Black Hills National Forest seasonal gates were scheduled to open yesterday (May 15, 2023) and campgrounds will open Friday (May 19) for first-come first-serve camping. Advanced reservation camping begins May 24.
Seasonal closed roads and trails are identified on the current Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) and all opened yesterday.
Please remember that even if a road or trail is open, driving on soft surfaces or where rutting has been observed should be avoided until drier conditions prevail. Roads and trails in the hills may be unsuitable for driving until they dry out from recent moisture. The Forest encourages all riders to observe Tread Lightly principles and especially avoid sensitive areas during spring-like conditions. Additional tips include being considerate of others on the road or trail. Learn the basics of trail etiquette, and practice proper stewardship while riding in the Black Hills. And perhaps most important, respect private property by keeping speeds and dust low around homes and nearby ranches.
Damaging forest roads and lands is against the law. The legal and financial consequences can be steep, and damages done to the land can take years to repair.
A Motorized Vehicle Use Trail Permit is required for any motor vehicle traveling on motorized use trails in the Black Hills National Forest in South Dakota. Permits may be purchased directly from Black Hills National Forest offices, many local vendors, ordered online (permits mailed), or from the Black Hills and Badlands Tourism Association Visitor Center, located east of Rapid City off Exit 61 on I-90.
The Forest offers 30 campgrounds with more than 680 individual sites. Many of the campgrounds are operated by a Forest Service recreation service partner, Forest Recreation Management, (FRM) Inc. based in Hill City, SD, under a concession permit.
The fees in the Forest campgrounds range from $16 to $28.50 per night. Group camping is also available with advanced reservations near Pactola Reservoir and Sheridan Lake.
Many campgrounds have on-site hosts who can help provide information about nearby trails and outdoor activities in the area. While electric, sewer, water hook-ups and showers are not available, most Forest campgrounds have potable water and either flush or vault toilets.
The Forest reminds camping enthusiasts that horse camps are designed for stock use. If your party does not need access to a horse campsite, please consider selecting another campground or check for other available options through http://www.recreation.gov/.
To reserve most Black Hills National Forest campsites, visit http://www.recreation.gov/ or call Toll Free 1-877-444-6777. Due to high demand, reservations are recommended and can be made up to 180 days in advance.
All boat docks have been installed at Sheridan and Deerfield Lakes, as well as the Pactola Reservoir. The Forest also offers two marina permits, with Pactola Pines and The Marina at Sheridan Lake providing boat rentals, snacks and beverages, picnic supplies, and other summer season amenities.
The Forest Service and South Dakota Game Fish & Parks (SDGF&P) are reminding visitors to take precautions to prevent the spread of Zebra Mussels from watercraft.
Watercraft Inspection/Decontamination (WID) stations will be operated at Pactola Reservoir by SDGF&P. All watercraft encountering a WID station, including non-motorized watercraft (canoes, kayaks, SUPs, and inflatables) will be inspected. Inspection stations are the first line of defense in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species. SDGF&P WID stations are equipped with hot water sprayers (140-120˚F) that can kill any residual invasive mussel tissue or other aquatic invasive species.
For more information on Black Hills National Forest, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/blackhills.
Comments