Blacktail Picnic Area
The Blacktail Picnic Area in the Grand River National Grassland offers a recreational experience focusing on outdoor activities including a designated fishing area with rainbow trout, making it a popular spot for recreation and nature enthusiasts.
Also, the Blacktail Trailhead is the starting point for the 6.84-mile Blacktail Trail, a non-motorized trail that offers hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding opportunities. The trail traverses rolling hills, buttes, and badland outcrops. All motorized vehicles, including E-bikes are prohibited on the trail. A map for the Blacktail Trail and area Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) are available on our Visitor Maps and Guides page.
Additional grasslands guidance is available on the Safety and Outdoor Ethics page.
Blacktail Picnic Area
Active Alerts
General Information
Day use only: open sunrise to sunset
Fire Restrictions may be in effect. Visitors are responsible for monitoring current conditions available on the South Dakota Grassland Fire Danger Map here.
No Fees are required for this site.
Address: 1005 5th Ave W. Lemmon, SD 57638
Phone: 605-374-3592
Hours: Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Mountain Time (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 45.71888889
Longitude: -102.1597222
Parking
Ample parking available for various vehicles, including cars, trucks, and trailers.
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
The Blacktail Trailhead and picnic area are accessible by a well-maintained gravel road, making them easy to reach from State Highway 73.
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
The picnic area at the trailhead provides a place to relax and enjoy the surroundings, with tables and potentially other amenities.
Recreation Opportunities
Fishing - Lake & Pond Info
The Blacktail Picnic Area features a small fishing dock and lake stocked with rainbow trout and bass.
Picnicking - Groups
Picnicking - Single
Viewing Scenery Info
Plant enthusiasts and sightseers alike will marvel at the wide diversity found in the area.
Before you go, visit the Animals and Plants page to download the Plant and Wildlife Checklist and keep track of the flora and fauna you may spot in the grasslands. And don't forget to check out the Plants of the Grand River and Cedar River National Grasslands publication available on that page.
Viewing Wildlife Info
Before you go, visit the Animals and Plants page to download the Plant and Wildlife Checklist and keep track of the flora and fauna you may spot in the grasslands. Birders may find the Bird Status and Distribution on the Cedar River and Grand River National Grasslands 2011 helpful in their explorations.
Important note: Prairie rattlesnakes are common throughout the grasslands. If you are bitten, remain calm and call 911 immediately.