Black Hills National Forest - South Dakota

Tel: (605) 673-9200

Explore rugged rock formations, canyons and gulches, stroll through open grassland parks, picnic by a tumbling stream or take in the serenity of the eastern woodlands and northern forests of Black Hills National Forest.

Black Hills National Forest has long been a special place for physical and spiritual renewal, for those who come to experience the rejuvenating granite peaks and forested mountains which dominate the skyline. America's oldest mountains, the Black Hills National Forest stretches for 1.2 million acres, offering outdoor adventure and camping amidst incredible scenery. Visitors can enjoy hiking or biking on 450 miles of trails, or relax among the grassy mountain meadows, towering granite peaks, deep canyons, and clean lakes.

While ponderosa pine is the most common tree species found in the Black Hills National Forest, spruce can be found in the higher elevations, and the forest's wildlife includes elk, mule deer, pronghorn and white-tailed deer, mountain lions coyote, bighorn sheep and mountain goats. 200 species of birds including bald eagles, hawks, osprey, peregrine and falcon inhabit the forest, especially along streams and near water sources.

For those who want to extend their stay and take it all in, there are 30 campgrounds to choose from. Primary access to Black Hills National Forest is from I90 north of Rapid City and US Highways 16 and 385 to the west and south of Rapid City.