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What is Geocaching?
You don’t have to be a pirate to be a treasure hunter. South Dakota is full of hidden treasure if you know how to find it. Geocaching (GEE-oh-cash-ing) is the modern version of treasure hunting. If you have a GPS unit and internet access, you are well on your way to some great family fun.

People have set up hidden treasure, or caches, all over the world and share the locations of their plunder on the internet. GPS users then use the coordinates to find the caches of treasures.

Caches might be made from an ice cream bucket placed tastefully in the local terrain, a metal box, or even a small film canister. The first thing people will find in the cache box is a logbook. The logbook will have information from the person who hid it and notes from people who have found it. Logbooks might also have information about nearby attractions, clues to other hidden caches, and even jokes visitors leave. If you don’t have a joke or clue to leave, be sure you simply "log in" and let people know you were there.

Geocachers might also find coins, key chains, toys, tools, disposable cameras, games, books, or any other assortment of items in the cache. There is a catch, though. If you take something, you have to leave something for the next finder. Leave something you would enjoy finding in a cache.

Caches are generally found near trails, under logs, or somewhere a family can reach them. Some people get very creative with their caches, though. Some are found underwater and can only be reached by scuba diving, or on cliffs accessible only to rock climbers. Some are found in cities both above and below the ground, inside or outside buildings. Some people have even found $100 bills inside difficult to reach caches!

Hidden caches from all over the world are listed on the official geocaching website at: www.geocaching.com. You can search for them by your zip code or state.

South Dakota has caches all over the place. The Outdoor Campus has two! From the Big Sioux Recreation Area in Brandon to a fun cache on Dinosaur Hill in Rapid City, surrounded by seven life-size dinosaurs, you’re sure to find one in your area. There’s a neat one in the center of the state, overlooking the Capitol building in Pierre, too. Families traveling through the area love to stop and search for the treasures.

Collect your treasure hunting gear, whether it be an eye patch, shovel, or parrot, and don’t forget your GPS unit. Make sure to yell out a big "Ahoy!" when you discover your treasure.

Geocaching on Game, Fish and Parks Land

• Geocaches are allowed in some South Dakota State Parks with the permission of the park manager.

• Geocaches are NOT allowed on state Game Production Areas, Water Access Areas, State Game Refuges and Lakeside Use Areas (all lands managed by the Wildlife Division of the SD Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks.)

Geocaches Located at Outdoor Campus

UPDATED! Download a .pdf file of  permanent caches in Sertoma Park!

Geocaching in SD State Parks
Learn More Here!