Are there park entrance fees?

Yes, Bear Butte State Park charges entrance fees, which can be purchased online . Daily : $10 for residents $15 for nonresidents Annual : $40 for residents $60 for nonresidents Campsites : $16 per night

Yes, camping is available at Bear Butte State Park. The park offers 15 non-electric campsites with fire pits as well as four non-electric horse campsites and four tent-only campsites, all available on a first-come, first-served basis. Check out Bear Butte State Park’s campground map .

What is the best time of year to visit?

South Dakota, the Black Hills and Bear Butte State Park offer distinct seasonal activities and attractions; however, Sturgis, the neighboring city, is the most active in August during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally . Whether you want to skip the crowds or participate in the rally, plan accordingly. South Dakota's four distinct seasons each offer unique outdoor adventures and experiences. Summer in northwest South Dakota brings temperatures up to 100 degrees with high humidity. Bear Butte Lake offers a perfect escape from the summer heat, making summer an ideal time for water recreation. Fall brings cooler weather, dropping from triple digits to the mid-40s. The foliage begins to turn, providing autumnal scenery around Bear Butte, and the moderate temperatures make this an ideal season for hiking. Winters are cold, with temperatures ranging from the 20s to 30s, potentially dropping below 0 degrees with wind chill. Snow is common, and while there are fewer visitors, the park offers a quiet and peaceful experience for those who enjoy solitude. Spring temperatures range from the mid-40s to the 60s. Wildflowers and trees begin to bloom while the winter lingers with a slight chill, making hiking and biking comfortable. Learn more about weather and seasons in South Dakota

How do seasonal changes affect things?

Entrance : The park entrance remains open year-round; however, access to certain areas and facilities may be limited during the winter months due to snow and ice. Camping remains available year-round, but campers should be prepared for limited water access during the winter months. Weather Conditions : Weather can significantly impact trail conditions, especially during the icy, snowy winter months. Be sure to: Check current weather conditions and forecasts before you go. Consult the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website or call the park directly for any specific advisories or temporary closures due to weather or maintenance. Facilities : Bear Butte State Park is open year-round, but running water, including flushing toilets, is shut off from October 1 to April 30. Winter snow and ice may also limit access to boat ramps, campsites and trails.

Is Bear Butte State Park pet-friendly?

Pets are welcome at Bear Butte in limited areas. They must always be leashed and may not enter the Summit Trail, park buildings or the swimming beaches.

Is Bear Butte State Park kid-friendly?

Bear Butte welcomes children. Its moderate to easy trails and fascinating cultural history make Bear Butte State Park a perfect place for families with kids.

What is the closest airport?

The Sturgis Municipal Airport is 7.8 miles from Bear Butte. This airport serves the surrounding areas, often with connecting flights from the closest major airport, Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) , located in Rapid City, South Dakota, a half-hour drive north.

What are the busiest times of the week to visit?

The weekends tend to be the busiest times of the week in Bear Butte, especially in the summer. Even in the busy season, however, the park is typically uncrowded.

What other attractions are nearby?

Sturgis, South Dakota : Once a year in August, Sturgis hosts the largest motorcycle rally in the world. Founded in 1938, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally brings riders from all over. The event attracts an average of 500,000 riders. Besides the rally, Sturgis offers access to the Black Hills National Forest and is just under 8 miles from the park. Mount Rushmore : This massive sculpture, carved into the rock of Mount Rushmore, features roughly 60-foot-high granite faces depicting the U.S. presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. Mount Rushmore is located near Keystone, South Dakota, just over an hour from Bear Butte State Park. Fort Meade Museum : 6.5 miles from Bear Butte, the Fort Meade Museum tells the story of military history and the American frontier. In 1878, the military established Fort Meade. Today, the museum provides the opportunity to explore Fort Meade’s heritage. Its captivating exhibits and carefully preserved artifacts take you back in time to the late 19th century. Custer State Park : Custer State Park encompasses 71,000 acres of adventure on the southern section of the Black Hills National Forest, an hour and a half south of Bear Butte. Offering camping, hiking, biking, fishing and swimming, Custer State Park’s granite peaks and hills have something for everyone.

Bear Butte State Park

History

As volcanic activity forced magma up toward the Earth’s surface, several mountains and hills formed; however, the volcano failed to erupt. Weather and wind over time eroded the landscape, polishing these hills and forming the Bear Butte of today.

Thousands of years ago, the Lakota tribe gave this mountain the name Mato Paha, or "Bear Mountain," due to its resemblance to a sleeping bear. The folklore claims that children disturbed a bear, which chased them onto a tree stump. Both the stump and bear grew while the bear's claws carved Devil's Tower, a landmark in Wyoming, trying to reach the children. An eagle rescued the children, and the exhausted bear fell asleep at the base of the Black Hills, hence the name, Bear Butte.

