· Improvements to Begin at Roughlock Falls Nature Area
· Fire Ban Lifted, Water Level Up - Spend the Weekend at Angostura
· Farm Island Recreation Area Comfort Stations to Close
· Last Minute Camping for Labor Day Weekend
Improvements to Begin at Roughlock Falls Nature Area
PIERRE, S.D. – Roughlock Falls in Spearfish Canyon has been a destination for hikers, birders, photographers, picnickers and nature lovers alike for many years. Starting in September the area will undergo a series of improvements to preserve the area while improving parking, access and viewing of the falls.
“Roughlock Falls is considered one of the most beautiful locations in the Black Hills,” said Harley Noem, regional manager. “Many of the improvements being made will reduce erosion along Little Spearfish Creek and at Roughlock Falls in order to preserve the beauty of the area for years to come.”
The improvements planned for September through November include:
Roughlock Falls Nature Area will be open to the public during construction; however, there will be times when parking in the upper parking lot will be congested. Visitors are asked to use the lower parking lot and hike the trail to access the falls if able.
Roughlock Falls Nature Area is located in Spearfish Canyon a mile west of Savoy on FDR 222. For more information on the nature area, call the regional park office at (605) 584-3896. For more information on South Dakota State Parks, visit www.SDparks.info or call (605) 773-3391.
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Fire Ban Lifted, Water Level Up - Spend the Weekend at Angostura
PIERRE, S.D. – Angostura Recreation Area near Hot Springs is ready for Labor Day weekend campers and still has plenty of room for those looking for a way to spend the holiday weekend.
“This weekend is a great weekend to spend at Angostura Recreation Area,” said Willy Collignon, park manager. “The water level is up, the fire ban has been lifted and there are still plenty of campsites available.”
Recent rains in the area have turned the grass green and the water levels are two and a half feet higher than this time last year. In addition, the rain has allowed the park to lift the fire ban, so campers once again can have fires at their campsites and use charcoal grills.
Park visitors can also participate in or watch the 10th Annual Southern Hills Triathlon, which will be held at the park on Sept. 1. Athletes will compete in a 28.4-mile bike, a half-mile swim and a 3.4-mile run. There is a fee to participate in the event and individuals or teams may enter. To register online, visit www.allsportcentral.com. A park entrance license is required on all vehicles entering the park.
A current list of available sites can be found online at www.CampSD.com. Reservations for the weekend can be made until 12 noon on Thursday, Aug. 30, through www.CampSD.com or by calling 1-800-710-CAMP (2267). All sites not reserved become available on a first-come, first-served basis on Friday, Aug. 31.
Angostura Recreation Area is located ten miles southeast of Hot Springs off US Hwy 385/18. For additional information on the park or the triathlon, call the park office at 605-745-6996. For additional information on South Dakota State Parks, call 605-773-3391 or visit www.SDparks.info.
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Farm Island Recreation Area Comfort Stations to Close
PIERRE, S.D.—Due to renovation work both comfort stations at Farm Island Recreation Area near Pierre will be closed from Sept. 10 through Sept. 20. Therefore, no showers, sinks or toilets with running water will be available.
All other water will be on in the park, including water fountains, water hydrants and the dump station. Vault toilets are also available at the park. The park plans to have one of the comfort stations back open by Sept. 21.
Farm Island Recreation Area is located four miles east of Pierre off SD Highway 34. For additional information about the renovations, contact Farm Island Recreation Area at 605-773-2885. For additional information on South Dakota State Parks, visit www.SDparks.info or call 605-773-3391.
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Last Minute Camping for Labor Day Weekend
PIERRE, S.D. – Campsites are still available to reserve for Labor Day Weekend according to Game, Fish and Park officials.
Those state parks and recreation areas with at least ten campsites available as of Tuesday, Aug. 28 include:
Angostura Recreation Area near Hot Springs
Bear Butte State Park near Sturgis
Custer State Park near Custer
Indian Creek Recreation Area near Mobridge
Lake Louise Recreation Area near Miller
Platte Creek Recreation Area near Platte
Rocky Point Recreation Area near Belle Fourche
West Bend Recreation Area near Pierre
West Whitlock Recreation Area near Gettysburg
In addition, the following state parks and recreation areas had at least five campsites available as of Tuesday, Aug. 28: Roy Lake, Hartford Beach, Lake Thompson, Lewis and Clark, Oahe Downstream, Snake Creek and Fisher Grove.
A current list of available sites can be found online at www.CampSD.com. Reservations for the weekend can be made until 12 noon on Thursday, Aug. 30, through www.CampSD.com or by calling 1-800-710-CAMP (2267). All sites not reserved become available on a first-come, first-served basis on Friday, Aug. 31.
In addition, a number of campgrounds offer all sites as first-come, first-served. These include:
The following parks have a portion of sites available on a first-come basis:
After the Labor Day weekend, sites at most parks become available first-come, first-served, but a number of parks do accept autumn reservations. Reservations for arrival dates through Oct. 7 are accepted at Big Sioux, Custer, Lewis & Clark, Newton Hills, Palisades and Snake Creek.
For more information on South Dakota State Parks and recreation areas, visit www.SDparks.info or call (605) 773-3391.
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