As a visitor to the Dakota Prairie Grasslands, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the natural environment, ensure the health and safety of visitors, and promote a pleasant and rewarding outdoor recreation experience for all visitors. Regional Foresters and Forest Supervisors may issue orders that will close or restrict the use of certain areas as needed. If you have any questions or need help, please get in touch with the nearest Forest Service Office.

Please remember to be careful! You are primarily responsible for your safety. Be alert for natural hazards and dangers.

Prairie rattlesnakes are part of the local environment on the Little Missouri, Grand River, and Cedar River National Grasslands. Be alert and watch your step.

Over much of the Grassland, livestock grazing is used to manage the grassland ecosystem. Please do not disturb grazing livestock; leave all gates as you found them. Most grazing permits allow grazing on the Grasslands by domestic cattle or sheep; however, some private bison herds are on neighboring land. Please remember that bison can be dangerous.

Sanitation:

1. Throw all garbage and litter in containers provided for this purpose, or take it out when your visit is finished.
2. Wash food and personal items away from drinking water supplies.
3. Use faucets only for drawing water.
4. Prevent pollution - keep garbage, litter, and foreign substances out of lakes, streams, and other water sources.
5. Use toilets properly.
6. Do not throw garbage, litter, fish cleanings, or other foreign substances in toilets or plumbing fixtures.

Operation of Vehicles: Obey all traffic signs. State traffic laws apply to National Grasslands unless otherwise specified. License tags, insurance, and DUI violations are strictly enforced. Do not damage the land or vegetation or disturb wildlife when operating vehicles. Avoid riding or driving on unpaved roads or trails when wet or muddy. Within campgrounds and other recreation sites, use cars, motorbikes, motorcycles, or other motor vehicles only for entering or leaving unless areas or trails are specifically marked for them. A maximum of two (2) vehicles per campsite is allowed. Do not block, restrict, or interfere with using roads or trails, especially gated roads. Obey area and trail restrictions on using trail bikes and other off-the-road vehicles.

Property:  Do not carve, chop, cut, or damage live trees. Leave natural areas the way you find them. American Indian sites, old cabins, and other structures, along with objects and artifacts associated with them, have historic or archeological value. Do not damage or remove any historic or archeological resource or other property.

Fish and Wildlife: State law applies to activities within the National Grasslands. For more information, refer to North Dakota Game and Fish and South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks.

Campfires: Obey restrictions on fires. Fires may be limited or prohibited at certain times. Within campgrounds and other recreation sites, build fires only in fire rings, stoves, grills, or fireplaces provided for that purpose.

Be sure your fire is completely extinguished (dead out) before leaving. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR KEEPING FIRES UNDER CONTROL.

Camping: Campgrounds and other recreation sites can be used only for recreation purposes. Permanent use or use as a principal residence without authorization is not allowed. In campgrounds, camp only in those places specifically marked or provided. At least one person must occupy a camping area during the first night after camping equipment has been set up unless the District Ranger grants permission.

Only leave camping equipment unattended for up to 24 hours with permission from a District Ranger. The Federal Government is not responsible for any loss or damage to personal property.

Fee Areas: You must pay a fee to use certain developed sites and facilities. Areas are signed or posted as requiring a fee. Where fees are required, you must pay them before using the site, facility, equipment, or service furnished.

Public Behavior: No fighting or boisterous behavior. Keep noise at a reasonable level. Please be considerate of fellow visitors. Threatening, intimidating, or interfering with any forest employee is a federal offense.

Pets and Animals: Pets must be restrained or leashed in developed recreation sites. Pets (except guide dogs) are not allowed in swimming areas. Saddle or pack animals are allowed in recreation sites only where authorized by posted instructions. Hitching, tethering, or hobbling a horse that causes damage to live trees, soil, or water is prohibited.

Business Activities: Permits are required for any commercial activity.

Audio Devices: Operate any audio device, such as a radio or musical instrument, so it does not disturb other visitors. A permit is required for operating a public address system in or near a campsite, developed recreation site, or over a body of water.