Where to Ride an ATV in South Dakota

South Dakota offers everything from winding Black Hills forest routes to smaller designated OHV areas, but “public land” does not automatically mean “open to ATVs.” The hard part is matching your machine to an approved route, understanding permits and seasonal closures, and knowing where a road or trail stops being legal. This guide helps you choose a riding area and plan a ride without relying on guesswork.

Where to ride an ATV in South Dakota

Black Hills National Forest

For many riders, the Black Hills National Forest is the main destination. Its motorized route network includes forest roads and designated motorized trails that wind through ponderosa pine, rocky terrain, and open country. The riding experience can change quickly: a broad forest road may feel relaxed, while a narrower trail can bring loose rock, sharp turns, steep grades, or limited room to pass.

The forest covers a large area, so “riding in the Black Hills” is not one single trip or trailhead. Riders often plan around communities such as Rapid City, Hill City, Custer, Deadwood, Spearfish, Sturgis, and Nemo, but the nearest town is not a substitute for checking the route map. A road near a popular destination may be open to motor vehicles while a nearby trail is closed to your vehicle type, restricted by width, or unavailable for the season.

Before unloading, use the Black Hills National Forest motor vehicle use map, commonly called the MVUM, and read its legend carefully. It identifies which routes are designated for motorized use and may show vehicle or seasonal restrictions. A recreation map, phone app, or line on a general map can help with orientation, but it should not override the official route designation or closure notice. For a broader look at the region, see [The Black Hills National Forest in South Dakota] and [South Dakota Trail Maps and MVUMs].

Designated OHV areas near the Missouri River

South Dakota also has designated OHV riding areas beyond the Black Hills. Oahe Downstream OHV Area near the Missouri River and Revheim Bay OHV Area are two names riders may encounter when researching places to ride. These areas can offer a different kind of day from the long forest-road rides of the Hills, with riding concentrated in a defined recreation area rather than spread across a large forest network.

A designated area can be a practical choice when you want a contained outing, are newer to off-highway riding, or are travelling with people who prefer to stay near a staging point. It is still important to check the site’s rules before you go. Access, vehicle restrictions, designated riding boundaries, closures, and facility availability can differ from one location to another and can change with conditions.

Do not assume that an OHV area’s boundary is obvious once you arrive. Look for entrance signs, maps, barriers, and posted instructions. If a route seems to lead beyond the marked riding area, stop and verify before continuing. The separate guides [Oahe Downstream OHV Area in South Dakota] and [Revheim Bay OHV Area] can help you narrow down what to investigate for each destination.

Public routes, private land, and places that are not riding areas

A route can look inviting on a phone screen and still be off-limits. South Dakota’s open riding opportunities are not a blanket invitation to cross private property, leave an approved route, or use land simply because there are no visible gates. Ranch roads, two-tracks, section lines, and utility access roads may have specific ownership or access conditions.

This distinction matters in rural areas, where a track may pass through several parcels or cross a working ranch. A rider who turns around at a closed gate, respects signs, and asks for permission when needed is far less likely to create a conflict than someone who treats an unmarked track as public access. If your route depends on permission, get clear approval from the landowner before the ride rather than trying to settle the question from the trail.

Some popular destinations are not ATV routes even if they appear close to a riding area. The Mickelson Trail, for example, is a separate non-motorized recreation trail, not a route for ATVs. Custer State Park also has its own road-use rules and is not a general-purpose OHV trail system. For help distinguishing designated access from private ground, read [South Dakota Rules for Riding Private Property] and [Why South Dakota's Mickelson Trail Bans Machines].

How to choose the right South Dakota riding area

Match the route to your machine

Before settling on a destination, measure your ATV or UTV and check the route restrictions. Width is especially important in the Black Hills, where some routes are limited to narrower machines and others allow a broader range of vehicles. A machine that is only a little wider than a posted limit still does not qualify; “close enough” can put you on a route you are not permitted to use.

Check more than the vehicle’s advertised width. Accessories such as aftermarket wheels, tires, mirrors, fender extensions, or other add-ons can affect the actual outside measurement. When a route has a width limit, use the measurement method specified by the relevant land manager and measure the machine in its ride-ready configuration. [South Dakota Trail Width Limits] and [How South Dakota Measures Trail Width] explain why this check is worth doing before you leave home.

Also think about ground clearance, tires, turning room, and passenger capacity. A wide side-by-side may be comfortable on a suitable forest road but unable to use a narrow trail. A smaller ATV may fit more routes but still be a poor choice for a rocky climb if it is carrying a heavy load or has unsuitable tires. Choosing a route that fits your machine is not only about compliance; it helps keep the day enjoyable rather than turning every obstacle into a recovery problem.

