Welcome to the Black Hills National Forest

Photo: Warren Peak, Bearlodge Ranger District, Black Hills National Forest/USDA FS

The Black Hills, in western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming, consists of 1.2 million acres of forested hills and mountains, approximately 110 miles long and 70 miles wide.

The name "Black Hills" comes from the Lakota words Paha Sapa, which mean "hills that are black." Seen from a distance, these pine-covered hills, rising several thousand feet above the surrounding prairie, appear black.

Millions of visitors come to the Black Hills each year to experience the rich and diverse heritage.

• Christmas Tree Permit Information

  

  For many families, venturing into a national forest to cut their Christmas tree for the holidays is a treasured tradition carried on for generations. Black Hills National Forest Christmas tree permits are available from local Forest Service offices, online and from local vendors.

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• Black Hills Forest Plan Revision

  

  The Black Hills National Forest is currently in the process of revising our land management plan (forest plan). Land management plans guide how our national forests and grasslands are managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

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• Forest Offices

  

  The Forest has four Ranger Districts and a Forest Supervisor’s Office. Offices are located in Sundance and Newcastle, Wyoming and Custer, Rapid City and Spearfish, South Dakota.

  Contact Information

• Passes & Permits

  

  The Black Hills National Forest is open, free of charge, for your use and enjoyment. Fees may be charged and permits required for some activities and locations, including camping and parking fees.

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• Maps & Publications

  

  The Forest Service publishes a variety of map products to help you enjoy your visit. Many maps and brochures are available online and more options are available at our Forest offices.

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• OHV Information

  

  The Black Hills offers over 3,800 miles of motorized travel on the forest, including over 700 miles of system trails.

  OHV Maps & Permits

• Pile Burning Information

  

  Districts across the Forest burn thousands of hand and machine slash piles every year. Piles are created from timber sale slash and tree thinning operations. (Photo by Josh Hoffmann, Black Hills National Forest/USDA FS) 

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• Recreation Fee Proposal

  

  The Black Hills National Forest is proposing changes to recreation fees.

  Facilities & SRP Fee Proposal

  Off-Season Rec Fee Proposal

• Off-Season Camping Information

  

  Many Forest campgrounds remain open in the off-season for your use and enjoyment! (Redbank Springs Campground by Bradley Block, USDA FS/Black Hills National Forest)

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• The Black Hills | from More Than Just Parks

  

  Experience the Forest like never before with this beautiful video featuring "Dazzling rock formations, beautiful pine forests, incredible wildlife, mesmerizing magic hour and an insane amount of recreation opportunities..."

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