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Rockhounding
The widespread badlands of western South Dakota offer the rockhound thousands of acres of interesting collection for a wide spectrum of colorful gem materials. Most sought after is the brightly patterned fairburn agate, an elusive and distinctive agate, the official State Gem of South Dakota. Rock beds are scattered in eroded areas, the best known bed is in the Fairburn area near the French Creek Campground.
Know Before You Go: Rock hunting (surface collection of rocks and agates, excluding meteorites and fossils), for personal, hobby, and noncommercial use only, is allowed without a permit. For other uses of rock material, contact the local Forest Service Office. Trading, bartering, or selling rocks and agates from National Forest System Lands are not allowed. Collecting on private land requires the owner’s permission.
View Rockhounding Guide and Vicinity Maps (.pdf)
