S Dakota Badlands and Black hills info

Me and the family were headed to Colorado in 3 weeks, but the fires may change our plans. Never been to SD and it's near the same distance. Can anyone give me some insider tips on areas, dirt routes and good camping locations where we could camp at a different scenic location every night for several nights?

I'm not looking for trails so much, but cool scenic forest roads. Are permits needed for those type roads? Any info would be greatly appreciated. We just plan on wandering, but I don't have a clue where to start looking.

Thanks

 

We had a good group of guys from MN a couple of years back. I don’t have any specific info to give I’m NOT the nav guy. I do recommend you give it a try. There are SO many awesome trails in the hills. Needles Highway, Mt Rushmore, little devils tower, and Sylvan lake, are touristy but still fantastic. This was on some trail on the west side of the badlands in Agassiz National Grasslands. This is almost all open for wheeling and camping. You need a permit from SD forest service to wheel in the hills. You can buy it on the internet. They also have a geo referenced map available for free download. I wish I had more workable intel for you, but I know you won’t get bored. Give it a try worth your time.

 

Sorry Buffalo gap national grassland I think Indian creek was the trail we camped down there too. Good luck

 

We try to see as much different stuff as possible, so driving a good bit with stops for day hikes, stops in cool small towns, etc...
Our original plan was Colorado south to north. Ouray and then working our way up to the RMNP, while hitting several of the off road passes and dirt routes along the way. So I guess we plan on being pretty mobile day to day wherever we go.

 

We just returned from a trip to badlands and black hills. My tips: you can get downloadedable gps maps of forest roads and trails from the Black hills national forest website. There is a ton to explore out there; we put on a ton of miles, and barely scratched the surface. For badlands, I’d recommend looking for mountain sheep table rd; great scenic view (continue past the “high clearance vehicles sign)... aside from off road trails; I would also do the route of needles highway down into Custer national park, do the wildlife loop and get surrounded by Buffalo, then come back up iron mountain highway (all paved roads, but spectacular views). Aside from that, just roam and explore. It’s a great area!

 

@Harvo feel free to PM me man. I can send some links your way for trail maps and such. Lots of awesome fire roads over there to get lost on for a long time!!

 

Curious to see what suggestions are posted here. I grew up in the Black Hills (near lake Pactola), but I moved to AZ 20 years ago. I'd recommend checking out the area around Lead/Deadwood. I recall some nice camping spots around there from years ago...also check out Custer State Park near what was formerly known as Harney Peak.

 

If you end up moving back to a later date, me and a buddy will be in CO Aug 9th-18th. Hoping to meet some people here. Currently in Wichita KS, but moving back to Sioux City IA soon and probably start wheeling in South Dakota

 

Any of you locals recommend a good shop to install gears in SD ?

 

Will be going to black hills in aug as well. We got a group rolling from MN/ eastern ND. Hoping it will be awesome.

 

It should be, tons of trails and awesome scenery.

 

Awesome!

 

Nice shot! I was just there and it almost felt like being in the mountains without the crowds.

 

Liking everything in this thread. i will also be doing a small trip up here soon. any other recommendations from the group???

 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=19A6EPIWk4Q

 

I use the “Avenza Maps” free iphone app to search for and download the USFS Black Hills National Forest MVUM maps. I’ve heard something like 800 miles of forest roads.

 

Awesome! thanks, also, welcome!

 

The Black hills are awesome. So many back rds. Since you’re there gotta hit Mount Rushmore. Sylvan Lake is a cant miss.