The Lakota use this area for vision quests and ceremonies, considering it to be where the Creator communicates with them through visions and prayer. The mountain is still sacred to many Indigenous tribes today, who come here to hold religious ceremonies. Colorful prayer cloths, bundles and tobacco pouches hang from the trees at Bear Butte. These cloths are physical representations of prayers offered during worship. Please respect worshippers and their practices by leaving the offerings undisturbed.

Things to Do: Activities & Amenities

Boating: Bear Butte Lake offers 215 acres of boating, perfect for fishing and recreating of all kinds. Located right off Highway 79, the lake’s boat ramp allows easy access to the lake.
Fishing: Cast your line from the dock, shore or a boat on Bear Butte Lake to catch some crappie, yellow perch, northern pike or yellow bullhead. Just don't forget your fishing rod!
Historical Interest: Bear Butte’s ancient Indigenous significance provides tangible historical evidence. The Lakota consider this mountain to be a place of communication with the Creator, and prayer cloths and bundles are still placed and left across the mountain today. Explore the area’s rich geological and cultural history at the Education Center.
Horseback Riding: The park permits horseback riding on the Lake Trail that follows the shore of Bear Butte Lake. However, due to Bear Butte’s status as sacred land to many Indigenous tribes, riding on the Summit Trail is not permitted.
Picnicking: Picnic areas dot the shores of Bear Butte Lake, offering incredible views as a perfect backdrop for your outdoor meal.
Hiking: Enjoy two main trails at Bear Butte, Summit Trail and Lake Trail. Both offering beautiful vista views of the plains and nearby town of Sturgis.

Education Center & History

The Bear Butte Education Center highlights the area’s historical and cultural significance to the Northern Plains Indians. Exhibiting the mountain’s geological and cultural history, the Education Center welcomes visitors to learn more about the site’s notability. From May to September, the Education Center opens daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., closing for the fall and winter seasons.

Hiking & Biking Trails

Bear Butte has two main trails, Summit Trail and Lake Trail. Both trails begin on opposite sides of Highway 79. To the east, the Summit Trail begins. The trail is approximately 3 miles out and back on a well-maintained dirt path with stairs in some areas. Aptly named for the 360-degree summit view from the top of the mountain, this moderate trail features 1.5 miles of incline on the ascent. Sitting at 4,426 feet, Bear Butte provides an impressive view of the surrounding plains. The Summit Trail opens a half-hour before sunrise and closes at sunset year-round. To the west, the Lake Trail loop features an easy, family-friendly walk on the Bear Butte Lake shore. Walkers, bikers and horseback riders can enjoy this route.

Bear Butte marks either the beginning or the end of the 111-mile Centennial Trail. This trail, ideal for hikers, bikers and horseback riders, winds through some of the most picturesque areas of the Black Hills and prime wildlife habitats. The trails cross through significant areas like Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Custer State Park and extensive portions of the Black Hills National Forest.

Bear Butte Lake

The 215-acre Bear Butte Lake, west of Highway 79, serves as a central recreational feature of the park. The lake is home to a variety of fish species like crappie, yellow perch, northern pike and yellow bullhead, and permits both fishing and boating, meaning you can fish off the shore, the ADA-accessible dock or from your boat. Make a day out of it and enjoy the picnic facilities near the water, an ideal spot for fishing, boating and lakeside recreation, with Bear Butte rising in the background.

Outside view of Hotel Sturgis with red-orange brick walls and a blue sky background. — Hotel Sturgis

Light glowing from the outside of the Executive Lodging of the Black Hills during the evening. — Executive Lodging of the Black Hills

Where to Stay

If camping isn’t your style, Sturgis, less than 10 miles from the park, is home to a variety of lodging experiences. Hotel Sturgis features an in-house coffee shop and is within walking distance of dining and shopping experiences. The Best Western Sturgis Inn is conveniently located off Interstate 90 at Exit 32 for a wallet-friendly option. Alternatively, Executive Lodging of the Black Hills offers dozens of unique, luxurious and fully furnished vacation homes and lodges throughout the Black Hills on Sturgis’ west side. For a more intimate, local experience, The Sturgis Motel is family-owned and operated, located just a short walk from Main Street and downtown Sturgis.

Dining Nearby

Several dining options are available nearby in Sturgis. The Knuckle Brewing Company is just over 7 miles from the park, offering craft beer and food. In the same vein, the Loud American Roadhouse serves hearty American fare and is 15 minutes away. Gas Monkey Sturgis, 10 minutes out from the park, boasts a full-service bar and restaurant and offers Texas Roadhouse-style food. Looking for a morning spot? The Coffee Shop at Hotel Sturgis is less than 10 miles from the park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Address, Hours & Contact Info

Address:
20250 Hwy. 79
Sturgis, SD 57785

Phone:
605-347-5240

Email:
[email protected]

Park Hours:
8 a.m. to 7 p.m. MT