Friendly hosts, private lodges and more than 1 million acres of publicly accessible hunting land within the primary pheasant range welcome residents and non-residents alike. And pheasant hunters aren’t the only ones who flock to this world-class hunting haven: South Dakota also offers opportunities to hunt big game, waterfowl, turkey and more. 

To experience hunting in South Dakota is to find paradise in the middle of America. Come make some memories of your own this year. Come hunt in SD.

Delight in a frosty frolic during the winter in South Dakota, where magical, snow-covered landscapes offer endless winter adventures.

Whether you're carving through powdery slopes while skiing or snowboarding at Terry Peak or Great Bear Ski Valley, exploring tranquil trails on snowshoes or gliding gracefully across ice rinks while ice skating, there's something for everyone. Or for a more relaxed experience, try your hand at ice fishing. If you're a fan of snowmobiling, South Dakota boasts more than 1,500 miles of well-maintained trails that wind through breathtaking scenery, making it one of the nation's premier snowmobiling destinations.

No matter your winter sport of choice, South Dakota provides a stunning backdrop of pristine wilderness, perfect for creating unforgettable winter memories.

South Dakota's diverse landscape and variety of rock formations attract climbers of all skill levels. Visit Custer State Park, the southern Black Hills and Spearfish Canyon in the west and Palisades State Park in the east, and choose from nearly 500 plotted climbing courses of varying levels of difficulty.

Looking for a horseback adventure? South Dakota's varied terrain and scenic trails are favorable for all types of horseback riding, from open prairies to rugged, winding trails. Several parks and recreation areas designate trails for horseback riding, including Custer State Park, Badlands National Park, Black Hills National Forest, Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, Sica Hollow State Park and Bear Butte State Park, Palmer Gulch in the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve, and around the Crazy Horse Memorial. (Click here for a complete list of Black Hills horse trails.)

Even the least experienced riders will have opportunities to ride, with beginner and kid-friendly lessons available with experienced riders on trained horses. Horse accommodations at more than a dozen bed and breakfasts, horse camps and lodges in South Dakota include horse barns, feed and water, open pastures and horse trailer parking, making it a comfortable stay for everyone.

Whether you're looking for a short 1-hour ride, or an extended horseback trail ride, South Dakota has all the riding tours that you could ever want.
 

South Dakota Brand Laws

For those transporting their own animals, all cattle, horses and mules are required by South Dakota law to be brand inspected prior to leaving the South Dakota Ownership Inspection Area. This requirement applies whether or not the horse or mule is branded. The South Dakota Ownership Inspection Area is comprised of all counties located west of the Missouri River in South Dakota. Failure to obtain a brand inspection prior to leaving the Ownership Inspection Area is a Class 1 Misdemeanor.

Explore wooded trails, climb rugged peaks, or walk through native prairie grasses. Countless trails lead to scenic landscapes, thundering waterfalls and invigorating overlooks. Conquer a hiking trail in South Dakota and the journey stays with you forever

With a variety of courses and inexpensive green fees, golfing in South Dakota is a must for both the casual and avid player. Pack your clubs and keep your game sharp on your next road trip. Scroll down for some of the top 18-hole public courses in the state. Keep scrolling for a listing of great tee party spots across South Dakota. For a complete list of all golf courses in The Mount Rushmore State, click here.

May all your shots be great ones!

Sign up for s’mores and starry nights. South Dakota camping offers easy access to the Great 8, state parks and endless acres of wildlife and outdoor recreation. Find pet-friendly campsites, the best RV camping, campgrounds with cabins or luxury glamping options.

Best Time to Camp in South Dakota

The ideal time weather-wise to camp in a tent is during spring and summer months, when the temperatures warm up, snow defrosts from winter's chill, and rural areas turn green again. Fall camping can be beautiful across South Dakota as well. Camping is welcome all year in most parks, but some comfort stations close during the winter months, and some sites close due to eagle nesting. Refer to South Dakota’s Game, Fish and Parks for the most up-to-date camping information.

Where to Camp: Gateways to National Parks, State Parks & Recreation Areas

Looking for solitude? South Dakota is home to a variety of striking landscapes, state and national parks, historic monuments and plenty of remote open spaces. Home to six national parks and more than 60 state parks and recreation areas, these protected lands full of nature offer year-round recreational activities and campgrounds in South Dakota. Choose one of these popular camping hubs or find one listed in the directory below.

Explore all Campgrounds & Camping Activities

Badlands National Park Campsites

Camping in Badlands National Park gives outdoor enthusiasts around-the-clock views of majestic buttes, canyons, pinnacles and spires. Catch the sunrise from a cattle farm or ranch house. Watch the sunset from a tipi or log cabin. Sleep under the stars at any Badlands campground or RV park.

Custer State Park Campsites

When it comes to camping in the shadows of Custer State Park’s majesty, choose from primitive campsites for roughing it, RV hookups and cozy, furnished cabins in the park itself, or find locally owned campgrounds of all kinds nearby. Unlike all other state park campground reservations, Custer State Park accepts reservations for arrivals one year in advance.

Black Hills National Forest Campsites

Black Hills National Forest hosts 30 campgrounds with options to enjoy 11 reservoirs, 32 picnic areas, two scenic byways, two scenic overlooks and 353 miles of trails in western South Dakota.

Camping in the Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area

Just 9 minutes from Yankton, Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area allows campers to make a quick pit stop, head to camp, grill up an easy dinner and then head out on the lake for a sunset boat ride. Group camping reservations for Lewis and Clark Recreation Area can be made one year in advance.

Palisades State Park Campsites

Palisades State Park is popular among campers, photographers, sightseers, picnickers, rock climbers and hikers. Enjoy some of the park’s new campsites and cabins. Campsite reservations in South Dakota’s state parks are available year-round, within 90 days of arrival. Lodges, modern cabins and suites can be reserved one year in advance.  

Camping in Big Sioux Recreation Area

The Big Sioux Recreation Area lies on the banks of the Big Sioux River and is popular among campers, canoers, bicyclists, hikers, disc golfers, history buffs and archers. There are 49 campsites and three cabins.

Lake Herman State Park Campsites

Lake Herman State Park campers enjoy boating, canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding on the lake. 

Spring Creek State Recreation Area Cabins

Water lovers flock to the cabins along Lake Oahe’s 2,000+ miles of shoreline. Spring Creek State Recreation Area offers boating, sailing, fishing, water skiing and diving.

Camping Vacation Rentals Outside the Parks

Camping options abound outside South Dakota parks and recreation area boundaries, too. Great amenities await at several private campgrounds and RV parks across South Dakota, including KOA properties and more.