Licenses
Photo © Allie Ellingson
Park Entrance License
A state park entrance license allows you to enjoy over 60 state park and recreation areas throughout South Dakota. The license is required of all motorized vehicles for entrance into designated state parks, recreation areas, and lakeside use areas. It does not cover camping costs or additional fees.
Ways to purchase annual park entrance licenses:
- Online
- Calling 1.800.710.2267
- State park offices, entrance booths or self-serve entrance kiosks
- Your local Game, Fish and Parks office
- Limited retail stores
Park Entrance Licenses Options
Daily park license:
$8 per vehicle
Valid until the start of quiet hours the day issued, or, if issued to registered campers, at 4 p.m. the following day. Not available for purchase at Custer State Park. Not valid on the Mickelson Trail.
Custer State Park temporary license:
$20 per vehicle
Valid for seven days. Expires at 6 p.m. on the seventh day of the visitor's stay. Not available for purchase outside of Custer State Park. Not valid on the Mickelson Trail.
Annual entrance license:
$36 per vehicle
Valid for all people in the vehicle. License expires the May following the license year. Must be affixed by license adhesive in passenger-side corner of windshield, within three inches of the bottom. Not valid on the Mickelson Trail.
Motorcycle annual entrance license:
$36 per vehicle
License is in the form of a durable wristband which can be affixed around the handlebars of a motorcycle or similar vehicle. Grants the same access as annual entrance license.
Transferable annual entrance license:
$80 per license
Hang tag license which can be moved to different vehicles. Valid only for the vehicle in which it is displayed. Grants the same access as annual entrance license.
George S. Mickelson Trail pass:
Daily trail pass: $4 per person | Annual trail pass: $15 per person
Grants access to the Mickelson Trail and facilities. Trail pass is issued to an individual. Must be kept on your person or bicycle while using the trail. License expires the May following the license year.
Discounts
- Lifetime Pass - Qualifying South Dakota disabled veterans or prisoners of war can apply for free lifetime park entrance license and discount camping.
- Military Events - Past and present military personnel can apply to receive free entrance into South Dakota state parks when participating in approved special events hosted by a military group.
- Go Forth - The Go Forth program provides a coupon for a free daily entrance license or a discounted annual license to all South Dakota fourth graders each year.
- Park RX - Healthcare providers participating in the Park Prescription program can prescribe outdoor exercise and a free daily entrance license or a discounted annual license to their patients.
Fees support state parks and recreation areas
Fees collected by South Dakota's state parks play an important role in the system's daily operations. The sale of park entrance licenses and camping fees comprise over two-thirds of the entire funding needed to operate the state parks and recreation areas and provide comfortable and enjoyable facilities and recreation opportunities.