Black Hills

The Black Hills is not one park but a whole national forest: roughly 1.2 million acres of ponderosa pine, meadows and granite country in western South Dakota, with a designated motorized trail system that runs through much of it. Riders should expect forest trails and forest roads rather than a single staging-area loop network. The terrain is mostly loose dirt with some hardpack, moderate to steep elevation changes, and plenty of trees. Sources describe it as mostly suited to intermediate riders, with some easier and some harder trails. The forest lists more than 700 miles of system trails for off-highway vehicles, and riders share them with ATVs, UTVs and 4x4s, so there is more two-track and road-width trail than pure singletrack. Plan on several days if you want to see much of it.

Getting there

The forest is big, so pick a region and base yourself there. The coordinates on this page mark Boxelder Forks Campground in the northern hills near Sturgis, one of the primitive campgrounds riders use as a trail base. It is only one of many access points. RiderPlanet also lists Pilot Knob, South Boxelder, Red Fern and Shanks Quarry trailheads, plus Dalton Lake and Roubaix Lake campgrounds. Nemo, northwest of Rapid City, is a common central base. Sturgis, Rapid City, Custer and Hill City are the main gateway towns, and Rapid City has the closest major airport. Pick up a Motor Vehicle Use Map from a forest office before you go. The Mickelson Trail is a rail trail and is not open to motorized use.

Fees, permits, and rules

Any motor vehicle on the forest's designated motorized trails in South Dakota needs a Black Hills Motorized Trail Permit, a stick-on decal. On a dirt bike it goes on the front fork or the top of the fender. Permits are calendar-year and sold at forest offices, local vendors such as fuel stations and campgrounds, the Black Hills and Badlands visitor center off I-90 Exit 61, and online (mailed). Check the current price before you go, because sources disagree and the forest has proposed increases. Out-of-state riders also need a South Dakota non-resident off-road vehicle decal, $50 for one year plus a $2.50 mailing fee, under a state law that took effect July 1, 2023. That state permit does not replace the forest permit. RiderPlanet lists a spark arrestor and a 96 dB sound limit, and requires helmets for riders under 18. Stay on designated trails.

Camping

Forest Service campgrounds run roughly $18 to $28 a night according to RiderPlanet, and some have direct trail access. Private campgrounds and cabins around Nemo and Sturgis also cater to riders. The forest has a 14-day limit on camping.

When to ride

RiderPlanet lists the trails as open May 15 through December 15, with some seasonal closures. Summer fire danger can rise, and the forest posts alerts. Check them before you head out.