jones called the area lovely and peaceful with a creek running right next to the sites, while Kevin Cronk described a small stream flowing along one edge of the campground among towering ponderosa pines and rock spires. Michelle Mcleod found the place by accident and noted the creek was lovely to listen to.
The listing supports this: Boxelder Creek is named as an activity attribute alongside walk-in fishing, so the water is part of the site's identity rather than an incidental detail. Reviewers also mention wildflowers and trees in the same breath, reinforcing that the appeal is the natural surroundings more than built infrastructure.
2. Camp hosts: the strongest praise and the sharpest complaints
No other subject divides reviewers like the camp hosts. On the positive side, Chris Tumminaro called host Barbara outstanding, Angel Korte described the hosts as very gracious when accommodating a moving truck and trailer, and IowaHiker found the camp host friendly. Spencer Lee wrote warmly about Bob, and Valerie credited Bob and Barb for keeping the campground in top shape over many years. H Evers went further, calling them the absolute best.
The counterpoint is equally direct. CSB Farm wrote that the hosts were very rude after being told to leave while checking the campground on ATVs ahead of a future stay, and said they intended to complain to the forest service. Elizabeth Moore reported being approached repeatedly by a host over the course of a weekend about matters not on the posted rules, and described the hosts as rude and controlling. Because the reviews span several years, these accounts may reflect different people in the role rather than a single consistent experience.
3. A base for trail riding and dirt bikes
Chris Tumminaro described the campground as great for ride-in, ride-out access to dirt bike trails. CSB Farm, despite a poor experience, described the surrounding area as the hub of ATV trails and noted that a road sign instructs drivers to share the road with ATVs. Together these reviews point to trail access as a genuine reason people choose this location, even though the two reviewers reached opposite conclusions about their stay.
The listing itself does not enumerate trail systems or vehicle rules, so anyone planning around motorised recreation should treat the reviews as anecdotal and confirm regulations directly with the managing agency before arrival.
4. Quiet, dark nights and off-season solitude
Several reviewers emphasise calm above everything else. Angel Korte described a quiet and dark mountain night as peaceful. Michelle Mcleod called the campground very quiet. Kevin Cronk camped in January when only four sites were available and the rest were gated off for winter, and reported having the place to themselves, calling it a perfect winter getaway for anyone who can handle the cold. Gregory Hoffmann also stayed off season and reported camping for free at that time.
These accounts sketch out a place that empties out in the colder months. They are individual experiences from specific dates, however, and should not be read as a guarantee of availability or of fee waivers at any given time.
5. Simple facilities and a few practical gripes
The facilities are modest. Lori Clark described no hookups and pit toilets alongside a beautiful creek, wildflowers and trees. Kevin Cronk counted twelve sites with parking, fire pits and picnic tables, plus two latrines. Chris Tumminaro mentioned a well water pump towards the front and clean outhouses. Angel Korte found the sites very nice in size.
The recurring practical annoyance in the reviews is insects: Valerie mentioned very populated yellow jackets while otherwise enjoying a family reunion, and Carrie Fortune described a two-night stay during constant rain that made the road out to Nemo difficult on a motorcycle while still calling the area absolutely beautiful. Harsh weather and seasonal pests are part of the record here, not a footnote to it.
6. Site variety for groups, couples and unusual rigs
Chris Tumminaro noted that some sites are more isolated while others suit groups, which matches the sense across reviews that the campground serves different kinds of campers. Angel Korte arrived mid cross-country move with a U-Haul and described the hosts as accommodating of such an unusual vehicle. IowaHiker singled out a satisfactory stay at one particular numbered site.
The listing's attributes align with this: tent sites and RV camping are both recorded, and dogs are allowed, so the site is presented as flexible rather than specialised. What the data does not establish is how any specific site is allocated or how group bookings are handled.