r/BlackHills

Going to South Dakota for the first time this June from Winnipeg. We are leaving Thursday evening and heading back Sunday morning, so we will only have about 2 full days there. Planning to camp the whole trip.

Right now we are thinking about checking out Badlands, Custer State Park, and Mount Rushmore, but we are not really sure what the best route or itinerary would be.

Looking for recommendations on must-see spots, scenic drives, hikes, camping areas, or any fun activities worth doing. Open to any suggestions or tips for first timers.

Good amount of time to allocate at badlands national park? Would be coming from I90 On the east side , doing the park then ending up in deadwood for the night.

Planning first SD trip 9/12-9/19. Have lodging booked but working on daily itineraries. Would coming from Rockerville ( lodging) to Sturgis to see the motorcycle museum only, then Deadwood and Spearfish Canyon be possible/ wise in one day?

Hello, will be visiting Black Hills with my son again and looking for recommendations for some plinking. I know it's permitted within the N.F. but prefer a range with some safety in mind if I were to go. Just 25/50 maybe 100yds.

I did read a little about Beretta Road.

I am from Texas and my atv group is looking to plan a trip in July of this year, 2026 to the Black Hills as I’ve heard atv’s can be made street legal so we can hope between trailheads and visit the local towns with ease. What I’ve read is “it can be done” with permits and things.

I’m coming here to confirm my findings, see if anyone else has done this, and see what I should/shouldn’t do in regards to making the out-of-state atvs road legal.

Planning a trip to South Dakota the first week of June. Right now, we’re planning on one day at Badlands NP, two days at Custer State Park in the Black Hills, a trip to Wind Cave NP, a day at Deadwood, and whatever else we happen to stumble across.
Any recommendations on what to see and do, where to go, what to eat or drink? We like hiking, history, ghost towns, and just exploring new places.
We will be camping and already have one night at Cedar Pass campground and two nights at Sylvan lake campground reserved. We’d like to find another campground near Deadwood.
I’m panicking because we’re 3 weeks out and still need to find more adventures to make the most of our time out there.

**Disclaimer: I have a working document regarding previous hazardous waste conditions, as well as site mapping and documentation, I’m looking for local sources info and accounts.**

I am looking for publicly available information regarding the former Black Hills Ordnance Depot / Black Hills Army Depot commonly known as Fort Igloo near Edgemont, South Dakota.

I am primarily interested in the site’s historical background, present-day land-access structure, and public records related to former depot operations.

Specifically, I am seeking information on:

1. Historical or current lawful points of access, including public roads, county roads, private roads, former base roads, or gated access routes.
2. General history of the depot’s operations, land transfers, redevelopment, and present-day ownership or leasing structure.
3. Publicly documented incidents, former employee accounts, local history, newspaper references, or agency records related to the property. (This can be related to landowners, companies, or personal accounts)
4. How lawful access to the Vivos xPoint area is handled today. (VIVOS residents only)
5. How nearby private landowners, ranchers, or parcel holders legally access their properties within or around the former depot area.

Any additional information, written accounts, public documentation, historical records, newspaper clippings, photographs, maps, agency references, personal recollections, hazardous materials or hazards on the site, or leads on where to look would also be greatly appreciated. Even small details may help point me toward the right public records or historical sources.

I am not seeking instructions to enter restricted or private property, bypass gates, access controlled areas, or interfere with landowners or leaseholders. I am only looking for lawful public-record sources, historical context, agency contacts, or firsthand local knowledge from people familiar with the area.

Any direction toward county records, historical archives, public maps, local accounts, or relevant agencies would be appreciated.

Feel free to PM or text (701)638-0637 if you wish to remain anonymous, or don’t want your information publicly posted.

Solo traveler flying into Rapid City for my first North/South Dakota trip. I am interested in wildlife and landscape photography, and already booked one night at Cedar Pass in the Badlands. I have four additional nights and am trying to decide between staying at Blue Bell, State Game Lodge, or Creekside in Custer State Park.

Looking for a relaxed/rustic experience with good access to wildlife, Needles Highway, Black Hills, and Mt. Rushmore. Blue Bell seems closest to Wildlife Loop, which appeals to me, but I have read that Wi-Fi/cell access can be spotty there.

Would you recommend staying inside the park, and if so, which lodge would you choose for a first visit?

Thanks.

We are touring around South Dakota in early Sept and decided to use Rapid City as our hotel -- only because we didn't know any better.

Would it be good of an idea to switch from 2 nights in Rapid City to 2 nights in Custer State Park?  Probably State Game Lodge to experience nature and see the wildlife.  We are a middle-aged couple from a large East Coast city there to celebrate her birthday. We won't be doing any hiking or anything.

Current Day 1: Leave Medora → Deadwood (lunch) → Badlands → Rapid City

Current Day 2: Leave Rapid City → Custer SP Wildlife Loop → Iron Mountain Rd → Mt Rushmore → Needles → Fort Hays Chuckwagon Supper & Show → Rapid City

There have been a couple calls leaving a voicemail message appearing on my phone from Serve SD. I suspect a scam. Anyone else getting them? Anyone know if they are legit? The number is 877-649-8901.

Is there any good mountain biking near Custer? Looking on trail forks, it looks like a majority of the trail systems are near Spearfish and Rapid City. Does anyone regularly ride the Centennial Trail?