Things To Do

Photo © Ron Fry

Horseback Riding

There are 13 horse trails in South Dakota’s state parks. Ride along famous creeks in Custer State Park, along the mighty Missouri at Lewis and Clark or wherever your horse wants to take you. More information on horse camps in the state parks.

Please be aware of the current feed and inspection requirements. Contact the S.D. State Brand Board at 605.773.3324 for more information.

Bear Butte State Park

  • Two miles of natural trail leads around Bear Butte Lake. Horseback riding allowed west of Highway 79 only.
  • Connects to the Centennial Trail, which leads riders through the Black Hills.
  • Horse camp with primitive sites, water and corral. Reservations available.

Custer State Park

  • 71,000 acres of pine-covered mountains and rolling prairie foothills. Most of the park is open to horse back riding. Check in advance for any closures.
  • Marked trails begin and end at French Creek Horse Camp. Riders may also choose to blaze their own trails.
  • French Creek Horse Camp has campsites with electricity, camping cabins, comfort station, water and corrals. Vault toilets are available for year-round use. Reservations required.
  • Concessionaire at the Blue Bell Lodge provides rentals and trail rides. Information: 605.255.4531

George S. Mickelson Trail

  • 109 miles of crushed limestone and gravel; runs through the heart of the Black Hills.
  • Multi-use trail, used primarily by hikers and bikers. Yield system in place.
  • Please note: Horseback riding on a wet trail, especially in the spring and fall, can severely damage the trail. Please call the trail office for conditions before planning to ride the Mickelson Trail.

Lewis and Clark Recreation Area

  • 4.1 miles of marked trail provide riders with spectacular views of the chalkbluffs that help form Lewis and Clark Lake.
  • Mulit-use trail, also used by hikers and bikers. Yield system in place.
  • Horse camp with electrical sites, bathrooms with showers, water and corrals. Reservations available.

Newton Hills State Park

  • 6 miles of marked trail meander through 200 acres of deep woods.
  • Multi-use trail, also used by hikers and bikers. Yield system in place.
  • Horse camp with electrical sites, water and corrals. Reservations available.

Oakwood Lakes State Park

  • Over 2.5 miles of trail winds around the peninsulas created by eight natural lakes.
  • Multi-use trail, also used by hikers and bikers. Yield system in place.
  • Horse camp with primitive sites, water, hitching posts and corrals. Reservations available.

Pease Creek Recreation Area

  • 3 miles of marked trail lead through wooded areas and offers scenic views of the Missouri River.
  • Multi-use trail, also used by hikers and bikers. Yield system in place.
  • Horse camp with primitive camping, water, corrals and vault toilets. Reservations available.

Pelican Lake Recreation Area

  • 5.2 miles of natural trail wind through prairie grasses and lakeshore shelterbelts.
  • Multi-use trail, also used by hikers and bikers. Yield system in place.
  • Horse camp with electrical sites, water, and corrals. Reservations available.

Richmond Lake Recreation Area

  • 3 miles of natural trail.
  • Trail leads riders through a wooded area and along Richmond Lake.

Shadehill Recreation Area

  • More than 6,000 acres of state park land and National Grassland to explore.
  • No marked trails, only wide open spaces.
  • Horse camping available at Hugh Glass Lakeside Use Area with primitive sites and water. No corrals. Available first-come, first-served only.

Sheps Canyon Recreation Area

  • 5.1 miles of natural trail wind along the shores of the Cheyenne River with access to Forest Service land.
  • Multi-use trail, also used by hikers and bikers. Yield system in place.
  • Horse camp with 11 non-electrical campsites, water and corrals. Reservations available.

Sica Hollow State Park

  • 15 miles of marked trail; several junctions allow the rider to customize route.
  • Trail guides riders through 900 acres of woodland, open prairie, ravines and creek crossings; several rim points give riders a scenic overlook of the entire Hollow.
  • Horse camp with primitive sites, water and corrals. Available by reservation.

Union Grove State Park

  • Over 4 miles of marked trails lead riders through 150 acres of rolling hills covered with lush native plants.
  • Horse camp with electrical sites, water and corrals. Reservations available.

 

State Parks that have Horseback Riding