Our Last Week As Camp Hosts @ Sheridan Lake–Black Hills South Dakota

(Sheridan Lake, S.D) 65 degrees,blue sky

Lake Sheridan

We have one week left at Lake Sheridan, one of the campgrounds in the National Forest.  For the past two months we have managed one of the camping loops (Woodsey) and collected fees at two day use areas on the lake.  It has been a wonderful experience and we will definitely return to this area again. 

Dakota Point

There is so much to see and the weather has been delightful.  One of our perks has been a VIP pass.  It has given us mostly free or discounted admission to many of the areas attractions.  We certainly have take advantage of this pass.  We have even gone to several places that we probably would have passed by such as Reptile Gardens.  The Black Hills are so beautiful and an amazing place to visit. 

Mt. Rushmore

Our campground is a jewel and looking out over the lake each day has been a treat.  The landscape and wild flowers are ever changing. The sites are large and mostly wooded. 

Woodsey Loop, site 63

We have worked with ten other camp hosts and have had some great times together.  There have been several pot lucks and fire side gatherings organized by Sharon. She loves planning parties and getting everyone together.  Fun stories and travels  have been shared.  One of my favorites was shared by Jim.  He works here year round.  Jim takes care of the campground and plows part of the lake for the fishermen. Lake Sheridan freezes over and fishermen cut holes in the ice to fish.   One fisherman claimed that he had caught a huge perch.  He had tossed it up on the ice and continued to fish.  Shortly later an eagle had flown down and carried it away.  Now that’s a fish story!

Marsha and Malcolm

Jim

Louis and Alma

Frank and Ruby

Sharon

Taking care of our loop can be challenging at times.  Patience in large amounts and a sense of humor is required.  I was told once that campers pack everything but their brain.  That is not always the case but at times it is very evident.  Dogs are oftentimes running loose, fires are burning way too high, vehicles and boats are parked so that other campers cannot pass, campers howl loudly across the lake late at night, generators continue to run late at night, and fire pits are used as trash cans. 

Trash can firepit

John handles most of these issues and more.  He really has done a great job and kept his cool.  Trying to gain their cooperation is essential and the right attitude really helps.  Our manager told us early on not to take whatever a camper does personal.  Good advice!  He also suggested saying “in order to continue your stay keeping your dog on a leash is essential” rather than “your dog needs to get on a leash right now”.

I have mostly worked  at the day booths.  It can be very hectic at times and then the  time goes by quickly.   But at other times, it can be very slow and boring.  Sometimes the booth is freezing and at other times it can be like an oven.  Most of the time it is very pleasant and the sound of the wind blowing through the trees is delightful.  It has also given me the opportunity to read some great books this summer.

Day Booth North Cove

Forest Recreation Management staffs 38 National Forest Campgrounds in the Black Hills.  There are several located on lakes and others that have about 25 sites.  If you are interested in working here next summer the best time to apply is now. Be sure to note that most campgrounds do not have cell phone or internet service.  Full hook up sites are provided at no cost to the hosts and a flat fee per week is paid to each camp host along with a VIP pass.  

From here we plan on visiting Estes Park (Rocky Mountain National Park area) and then attend the Albuquerque Balloon Festival. It will be great to be back on the road again.  The rest of the fall and winter will be spent in the New Mexico/Arizona area.