Announcement: Black Hills National Forest selecting new partner for recreation sites in 2026

The special use permit for Forest Recreation Management (FRM) with the Black Hills National Forest expires Dec. 31, 2025. For more than 20 years, FRM has managed developed recreation sites on the forest, including campgrounds, picnic sites, swim beaches, boat launches and day-use areas. FRM will not continue operations in 2026, and the forest will select a new concessionaire for next season.

 Because of the transition, FRM will not conduct any half-price sales for seasonal passes in December. Seasonal passes will not be available through FRM for the 2026 summer season.

 Concessionaire proposals were due on Sept. 22, 2025, and the internal review process is currently underway. The forest plans to select a new concessionaire in January, with operations starting in May.

 For more information about the Forest, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/blackhills. For campground information, please visit https://www.recreation.gov/gateways/1057.