Choose terrain for your experience level

South Dakota riding ranges from relatively straightforward roads to rugged trails that demand steady throttle control, careful line choice, and comfort with uneven surfaces. In the Black Hills, loose gravel, exposed rock, steep grades, sharp corners, and changing weather can make a route harder than it looked on a screen. A beginner-friendly outing is not necessarily flat or hazard-free; it is one where the terrain and route length match the least experienced rider in the group.

If your group includes first-time riders, avoid building the plan around the most difficult trail someone found online. Start with a shorter route on terrain appropriate for the machine, and leave room to turn around. A new rider who is already tired may struggle with a rocky descent that seemed manageable in the morning. A calmer first ride also gives everyone time to learn hand signals, spacing, safe passing, and how the machine responds on gravel.

More experienced riders should still avoid judging difficulty by scenery alone. A scenic overlook can be reached by a route with a demanding climb, and a route described as “easy” by one person may feel very different in rain, fog, or heavy traffic. For planning ideas, compare [South Dakota Trails for Beginners], [South Dakota Trails With Rock], and [South Dakota Trails With Long Climbs] against your group’s actual abilities and equipment.

Plan around width, distance, and daylight

A route that looks short on a map can take much longer than expected when it includes rough surfaces, stops, navigation checks, and slower riders. Build in time for breaks, photos, minor adjustments, and a possible change of plan. In the Hills, it is unwise to assume that you can cover a large distance at road speed simply because the map shows a connected network.

Think about how far the group can travel before fuel, daylight, or fatigue becomes an issue. Establish a turnaround point before starting, especially if the route has limited cell service or few easy ways to return to the staging area. If you have children or less experienced riders along, make the first day shorter than your optimistic estimate. It is much easier to add a modest loop than to manage an exhausted group far from the trailer.

Your machine’s width and permitted routes may shape the whole itinerary. A group with mixed-size machines should plan around the most restricted vehicle, not assume everyone can ride the same trail. If the group wants to split up, agree on a meeting point and time, and make sure each subgroup has a legal route back. The following table is a starting point for sorting the main choices.

Riding option	What it may suit	What to check before you go
Black Hills National Forest routes	Riders looking for forest roads and designated motorized trails	MVUM, vehicle width, seasonal restrictions, closures, permit requirements
Oahe Downstream OHV Area	Riders seeking a designated area near the Missouri River	Open boundaries, current site rules, access, facilities, and vehicle requirements
Revheim Bay OHV Area	Riders looking for a defined OHV destination	Posted boundaries, permitted vehicle types, current conditions, access rules
Private ranch or rural property	Riders with landowner permission	Written or clear permission, property boundaries, gates, livestock, and local restrictions
Mickelson Trail or Custer State Park	Not a general ATV trail option	Confirm the destination’s specific rules; do not treat proximity as permission

Permits, maps, and route rules

Understand the Black Hills motorized trail permit

A common source of confusion is the difference between riding on a designated motorized trail and travelling on a road that happens to be in the same forest. Permit requirements can depend on the area and the kind of route you plan to use. Do not assume that a vehicle plate, a state registration, or a permit from somewhere else automatically covers every Black Hills trail.

Check the current requirements for the specific route and machine before travelling. Confirm whether a permit is needed, whether it must be displayed on the vehicle, and whether the requirement applies to every machine in your group. A permit associated with one ATV should not be treated as covering several machines. If you are bringing an out-of-state ATV, verify how the rules apply to your situation rather than relying on what was accepted in your home state.

Permit information can be easy to overlook when you are focused on lodging, trail maps, and loading the trailer. Put it on the checklist alongside fuel and safety gear. [South Dakota Trail Permits Explained] and [How the Black Hills Motorized Trail Permit Works] provide additional detail on the permit question, while [Where to Buy a Black Hills Trail Permit] can help you plan where to obtain one. Check the relevant official information before departure for the rules that apply to your ride.

Read the official route map before relying on an app

A digital map is helpful for seeing your position, recording a ride, and understanding how roads connect. Apps such as onX Offroad can be useful for trip planning, particularly when you want to compare terrain and route options before arriving. Still, an app should be one part of your navigation plan, not the final authority on whether you may ride a route.

Download the information you need before entering an area where cell service may be limited. Save offline maps if your chosen tool supports them, bring a paper map or other backup where appropriate, and make sure someone in the group knows how to read the official map. A phone that loses reception at a fork is not a substitute for knowing which route is designated for your machine.

