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| Home > South Dakota > Black Hills NF |
Black Hills National Forest
Saturday, December 23, 2023
| Other Names | Pilot Knob Trailhead, South Boxelder Trailhead, Boxelder Forks Campground, Roubaix Lake Campground, Red Fern Trailhead, Shanks Quarry Trailhead, Dalton Lake Campground, Dalton Lake Trailhead, Redbank Spring Campground, Nemo |
| Last Known Status | Closed For Season |
With many campgrounds, miles of ATV, 4x4 and motorcycle trails plus numerous scenic vista points, the Black Hills National Forest is one of the premier offroad destinations in the country. Trails wind through deep woods to open meadows with moderate to steep elevation changes. This place is huge, so plan to stay at least several days to get the most of the area.
Camping choices are plentiful and options range from primitive sites to full service campgrounds with direct trail access. Popular picks for primitive camping include Roubaix Lake, Dalton Lake and Boxelder Forks. Some choices for RV campgrounds include Trailside Park Resort, Nemo Guest Ranch and Mystic Hills Campground.
A permit is required for each rider which can be purchased online or by visting the Black Hills National Forest Ranger Station.
REGULATIONS
| Permit Required | Yes | Black Hills National Forest Motorized Trail Permit |
| Dates Open | May 15 - December 15 | |
| Other ATV Stickers Accepted | Unknown | |
| Spark Arrestor | Yes | A spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles. |
| Noise Limit | Yes (96 dB) | |
| Whip Flags | Not Required | |
| Maximum Vehicle Width | No Restriction | |
 Motorcycles & Dirt Bikes | Some Areas | permitted on designated trails |
 ATVs | Some Areas | permitted on designated trails |
 UTV & SXS | Some Areas | permitted on designated trails |
 SUVs & Jeeps (registered) | Some Areas | permitted on designated trails |
| Dune Buggy & Sand Rail 4x4 (unregistered) | Some Areas | permitted on designated trails |
| 2 Stroke Engines | No Restriction | |
| MX Helmet Required | Youth Only | required for persons under 18 by state law (RiderPlanet strongly recommends helmets for all riders.) |
 Camping | Some Areas | (camp in developed sites only) |
 Campfires | Some Areas | (permitted in developed campsites only) |
| Night Riding | Unknown | |
| Trail Blazing | Prohibited | stay on trail |
| Rule Enforcement |
TERRAIN
| Approx Size | 1,200,000 acres (1,875 sq mi) | |
| Miles Of Trail | 500 | |
| Climate Type | Forest | |
| Elevation | 4500 to 6000 ft. | |
| Trail Maintenance | Marked, Not Rated, Lightly Maintained | |
| Loose Dirt |  Mostly | |
| Hard Pack |  Some | |
| Sand |  None | |
| Mud | Some | |
| Dust | Some | |
| Rocks |  Little | |
| Trees |  Many | |
| Steep Hills | Some | |
| Water Crossings |  Few | |
| Small Jumps | None | |
| Large Jumps | None | |
| Berms | Few | |
| Sand/Gravel Pits | None | |
| Single Track | Some | |
| Roads | Some | |
| Shade | Many | |
| Hazards | Few | (hazards assumed marked but use caution) |
 Novice | Some | |
 Amateur | Mostly | |
 Expert | Some |
TYPE OF AREA
| Area | Motorized Trails |
| Land | National Forest |
GPS POINTS
KEY SERVICES
 Gasoline | Sturgis, SD | |
| Diesel | Sturgis, SD | |
 Water | On Site | Mystic Hills Campground (605) 584-4713 |
 RV Hookup | On Site | Mystic Hills Campground (605) 584-4713 |
 RV Disposal | On Site | Mystic Hills Campground (605) 584-4713 |
| Campground | On Site | |
 Conv Store | Sturgis, SD |
FEES & PASSES
| Parking | (None) |
| Entry | (None) |
| Riding | Yes ($25.00 per OHV) Black Hills National Forest Motorized Trail Permit Fee |
| Camping | Yes Tent: $21.50 RV: $21.50 Addtl. Vehicle: $7.00 Boxelder Forks Campground Fee |
| Comment | Forest Service campround fees range from $18-$28/night. |
RATINGS
| Our Rating |  Very Good |
| Recommended Stay | 1-2 Days |
| Comments | (Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments) |
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
| Nearest City | Sturgis, SD | ||
| From: Sturgis, SD
1) Mystic Hills Campground (North-Western Access) Take 14A west 12.1 miles 2) Turn left (east) on US-85, continue 2 miles 3) Turn left (south) on US-385, continue 9.4 miles 4) Turn right (west) on Custer Peak Road, continue about 1 mile toward campground. From Sturgis, SD Dalton Lake Campground (North-Eastern Access) 1) Take I-90 east 12 miles to Exit 44 2) Turn right (west) off exit ramp onto 218th St, continue about 50 yards 3) Turn left (south) on 1st Street, continue .9 miles 4) Turn right (west) on Main Street, continue 4 miles 5) Turn right (north) on NF-226, continue 2.2 miles 6) Turn left (west) on Dalton Lake Road, continue .6 miles 7) Campground is on the right (north). From Rapid City, SD Nemo Guest Ranch (Center Access) 1) Take CR-234/Nemo Road north-west about 10 miles 2) Ranch is on the left (west). |
OFFICIAL CONTACTS
| Contact Info | Black Hills National Forest 1019 N. 5th Street Custer, SD 57730 (605) 673-9200 sm.fs.r2_bkf_webin@usda.gov www.fs.usda.gov |
| Contact Info | Nemo Guest Ranch 12737 Guest Ranch Loop Nemo, SD 57759 (605) 578-2708 (605) 578-1638 nemo@nemoguestranch.com www.nemoguestranch.com |
| Contact Info | Mystic Hills Campground 21766 Custer Peak Road Deadwood, SD 57732 (605) 584-4794 reservations@mystichillshideaway.com www.mystichillshideaway.com |
| Contact Info | Mt. Meadow Store And Campground 11321 Gillette Prairie Road Hill City, SD 57745 (605) 574-2636 info@mtmeadow.com www.mtmeadow.com |
| Comment | Campground and ATV rentals |
| Contact Info | Black Hills Trailside Park Resort 24024 US Hwy 16/385 Hill City, SD 57745 (605) 574-9079 reserve@trailsideparkresort.com www.blackhillstrailsideparkresort.com |
| Contact Info | Mad Mountain Adventures 11201 US Hwy 14A Lead, SD 57754 (605) 578-1878 madmountainadventures@gmail.com www.madmountainadventure.com |
| Comment | ATV and snowmobile rentals |
Black Hills NF Trail Photo
This is one of the top destinations for SUVs to go off roading in the United States. Photo Submitted 10/10/2013 (Thanks!)
Black Hills NF Trail Photo
Some trails lead to scenic views like this. Photo Submitted 10/4/2013 (Thanks!)
Black Hills NF Trail Photo
Another view of the rugged cliffs that overlook the surrounding valleys. Photo Submitted 10/4/2013 (Thanks!)
Black Hills NF Trail Photo
This trail system has plenty of routes for SUV drivers to test their rock crawling skills. Photo Submitted 10/25/2013 (Thanks!)
Black Hills NF Trail Photo
Another view of one of the 4x4 trails. Photo Submitted 10/10/2013 (Thanks!)
Black Hills NF Trail Photo
Another view of SUV navigating a 4x4 trail. Photo Submitted 10/10/2013 (Thanks!)
RIDER COMMENTS & REVIEWS