Black Hills National Forest
The Black Hills National Forest encompasses over 1.2 million acres of public land which offers an array of recreational opportunities throughout the year. Ranging from hiking to boating, from backcountry camping to swimming beaches, the Forest complements the adventurous desires of most outdoor enthusiasts. As you visit the Custer Area, take time to explore and discover the forested landscape of western South Dakota.
Planning Ahead / Many visitors to the Forest often request publications and materials related to hiking trails, scenic byway information, camping experiences, educational awareness, and recreational activities. To assist with these planning tools and resources, the Forest has a non-profit, cooperative partner – Black Hills Parks and Forests Association – which offers numerous products and services for interested visitors.
Hiking / Over 350 miles of hiking trails exist on the Forest. Due to mild weather conditions, day hiking is a popular activity throughout the year, especially in the southern Black Hills. During the off-season, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails are abundant in the higher elevations and northern Black Hills.
Camping and Cabins / The Forest has 30 campgrounds across the Black Hills, with nearly 700 available sites. Many campgrounds fill to capacity throughout the summer months. Advanced reservations are highly recommended; first come first serve sites are also available in several locations. In the southern Black Hills, some of the most popular campgrounds include Bismark Lake, Horsethief Lake, and Comanche Park. If you plan to bring horses or other stock animals, Iron Creek and Willow Creek Horse Camps are within a 20-30 minute drive from Custer and are two of the best horse camps in the Black Hills region. Do you want to camp, but maybe do not have all the gear? If so, you may be interested in renting the Summit Ridge Lookout Cabin. This rustic facility is located in the southern Black Hills and provides a unique experience for those that want a peaceful night away from the crowds and communities.
Outdoor Science and Learning / Many families want to experience the Black Hills through educational opportunities, youth programs, and special events. The Forest often hosts guided nature hikes throughout the summer and fall seasons, as well as offers special events at campgrounds in the evenings around campfires. And perhaps most noted, their popular Moon Walks witness well over 100 participants each month from June through September. And finally, if you simply want to stamp your passport book or earn a Junior Forest Ranger badge, the Pactola Visitor Center is only about 25-30 minutes from Custer for additional activities and visitor experiences.
Picnicking / The Forest offers 26 different picnic areas and a few group sites for use during the summer months and shoulder seasons (weather permitting). Some of these locations also provide nearby trailheads, swim beaches, canoe access, boat ramps, and other recreational amenities.
Scenic Byways and Drives / Every season is beautiful in the Black Hills National Forest. Multiple scenic drives are available and take visitors through some amazing landscapes. Perhaps the most popular route – Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway – visitors will experience the Forest, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, and Custer State Park. Along these routes are often opportunities for wildlife viewing, cultural history exploration, trout fishing, and views that create memories for a lifetime. Plan ahead, as some roadways may be closed during the off-season.
Motorized Trails / Exploring the backroads and trails are a popular way to experience the Black Hills. The Forest provides over 3800 miles of roads and trails for recreational use, with 700 miles of designated motorized trails for OHV riders. Please be advised that motorized trail users are responsible for knowing the rules and regulations for having valid permits, vehicle size restrictions, respecting private property, and avoiding trails during inclement weather. In essence, motorized trails offer some of the best excitement for recreating on the Forest, but riders need to Tread Lightly on the land and preserve the experiences for future visitors.
For more information, we recommend visiting the Forest online and/or calling the nearby Hell Canyon Ranger District at the phone number listed above.
