Forms & Permits

Photo © SD Tourism

Military Park Entrance Licenses

Disabled Veteran and Prisoner of War Lifetime State Park Entrance License

Applications are now available online in Go Outdoors South Dakota. 

Eligible applicants must submit their application digitally and upload required verification documents directly to their Go Outdoors South Dakota profile, ensuring the lifetime park entrance license and 50% camping discount are correctly applied to future reservations.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Be a South Dakota resident.
  • Upload documentation showing either:
    • A “K” award or letter from the Veterans Administration indicating 100% total service-connected disability, or
    • Documentation verifying Prisoner of War (POW) status.

This documentation must meet the requirements of SDCL 41-17-13.4.

If you do not currently have these documents, contact the Veterans Administration (VA) office in Sioux Falls to request copies. Documents may also be sent directly from the VA to the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks.

Benefits

Approved applicants receive a lifetime park entrance license in the form of a billfold card.

  • Present the license at the park entrance for free vehicle entry (license holder must be present and may be asked to verify identity).
  • A hang tag is also provided for optional, more private display.

The license also includes a 50% discount on camping fees and associated electrical service fees for campsites and camping cabins.

  • Once approved, the discount will automatically apply to online reservations after your paperwork is processed and saved to your Go Outdoors profile.
  • If a reservation was made prior to processing and no discount appears, call 1.800.710.2267 (reservations will exempt from the call center fee).

Application Process

How to Apply Online: 

  1. Create a customer profile (or log in to your existing one).
  2. Select Purchase Park Entrance Licenses.
  3. Choose Disabled Veteran Lifetime PEL Application and click Add to Cart.
  4. Proceed to Cart Checkout.
  5. Enter your contact information, then upload the required verification documents, and click Submit.
  6. Ensure all eligibility documents are uploaded to your customer profile.
  7. You will receive an update on your application status within two weeks.
  8. If approved, your email confirmation will serve as your temporary license until your personalized billfold card arrives by mail.

Questions about eligibility or application status can be directed to 605.773.3391.