Black Hills National Forest
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Nature //
Escape into an outdoor wonderland full of clear lakes and streams, rock outcroppings, canyons, and sprawling grasslands when you visit Black Hills National Forest, located in South Dakota and Wyoming.
- Black Hills National Forest is located in western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming.
- Visit year-round and enjoy fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, skiing, sight-seeing, snowmobiling, rock climbing and more.
- Enjoy water activities at a reservoir or stream and stay at one of 30 campgrounds.
- For information, call: (605) 673 – 9200.
Overview
Black Hills National Forest covers an area 125 miles in length and 65 miles in width in western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming.
Encompassed within this large expanse is some of the region’s most beautiful scenery including dramatic rock formations, gorges, pine-forested hills, lakes, streams and prairies.
The landscape is home to deer, elk, turkeys, and a variety of trout and warm-water fish and contains miles of trails, 30 campgrounds, 11 reservoirs and dozens of picnic areas. Enjoy such popular activities as hunting, fishing, boating, rock climbing, camping, hiking, biking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.
Location
Situated in western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming.
Follow interstate-90/Hwy-14 for the northern and eastern entry towns of Sundance, Lead, Spearfish and Rapid City.
Hwy-85 cuts north and south through the center of Black Hills Forest.
Write or Call:
US Forest Service
Black Hills National Forest
1019 N. 5th Street
Custer, SD 57730
HQ Ph: (605) 673 - 9200
Seasons
Black Hills National Forest is accessible year-round.
Activities
Water Activities
- With 11 reservoirs and 1,300 miles of streams in Black Hills National Forest, water-lovers will have plenty of room to float, boat, paddle, fish and swim.
- Water-ski Pactola or Sheridan Reservoirs or troll Deerfield, Horsethief or Bismarck Lakes. Check regulations for motorized and non-motorized areas and rules.
- Kayak and canoe enthusiasts have a range of places to paddle and anglers can ice fish in winter, drift the ponds and reservoirs for pike, perch and crappies, or fly fish for trout in high-country streams.
Take To The Trails
450 miles of hiking trails varying in difficulty and length are located here as well as hundreds of miles of mountain biking trails near Rapid City, Custer, Spearfish and Sundance. Additionally, horseback riding trails are located throughout the forest including several designated horse camping areas.
Camping
Black Hills Forest has 30 designated campgrounds, most containing potable water and vault toilets and many camping areas feature a host to welcome and assist you. Camping fees apply from mid-May through October. Nightly rates range from $6 - $21. For campground reservations, call: 1-877-444-6777.
Hunting
Black Hills National Forest is a popular area for big game, small game and bird/waterfowl hunting, especially elk, turkey and deer hunting. Check South Dakota and Wyoming Game and Fish Departments for licensing information.
Winter Fun
Winter is a great time to visit Black Hills National Forest. Explore designated snowmobile trails and cross-country skiing and snow shoeing areas.
Additional Information
During you next Black Hills National Forest trip, get your kids involved in one of the great programs for children including "More Kids in the Woods," "Project Learning Tree, "Nature Watch," or the "Smokey Bear" program.
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