Black Hills

[mtnsun99]

I'm confused. Is the black hills a national forest, a national park or a state owned rec. area? Does your senior pass for national parks apply there?
Thanks

[rolling_rhoda]

Have to agree with Kotz. My family usually goes to the Hills twice a year for 4-wheeling and snowmobiling. We've had many days where we get on the backroads and trails after breakfast, and we don't see another human until we return to town for supper.

[D_E_Bishop]

SDcampowneroperator wrote:
All of the above. The black Hills are mostly national forest, with Wind Cave national park, Jewel Cave and Mt. Rushmore National monuments, and Custer State park within the national forest boundaries.
No pass is needed to pass through the cave properties, there is a fee to tour the caves. Mt. Rushmore is free to visit, but there is a parking fee. Custer State park requires a pass.

Actually, Mt. Rushmore is a National Memorial. Not a big distinction but it is a difference.

As far as Campfire Time's Disney comment, come on...

[4runnerguy]

The Black Hills are a mountain range. The Black Hills NF covers much of the land. There are several NPS units there, including Jewel Cave NM, Wind Cave NP, and Mt. Rushmore NM. (The Badlands NP lies east of the Black Hills). Custer SP lies in the heart of the Black Hills and has some great CG's.

[kotz]

In regards to the "Disney of National Forests" comment, the commercialization is centered around 3 cities, Custer, Keystone, and Hill city. The Black Hills Nat'l forest is almost 2,000 square miles, and has a wilderness area. If one never left their vehicle, stayed in town, you might get that impression. Get off the beaten path, get a National forest map, and you'll find plenty of places to camp and explore. Might also suggest a cruise through Spearfish canyon.

[Campfire_Time]

Have you been to the Wisconsin Dells? It's just like going there except even prettier and more spread out, but just as commercialized. The Disney of National Forests.

Mt. Rushmore and Custer are well worth seeing though.

[SDcampowneroper]

All of the above. The black Hills are mostly national forest, with Wind Cave national park, Jewel Cave and Mt. Rushmore National monuments, and Custer State park within the national forest boundaries.
No pass is needed to pass through the cave properties, there is a fee to tour the caves. Mt. Rushmore is free to visit, but there is a parking fee. Custer State park requires a pass.

[2oldman]

According to google maps, it's a national forest.