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Recreation

Nestled among the pines, the Black Hills National Forest is an Island in the Plains and the backdrop for some of America’s most iconic landmarks. With scenic drives, family-friendly campgrounds, and trails that connect communities, this forest offers easy access to year-round outdoor adventures.

Together with Custer State Park and nearby national parks, memorials, and monuments, the Black Hills create unforgettable experiences and support the vibrant local recreation economy.

Forest Concessionaire Passes & Discounts

Sign reading Black Hills National Forest Picnic Area, Lakota Lake

During the late spring, summer, and early fall seasons, the forest concessionaire operates all of the fee-based sites on the Black Hills National Forest. If you visit developed recreation sites on the forest frequently, you may wish to purchase an annual day-use pass from Red Ridge Adventures Hospitality. 

Annual Day-Use Pass Info

Your Guide to Nighttime Nature: Join our Moon Walks

Flag Image - Moon Walk

Explore the Black Hills National Forest in a unique way! Our guided Moon Walks offer family-friendly adventures to discover the natural and cultural history of the area under the night sky. Learn more and plan your visit!

Your next adventure awaits! Search "National Forests & Grasslands" in the app store. These words overlay an image of a mobile phone showing the Forest Service app, surrounded by photos of national forests and grasslands around the nation.

NO signal? NO problem!

Download maps BEFORE you go with our new National Forests & Grasslands app. 

The National Forests and Grasslands app delivers offline maps, safety alerts, and the most comprehensive set of recreation sites and trails the Forest Service has ever made available to the public. 

Download it now:

Apple App Store  Google Play

Recreation

Showing: 1 - 10 of 177 results

'76 Trailhead
Outdoor Science and Learning Hiking
Conquer the ‘76 Trail: a steep ¾-mile hike climbing 1,000 ft for breathtaking Spearfish Canyon views. Foot traffic only—no pets or bikes.

Antelope Springs Trailhead
Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)
Antelope Springs Trailhead is located approximately 32 miles northwest of Custer, SD. This trailhead is used primarily for motorized vehicles and for day-use motorized trail users. It has a large…

Bear Gulch (Group Site)
Site Open
Picnicking
This private access group campsite is isolated among the forested Black Hills of South Dakota, overlooking a private bay on the Pactola Reservoir. Great for group events with up to 40 people, there…

Bear Mountain Fire Lookout
Outdoor Science and Learning
Historic Bear Mountain Fire Lookout offers sweeping Black Hills views and a century of fire detection history. Still staffed spring to fall.

Bearlodge Campground
Site Open
Bearlodge Campground near Devils Tower offers eight sites and reduced fees during the off-season. First-come, first-served.

Beaver Creek Campground
Site Open
Beaver Creek Campground has 8 campsites (1 accessible), 1 vault toilet, and is remote and quiet. The campground is on the Wyoming/South Dakota border NW of Hill City, SD. Beaver Creek runs…

Beaver Creek Ski System Trailhead
Hiking Winter Sports
The Beaver Creek Ski Trail system consists of six trails with a total distance of 12.9 miles. The six trails are the Porcupine Trail, Dry Beaver Trail, Highland Trail, Mallo Trail, Sunshine Trail…

Big Hill Trailhead
Winter Sports Biking Horse Riding and Camping Hiking
(Trail #72)Big Hill Ski Area is comprised of six stacked-loop trails that provide expansive opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing for a total distance of 13.6 miles. During the…

Bismark Lake
Fishing Water Activities Picnicking
Bismark Lake Picnic Area, surrounded by aspens and pines, offers fishing, non-motorized boating, and relaxation near Custer State Park on Hwy 16A.
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