This National Forest In The Midwest Offers Camping And Off-Roading For Summer Fun

If you're looking for a summer adventure where you can enjoy camping and ATV rides on trails through canyons and thick forests, you may be thinking of visiting the Rockies, Cascades, or Sierras. However, you may want to look to the Black Hills of western South Dakota and eastern Wyoming, known as an "Island in the Plains," where giant trees and granite spires jut out from miles of prairie in the Upper Midwest.

Covering about 5,000 square miles in size – slightly larger than Connecticut – Black Hills National Forest is the traditional homeland of seven Lakota Sioux tribes and takes its name from "Pahá Sapa," meaning "hills that are black" in the Sioux language. The forests are so thick that they appear dark from miles away, and they cover incredibly beautiful and complex geological structures that formed nearly 2 billion years ago. Up close, the Black Hills boast towering ponderosa pines, spruce, aspen, paper birch, and juniper trees, along with pure streams and clear lakes. Snaking through the national forest are over 3,800 miles of roads and 700 miles of trails for ATVs and UTVs, leading to developed campgrounds and monuments, including the Mount Roosevelt Friendship Tower and Mount Rushmore.

If you're coming from out of state, fly into Rapid City, on the eastern edge of the Black Hills. Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) has flights across the country, as well as rental car facilities, putting the edge of the Black Hills National Forest about 30 minutes away. For travelers taking a road trip, it's about five to six hours from Denver to the southern reaches of the Black Hills National Forest.

South Dakota's unique Badlands National Park is one of the best road trip destinations in the country. But ATV or UTV enthusiasts may want to take a detour to the Black Hills nearby. Cutting through the Black Hills National Forest are 21 trailheads for off-roading and four motor vehicle usage areas, each with its own specific map. Before hitting the trail, print or download an official offline map of your route from the Black Hills National Forest website.

In several famous Wild West-style towns in the Black Hills, including Lead, Deadwood, and Keystone, you'll find UTV rental shops. Black Hills Off-Road Rentals, Black Hills UTV Rentals, and Deadwood UTV & Snowmobile Rentals all have dozens of five-star reviews on Google Maps, earning positive feedback for their service and machines. Beginner riders can get a feel for the road on the four trails from the Spearfish Quarry Trailhead. If you're getting more comfortable behind the wheel, the trail leads to Iron Creek Lake and connects with trails leading to Cement Ridge and Red Lake. For off-roaders wanting to explore trails with locals, Black Hills Outdoor Fun provides half-day UTV tours of the Black Hills.

Visitors bringing their own off-road vehicles should note that the Black Hills National Forest requires a trail permit for each machine. You can pick up your permit in person at the Black Hills National Forest Ranger District offices or order online, though it can take over a week due to shipping. In South Dakota, UTVs and ATVs are allowed on paved roads, as long as they are fully street legal.

The Black Hills National Forest has over 30 campgrounds, ranging from developed campgrounds to simple primitive camping. For riders looking to experience the natural side of the Black Hills with easy access to trails, you'll have several options. The Timon Campground has seven basic campsites with water, picnic tables, and pit toilets, and offers access to the 6-mile Little Spearfish hiking trail, as well as nearby ATV trails. Another scenic option is the Hanna Campground, which has 14 sites and easy access to the tree-lined Stageyard Trailhead and the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway. During the busy summer season, both campgrounds charge $24 per night and do not allow reservations in advance. If you'd like to set your camping plans in stone, the forested Roubaix Lake Campground is reservable on Recreation.gov and is a popular option for UTV enthusiasts and swimmers alike.

In addition to bringing your sense of adventure, be sure to pack and prepare well to have more fun on the trail. These five camping essentials will help you stay comfy at camp or on a UTV ride. Before starting your ignition, ensure that your helmet fits well, and check to make sure you have enough gas for your ride. It's a good idea to wear long pants, a bandana, closed-toe shoes, and a jacket in case of severe weather (afternoon thunderstorms are common in the Black Hills in the summer). Rain or shine, don't miss visiting Mount Rushmore, one of the most iconic destinations in the United States, while you're in the scenic Black Hills.