About 11 miles from the Dumont Trailhead
Mickelson Trail Camping Base in the Northern Hills
Camping isn't allowed on the trail or at its trailheads, so you need a home base. We're about 11 miles from the Dumont Trailhead and 25 minutes from the trail's Deadwood end.
Where to camp when you ride the Mickelson
The George S. Mickelson Trail runs 109 miles through the Black Hills from Edgemont to Deadwood on an old railroad grade. It crosses more than 100 converted railroad bridges and passes through 4 rock tunnels. It's a fantastic ride, but South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks does not allow camping on the trail or at its trailheads. Anyone searching for Mickelson Trail camping needs a campground nearby.
Custer Crossing Family Campground, at 22036 Hwy 385, works well for the northern section. The Dumont Trailhead is about 11 miles from camp (roughly 35 minutes, partly on gravel), and Deadwood, the trail's northern end, is about 15 miles or roughly 25 minutes away.
Trail facts worth knowing (from SD Game, Fish and Parks)
- Trail users age 12 and older need a trail pass, which you can buy at self-serve stations at the trailheads.
- The surface is crushed limestone, and most of the trail stays under a 4 percent grade.
- Dumont is the trail's highest point. The 19-mile stretch from Deadwood up to Dumont is its longest climb.
- The trail is open to hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Class 1 e-bikes are allowed, and pets must be leashed.
- The trail closes from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise.
Rules can change, so check the Game, Fish and Parks Mickelson Trail page before you ride.
Ride ideas from camp
Downhill to Deadwood: with a shuttle or a second vehicle, start at Dumont and roll mostly downhill to Deadwood. Then drive back to camp for dinner at Custer's Last Meal.
Out and back from Dumont: ride south from Dumont toward Rochford Road and the central Hills, then turn around whenever your legs say so.
Climb day: strong riders can tackle Deadwood to Dumont, the trail's longest incline.
Why riders stay here
- About 20 full-hookup RV sites, about 11 camping cabins, and tent sites
- Custer's Last Meal, our on-site restaurant (see the menu page)
- Camp store, fuel, and propane right at the entrance
- UTV rentals on site
- Wi-Fi across the whole park
- Dogs welcome (dog-friendly camping details)
A hot meal, park-wide Wi-Fi to check the weather, and a cabin if you'd rather not set up a tent after a long ride. We don't offer bike rentals or shuttles, so plan those separately.
Drive times from camp
- Dumont Trailhead: about 11 miles, roughly 35 minutes, partly on gravel
- Deadwood (northern end of the trail): about 15 miles, roughly 25 minutes
- Deadwood and Lead: about 15 miles, roughly 25 minutes
- Pactola Reservoir: about 13 miles, roughly 20 minutes
- Sturgis: about 29 miles, roughly 40 minutes
- Rapid City: about 28 miles, roughly 45 minutes
- Hill City: roughly 40 minutes; Keystone: roughly 45 minutes
- Mount Rushmore: about 33 miles, roughly 55 minutes
- Crazy Horse Memorial: about 38 miles, roughly 1 hour 5 minutes
- Spearfish: roughly 45 minutes
- Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP): roughly 1 hour 5 minutes
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Can you camp on the Mickelson Trail?
No. South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks prohibits camping on the trail and at its trailheads, so riders stay at nearby campgrounds.
How far is Custer Crossing from the Dumont Trailhead?
About 11 miles, roughly 35 minutes, partly on gravel roads.
How far is camp from the Deadwood end of the trail?
About 15 miles, roughly 25 minutes.
Do I need a pass to ride the Mickelson Trail?
Yes. Trail users age 12 and older need a trail pass, which you can buy at self-serve stations at the trailheads.
Do you rent bikes?
No. We don't offer bike rentals. We do have cabins, RV sites, tent sites, a restaurant, and UTV rentals on site.
More answers on our campground FAQ.
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