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.

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.
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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.
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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) 255-4531.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Oakwood Lakes State Park
(605) 627-5441
Trail
maps and guides |
- Over 2.5 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.
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Pease Creek Recreation Area
(605) 487-7046
Trail
maps and guides |
- Three 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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