Black Hills Traveler
One of the most enjoyable parts of having a dog is bringing them along on your adventures! Sometimes people travel with dogs for security or companionship and other times their home is on wheels and they go where the home goes.
Many national parks are not dog friendly due to trail maintenance issues, hiker safety or wildlife interference. Luckily, the Black Hills is extremely dog friendly!
If you’re traveling through the Black Hills with your dog, here are the rules and regulations for each area of western South Dakota.
Black Hills National Forest
- Leash of any length OR under strict voice control at all times (each trail has specific rules)
There will be times when you need to keep your dog on a leash, especially when you’re in a developed recreation site, close to other campers, or in an area where your dog could wander off a path and encounter less than friendly wildlife.
Keep your dog on a leash.
When pets are allowed in an area, do not let your pets dig, chase wildlife or harass climbers and visitors.
fs.usda.gov
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/blackhills/recreation?cid=stelprdb5293560
Custer State Park
- Leash of 10ft or less length at all times
Pets must be on a leash no longer than 10 feet and are not allowed in any park buildings or on designated swim beaches.
gfp.sd.gov
https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/custer-state-park/
Black Elk Wilderness & Norbeck Wildlife Preserve
- Leash of any length OR under strict voice control at all times
To reduce conflicts with wildlife and other visitors, pets must be leashed or under strict voice control.
fs.usda.gov
https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd689562.pdf
Badlands National Park
- Leash of 6ft or less length at all times
- Service animals are not considered pets and may be utilized on nature trails, but not within the prairie dog colonies
Pets must be kept on a leash no more than six feet in length at all times. Pets are only permitted in developed areas, such as campgrounds and picnic areas, and other areas open to motor vehicles, such as gravel and paved roadways, roadway corridors, and parking lots. Pets are prohibited from hiking trails, public buildings (i.e. visitor centers), and backcountry areas, including the Badlands Wilderness Area, and areas with prairie dog colonies.
nps.gov
https://www.nps.gov/badl/learn/management/superintendent-s-compendium.htm
Wind Cave National Park
- Leash of any length at all times
Pets are permitted in the visitor center area and campground, as well as on the Elk Mountain Campground Trail and Prairie Vista Trail. Pets are not permitted in the backcountry, including all other trails, to protect your pet and park wildlife. Pets may not be left unattended and must be on a leash at all times.
nps.gov
George S. Michelson Trail
- Leash of any length at all times
All pets must be leashed.
gfp.sd.gov
https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/george-s–mickelson-trail/pages/44/
Author: Black Hills Traveler
Black Hills Traveler
