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.