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Horse Trails and Camps in South Dakota State Parks
Print the brochure. (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.)

In South Dakota, an Old West adventure awaits behind every rock and around every turn. But for a real outdoor experience, saddle up and hit the trail at one of the horse trails found in these South Dakota state parks.

Areas for horseback riders in SD state parks are located across the state.

Before planning to ride, please be aware of the current feed and inspection requirements. Contact the SD State Brand Board at (605) 773-3324 for more information.

 
Bear Butte State Park  
(605) 347-5240
Trail maps and guides
  • Two miles of natural trail lead around Bear Butte Lake. Horseback riding allowed west of Hwy 79 only.
  • Connects to Centennial Trail, which leads riders through the Black Hills.
  • Horse camp with primitive sites, water and corral. Fees. Reservations available by calling 1-800-710-CAMP or going online to www.CampSD.com.

Custer State Park  
(605) 255-4515
Trail maps and guides
  • 71,000 acres of pine-covered mountains and rolling prairie foothills.
  • Marked trails begin and end at French Creek Horse Camp. Riders may also choose to blaze their own trails.
  • Overnight camping at French Creek Horse Camp. Fees. Reservations are required. Call 1-800-710-2267 or go online to www.CampSD.com.
  • Concessionaire at the Blue Bell Lodge provides rentals and trail rides. Info: (605) 225-4531.

Lewis & Clark Recreation Area  
(605) 668-2985
Trail maps and guides
  • 4.1 miles of marked trail provide riders access to spectacular views of the chalkbluffs that help form Lewis and Clark Lake.
  • Multi-use trail, also used by hikers and bikers. Yield system in place.
  • Horse camp with electrical sites, water and corrals. Fees. Reservations available by calling 1-800-710-CAMP or going online to www.CampSD.com.

Mickelson Trail 
(605) 584-3896
Trail maps and guides
  • 109 miles of crushed limestone and gravel; runs through the heart of the Black Hills.
  • Multi-use trail, used primarily by hikers and bikers. Yield system in place.
  • Please note: Horseback riding on a wet trail, especially in the spring and fall, can severely damage the trail. Please call the trail office for conditions before planning to ride the Mickelson Trail.

Newton Hills State Park 
(605) 987-2263
Trail maps and guides
  • Six miles of marked trail meander through 200 acres of deep woods.
  • Multi-use trail, also used by hikers and bikers. Yield system in place.
  • Horse camp with electrical sites, water and corrals (20x20 at each site). Fees. Reservations available by calling 1-800-710-CAMP or going online to www.CampSD.com.

Oakwood Lakes State Park  
(605) 627-5441  Trail maps and guides
  • Over five miles of trail wind around the peninsulas created by eight natural lakes.
  • Multi-use trail, also used by hikers and bikers. Yield system in place.
  • Horse camp with primitive sites, water and corrals. Fees. Reservations available by calling 1-800-710-CAMP or going online to www.CampSD.com.

Pease Creek Recreation Area  
(605) 487-7046
Trail maps and guides
  • Four miles of marked trail leads through wooded areas and offers views of the Missouri River.
  • Horse camp with primitive camping. Water nearby. Fees. Reservations available by calling 1-800-710-CAMP or going online to www.CampSD.com.

Pelican Lake Recreation Area 
(605) 882-5200 
Trail maps and guides
  • 5.2 miles of natural trail wind through prairie grasses and lakeshore shelterbelts.
  • Multi-use trail, also used by hikers and bikers. Yield system in place.
  • Horse camp with electrical sites, water, hitching posts and corrals. Fees. Reservations available by calling 1-800-710-CAMP or going online to www.CampSD.com.

Richmond Lake Recreation Area  
(605) 626-3488
Trail maps and guides
  • Three miles of natural trail.
  • Trail leads riders through a wooded area and along Richmond Lake.

Shadehill Recreation Area  
(605) 374-5114 
Trail maps and guides
  • More than 6,000 acres of state park land and National Grasslands to explore.
  • No marked trails, only wide open spaces.
  • Horse camp at Hugh Glass Lakeside Use Area with primitive sites and water. Fees. Available first-come, first-served only.

Sica Hollow State Park  
(605) 448-5701  Trail maps and guides
  • 15 miles of marked trail; several junctions allow the rider to customize route.
  • Trail guides riders through 900 acres of woodland, open prairie, ravines and creek crossings. Several rim points give riders a scenic overlook of the entire Hollow.
  • Horse camp with primitive sites, water and corrals. Fees. Available by reservation only, please call the park office at (605) 448-5701.
  • Separate parking area for day use trail riders, near west entrance.

Union Grove State Park  
(605) 987-2263  Trail maps and guides
  • Over four miles of marked trails lead riders through 150 acres of rolling hills covered with lush native plants.
  • Horse camp with electrical sites, water and corrals. Fees. Reservations available by calling 1-800-710-CAMP or going online to www.CampSD.com.

 


Copyright Ó 2006 State of South Dakota