Black Hills National Forest

Recreational Activities

Boating and Marinas

Eleven reservoirs on the Forest offer a variety of boating opportunities: Deerfield, Horsethief, and Bismarck Lakes allow small-motor (trolling) boats, but "no wake" rules are enforced. Waterskiing is popular at Pactola and Sheridan Lakes. For more information on boating regulations in the State of South Dakota, visit http://www.boatsafe.com/South_Dakota/.

Marinas at Pactola Reservoir and Sheridan Lake in the central hills offer slip and boat rentals, launch sites, food service, fishing licenses, and boating and fishing supplies. The marinas have fairly consistent operational seasons, but factors such as weather and reservoir water levels can cause dates to change.

In general, the marina at Pactola is open from April 15 through October 15, but prior to Memorial Day and after Labor Day it may be open only on weekends.

Sheridan Lake Marina operates from April 25 through October 15. The store is closed from October 16 though December 27, but opens again on December 28 and remains so until February 28 to accommodate ice anglers. The entire operation is closed from March 1 through April 24. As expected, the winter operational period is extremely dependent on weather and adequate ice on the lake.

Individuals wishing specific marina information may contact the marinas at the following numbers:

• Pactola Marina 605/343-4283
• Sheridan Marina 605/574-2169

Byways and Back-roads

The Peter Norbeck and Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byways showcase 90 miles of the Black Hills' most scenic highways.

Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway is renowned for its natural beauty and history framed by towering Paha Sapa limestone canyon walls. The byway follows an old railroad grade that was abandoned after massive flooding in 1933. Vegetation from four distinct plant regions grow in the canyon. Spearfish Creek supports trout brought to the Black Hills from Colorado in 1899. Homestake Mining Company built a power plant and a 12-mile water diversion at Maurice. Old rail stops and mining camps include Savoy and Elmore. Bridal Veil Falls and Roughlock Falls add to the canyon's charm. The byway is a favorite fall tour with many people when the aspen turns in September.

Named for South Dakota's former governor and US Senator, the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway offers 70 miles of outstanding sights including Mount Rushmore, The Needles Highway, Iron Mountain Road and Custer State Park. Visitors may spot mountain goats, bison, deer, elk, bighorn sheep and turkey.

Favorite sights along the Byway include the Needles and Cathedral Spires, pigtail bridges and rock tunnels, historic resorts including the State Game Lodge and Sylvan Lake Lodge, several lakes, and Norbeck overlook with views of Harney Peak and Mount Rushmore. Several of the trailheads lead into the backcountry of Norbeck Wildlife Preserve and Black Elk Wilderness.

• Area Scenic Byways
  • Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway
  • Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway
• Off Highway Travel
• Order an Official Black Hills National Forest Travel Map
• Link to Custer State Park website

Camping

The Forest has 30 campgrounds with over 682 individual sites. A majority of the campgrounds are operated by Forest Recreation Management, Inc. and about half have on-site hosts. While electric, sewer, and water hook-ups and showers are not available, most campgrounds have potable water and either flush or vault toilets. Daily fees, which are charged from approximately mid-May through October, range from $5 to $21 a night per site and allow up to six people. Campground reservations may be made through ReserveUSA at 1-877-444-6777 or online at http://www.recreation.gov. Reservations are recommended for holiday weekends. Some campgrounds are free; the Forest encourages donations to help generate revenue for up-keep.

• Campground Information and Fees

Dispersed Camping

Setting up your own campsite away from developed fee sites, also known as dispersed camping, is allowed on most of the Forest for a maximum of 14 days in any 60-day period. However, around developed reservoirs and campgrounds, camping is allowed only in designated areas. Check with the closest Forest Service office for specific information. Building a campfire while dispersed camping is legal on Wyoming portions of the Forest unless a special order prohibiting such is in effect, but building a campfire while dispersed camping is not allowed on South Dakota portions of the Forest.

Horse Camping

Campgrounds specific to horse camping include Sundance, Iron Creek, and Willow Creek.

Winter Camping

Some campgrounds are open in the winter, but no services are available. Snow may close roads to campgrounds that are otherwise listed as open.

Fishing

Several species of game fish, including brown, brook, and rainbow trout, as well as northerns, perch, and crappies can be caught in the Black Hills. While the Forest Service does not sell fishing licenses, a license is required to fish in both South Dakota and Wyoming. The state game departments and local retailers sell licenses. An annual Fishing Handbook lists fishing regulations or visit the website for the State of South Dakota at www.state.sd.us/gfp/fishing/Index.htm or the website for the State of Wyoming at http://gf.state.wy.us/HTML/fish/fishhome.htm.

Heritage

• History of the Forest
• Island in the Plains
• Passport in Time
• Tribal Youth Conservation Corps

Hunting

Many people hunt the Black Hills for turkey, deer, and elk. While the Forest Service does not sell hunting licenses, a license is required to hunt in both South Dakota and Wyoming. The state game departments and local retailers sell licenses. An annual Hunting Handbook lists hunting regulations, or visit the website for the State of South Dakota at www.state.sd.us/gfp/hunting/index.htm or the website for the State of Wyoming at http://gf.state.wy.us/HTML/hunting/huntinfo.htm.

Interpretive Programs

• Moonwalks - schedule and information

National Visitor Use Monitoring

• Monitoring Survey Project
• Wilderness Self-registration
  • Trailhead photo example 1   Look for Stop Sign & registration information
  • Trailhead photo example 2   Look for Stop Sign & registration information

Picnic Areas

The Forest has 26 picnic areas. Some offer more than just picnic facilities. For example, at Cook Lake Picnic Area north of Sundance, Wyoming, you can fish, canoe, and hike. For more information on picnic areas, obtain a copy of the Recreation Guide at the nearest Forest Service office.

Rock Collecting and Gold Panning

Rock collecting in small amounts for personal use is allowed on the Forest. Make sure you surface collect only, with no digging or excavating.

Recreational gold panning is allowed in some locations. Contact the closest Forest Service office for more information on locations and rules.

Metal detectors are allowed, as long as you don't dig holes. Federal law prohibits the collection of fossils.

• Gold Panning and Sluicing Fact Sheet

Swim Beaches

Sheridan Lake has two swim beaches. Pactola and Roubaix Lakes each have one swim beach. Swim beaches are designated "open" when the Public Water Safety Zones (PRZs) are established each year. PRZs are established through the placement of regulatory buoys through a cooperative agreement between the Black Hills National Forest and South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks. Depending on weather and reservoir levels, buoys are generally installed in early May and removed by mid-October.

Trails

The Forest has 450 miles of hiking trails ranging in length and difficulty. Check the trail guide below or obtain a copy of the Recreation Guide at the nearest Forest Service office to help you choose where you might hike. Maps of some of the more popular trails are available at the nearest Forest Service office.

• Norbeck and Black Elk Wilderness Trails
• Trail Guide
• Link to George S. Mickelson Trail webpage

US Forest Service, Black Hills National Forest
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Last modified February 21, 2008