Explore Fort Pierre National Grassland, South Dakota

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The Fort Pierre National Grassland offers a wide variety of recreation opportunities from dispersed camping to hunting and fishing. With the north boundary of the Grassland being located approximately 8 miles south of Pierre, South Dakota; vistors have the choice of camping or sleeping in hotel accommodations. The Fort Pierre National Grassland is located in Central South Dakota. Visitors taking Interstate 90 may access the Grassland by taking Exit 212, then heading north to Pierre on Hwy 83. Vistors coming from the Pierre area have only to travel south on Hwy 83. The Grassland is split nearly in half by Hwy 83, with two thirds being on the east and one third being on the west of the highway. From Hwy 83, visitors may access other Grassland regions by taking numerous County and Forest System Roads. A couple of the main County Roads include: County Line Road and 234 Street which run east, and War Creek Road and 226 Street which run west. The Fort Pierre National Grassland is cris-crossed with numerous County and Forest System Roads that make it possible for visitors to reach fishing ponds, prairie dog towns, or to just enjoy the rolling scenry of the prairie. All camping experiences on the Fort Pierre National Grassland will be despersed, as there are no developed campgrounds. Visitors will have the opportunity to hike into areas without road access to pitch tents and those that prefer to sleep in their campers will be allowed to park up to 30 feet off any desiganted road on the Grassland. All camping visitors are prohibited from using charcoal grills, having open camp fires, smoking outside of their vehicles, and operating engines without a spark arresting device installed. Commercial petroleum fueled stoves and lanterns are permitted. With vast open prairies, the Fort Pierre National Grassland is a primier spot for visitors to enjoy riding horses. The topography is flat to rolling hills so nearly every skill level can enjoy the ride. During the summer months, cattle and buffalo can be seen grazing on the Grassland. Horsemen are encouraged to avoid riding through these livestock herds and reminded to close gates behind them. The use of Certified Weed Free Forage is required on the Fort Pierre National Grassland. In 2009, new Travel Management rules were implemented on the Fort Pierre National Grassland. Snowmobiles are now prohibited from driving on the Grassland, the only area designated for snowmobile recreation is the Highway 83 right-of-way that runs north to south through the Grassland. The Fort Pierre National Grassland does not have any designated cross-country skiing trails; however, visitors are allowed to strap on their skis when snow levels allow. Skiers should remember to pay close attention to local weather forecasts and dress appropriately.

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