Ghost Town USA

Ghost Town · South Dakota

Etta

A ghost town of unknown status in Pennington County, South Dakota.

By the Ghost Town USA research team · Last reviewed September 2026

Quick Facts

Status
Unknown Status
Access
Unknown Access
Coordinates
Not recorded

Some ghost towns feel like museums. Etta feels like an interruption — a place that stopped mid-sentence. Etta, also known as Etta Camp and Etta Mine, is a ghost town in Pennington County, South Dakota, United States. It was a successful mining town, known for its discovery of the largest spodumene crystal ever found.

Pennington County holds 21 documented ghost towns, including Addie Camp, Allen's Camp, Canyon City — Etta keeps them company on the map.

The story of Etta

South Dakota's ghost towns mix Black Hills gold camps with prairie farm towns the Dust Bowl finished.

Etta, also known as Etta Camp and Etta Mine, is a ghost town in Pennington County, South Dakota, United States. It was a successful mining town, known for its discovery of the largest spodumene crystal ever found.

What you'll find today

The on-the-ground condition of Etta is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.

Nobody has confirmed the access situation, so treat any visit as reconnaissance: verify land ownership first, and be ready to admire from the road.

Getting there

Here's the honest truth: access to Etta is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times.

Good to know

Ghost-town etiquette is simple: take only photographs. Removing artifacts is illegal on public lands and disrespectful everywhere else — and on federal land it can be a serious offense.

Etta FAQs

Where is Etta located?
Etta is in Pennington County, South Dakota. Precise coordinates aren't on record, so research maps and local directions before you go.
What county is Etta in?
Etta sits in Pennington County, South Dakota. See our full guide to ghost towns in Pennington County for its neighbors.
What is the history of Etta?
Etta, also known as Etta Camp and Etta Mine, is a ghost town in Pennington County, South Dakota, United States. It was a successful mining town, known for its discovery of the largest spodumene crystal ever found.
What remains at Etta today?
The on-the-ground condition of Etta is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.
Can you visit Etta?
Here's the honest truth: access to Etta is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times.

Sources: description based on Wikipedia (“Etta, South Dakota”), CC BY-SA.

More Ghost Towns in Pennington County

See all 21 ghost towns in Pennington County, South Dakota