Table of Contents
Black Hills National Forest
The Black Hills National Forest allows geocaching within its boundaries. Be aware that there are patches of private land scattered throughout the Black Hills, and as such those areas need permission from the land owner.
Mickelson Trail
Geocaches are permitted along the Mickelson Trail, providing the caches are placed in safe locations, do not interfere with those using the trail, and do not intrude or trespass on areas of adjacent private property. All rules and regulations concerning the use of the trail apply, including payment of any use fees. SD GFP - Mickelson Trail
South Dakota State Parks
The South Dakota State Parks require permission from the park superintendent for cache placement. Please state that permission was granted on the cache page, and provide the name and contact information of the person giving permission in a reviewer note. Custer State Park does not give permission.
South Dakota Game Production Areas
South Dakota bans geocaches in Game Production Areas managed by the SD Fish and Game Department.
Black Elk Wilderness
Geocaches are banned in the Black Elk Wilderness Area of the Black Hills.
National Park Service Lands
Properties operated by the National Park Service do not allow physical geocaches. This includes Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, and Wind Cave National Park, along with other monuments and areas operated by the National Park Service.
National Wildlife Refuges
Geocaching is banned in all National Wildlife Refuges AND Waterfowl Production Areas, lands managed by the US Fish & Wildlife Service.
Cemeteries
At this time there is no prohibition concerning geocaching within cemeteries in the state of South Dakota. There are some municipal cemeteries that specifically ban any recreational activities within the cemetery grounds. It is the cache owner's responsibility to verify those regulations before placing a geocache within any cemetery. Geocaches must be respectfully placed around the perimeter away from any graves or markers.
School Grounds and Proximity
We will not publish caches that are on or adjacent to school grounds or school property without express written permission from that school administrator.
Sioux Falls Parks
Caches placed in trees that require climbing or using ladders will not be published within the boundaries of any public park in Sioux Falls, including the entire length of and either side of the Bike Path. All caches must be placed so no branches or any part of the tree or shrub will be damaged during cache placement or finding / logging. Sioux Falls Parks & Rec recommends that caches be placed on top of the ground by the base of the tree or shrub.
§ 95.004 PROTECTION TO TREES AND SHRUBBERY.
No person shall pick or cut any wild or cultivated flowers, or cut, break, dig or in any way deface any tree, shrub or plant within the limits of any park.
(1992 Code, § 27-4) (Ord. 49-99, passed 4-19-1999) Penalty, see §
10.999§ 95.007 INJURING PARK PROPERTY.
No person shall cut, break, scratch, mark, mar or in any way injure or deface any building, fence, wall lamp, flagpole, construction improvement, facility or any other feature or property upon or within any park.
(1992 Code, § 27-6) (Ord. 49-99, passed 4-19-1999) Penalty, see §
10.999