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Sioux Ranger District

The 163,000 acre Sioux Ranger District is located in the southeast corner of Montana and the northwest corner of South Dakota. The District is composed of eight separate Land Units and has often been described as "islands of green in a sea of rolling prairie." This is an appropriate description as the Federal Lands are hills or mesas of ponderosa pine rising above rolling grasslands. The area offers excellent antelope, mule deer, white-tail deer, and turkey hunting. The area is also rich in archeological and paleontological resources, produces some oil, and supports a sizable domestic livestock population.

The Sioux Ranger District is home to one of the largest population of merlin falcons in North America. There are numerous opportunities for dispersed recreation such as hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, snowmobile riding, and cross country skiing throughout the District.  There are no designated hiking trails, but most of the ridges are open and provide spectacular panoramic views.  Two stocked fishing ponds with populations of crappie, bass, and rainbow trout can be found on the District. Learn more about the Sioux Ranger District

Recreation Sites

Showing: 1 - 10 of 13 results

Chalk Buttes Land Unit

Hiking
One of eight land units on the Sioux Ranger District in far south-eastern Montana.  Remote and undeveloped this land unit offers many opportunities for dispersed camping and hiking.No designated…

East Short Pines Land Unit

One of eight land units on the Sioux Ranger District, remotely located south east of Camp Crook South Dakota this small land unit has no designated recreation areas, but offers opportunities for…

Ekalaka Hills Land Unit

Hiking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
One of eight land units on the Sioux Ranger District outside of Ekalaka, MTDispersed camping and hiking opportunities available.  Designated recreation sites include:  Ekalaka Park Campground and…

Ekalaka Park Campground

Picnicking Hiking
View this site on Recreation.govCampground with 7 sites and two day use picnic sites near Ekalaka on the Ekalaka Hills Unit, Sioux Ranger District. The Ekalaka Hills consist of scenic cliff…

Lantis Spring Campground

Outdoor Science and Learning Picnicking
View this site on Recreation.gov A campground with camp sites and day use picnic sites, located in the Long Pines Unit, Sioux Ranger District, about 5 miles north off the Tie Creek Road.

Long Pines Land Unit

One of the largest of eight land units on the Sioux Ranger District, located in the far south-eastern stretches of Montana. Opportunities for dispersed camping and day hiking are available. …

MacNab Pond

Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Picnicking
Family picnic and day use fishing pond on the Ekalaka Hills Unit, Sioux Ranger District.

North & South Cave Hills

Hiking
Two of eight land units on the Sioux Ranger District.  Dispersed camping, day hiking are available. Designated recreation sties include:  Browns Fishing Pond and Picnic Springs Campground

Picnic Spring Campground

Hiking
View this site on Recreation.govA campground located in the North Cave Hills Unit, Sioux Ranger District, 8 miles west and north of Ludlow, SD adjacent to beautiful woods and rocky, cliff-edged…

Reva Gap Campground

Hiking Picnicking
View this site on Recreation.gov A campground located in the Slim Buttes Unit near the Castles National Natural Landmark, one of two on the Sioux Ranger District. The campground is directly off of…

Last updated May 8th, 2025