Before each ride, compare the app’s route line with the official MVUM and any closure notices. If a route appears open in one source but closed or restricted in another, do not press on and hope it is fine. Check with the managing office or choose a route that is clearly approved. Map data can lag behind a closure, and a route shown as a road may not be open to the type of vehicle you are riding.

Check closures and seasonal access

Seasonality is part of riding in the Black Hills. Some motorized trails have defined operating seasons, and weather or resource conditions can lead to temporary closures. A route that was open on a previous trip may not be open for the next one, even if it is the same time of year. Snow, mud, fire danger, maintenance, and other conditions can all affect access.

Make a final conditions check shortly before leaving, then check again at the staging area for posted notices. This is especially important if your trip depends on a particular loop or trailhead. If a route is closed, do not ride around a barrier or use a nearby track as an unofficial detour. A closure can be there to protect riders as well as land, and an alternative route should be one that is officially open to your vehicle.

Keep a flexible backup plan. If a storm has made a route muddy or visibility is poor, a shorter ride on a suitable open road may be a better choice than trying to salvage the original itinerary. You can also switch to a different designated riding area if its rules and access fit your group. For more on timing and conditions, see [South Dakota Trail Closures to Check] and [Trails Open May 15 to December 15].

Planning a Black Hills ride

Pick a base that works for your route

Rapid City can work as a starting point for riders who want access to services and are willing to trailer to their chosen route. Hill City, Custer, Deadwood, Spearfish, Sturgis, and other Black Hills communities can also be convenient depending on where you plan to ride. The best base is not necessarily the town with the most familiar name; it is the one that makes your permitted route, fuel plan, lodging, and trailer logistics work together.

Check driving distances from your lodging to the actual staging area, not just to the forest boundary or a nearby town. A route may look close on a regional map but still require a longer drive on winding roads. Add time to secure the trailer, check the machine, find the correct parking area, and unload. During busy periods, a convenient staging area may fill earlier than you expect.

Ask about trailer parking before booking a room or campsite. Not every lodging property has room for a truck and trailer, and some trailheads have limited parking or rules about overnight use. If you are travelling with several machines, confirm that the group can park without blocking other visitors. The logistics around the ride often matter as much as the route itself.

Build a practical ride itinerary

Start with a specific staging area, a route that is confirmed open to your machine, and an approximate turnaround time. Share that plan with everyone in the group before the wheels start turning. If riders have different experience levels, set expectations about pace and stops in advance; a group ride becomes stressful when half the group expects a relaxed scenic day and the other half wants to cover as much ground as possible.

Give yourself a generous buffer for navigation and unexpected delays. A flat tire, loose accessory, minor mechanical issue, or a confusing junction can change the schedule. Carry enough water, food, and basic tools for the planned outing, and do not plan the return to the trailer at the last possible moment before dark. In the Hills, shade, forested turns, and changing weather can make late-day riding less comfortable.

A good itinerary includes an easy way to shorten the day. Identify a legal return route or a nearby stopping point before you need one. If weather turns, someone becomes uncomfortable, or the machine begins to show a problem, the group should be able to head back without debate. A conservative plan is not wasted effort; it is what lets everyone enjoy the ride and still make it back safely.

Prepare for weather, terrain, and limited service

The Black Hills can feel different from the plains and from the weather in the town where you started. Conditions may shift with elevation, and a sunny morning does not guarantee a dry afternoon. Pack layers, eye protection, rain gear, and enough water for the group. Dust can irritate eyes and lungs, while rain can turn some surfaces slick or make a rocky route harder to manage.

Cell service can be unreliable in remote or uneven terrain. Tell someone who is not on the ride where you are going and when you expect to return. Keep a charged phone, but do not make it the only way to navigate or ask for help. If the group has several vehicles, agree on what to do if riders become separated, and stop at a safe place rather than splitting farther at an uncertain junction.

For machine preparation, check tires, brakes, lights, fluids, belts where applicable, and any loose cargo before leaving the staging area. UTVs and ATVs can be exposed to rocks, dust, and vibration for hours, so a quick walk-around can catch a problem before it becomes a breakdown. If you are unfamiliar with the terrain, do not overload the machine or carry unsecured gear that could shift on a steep or uneven section.

Riding responsibly and safely

Stay on designated routes

Staying on the approved route protects the land and helps preserve access for other riders. Cutting corners, riding around a muddy section, or making a new track to reach a viewpoint can damage vegetation and soil. It can also create confusion for future visitors about where motorized travel is allowed.

Follow posted restrictions even if the route looks passable. A barrier, sign, or closure notice is not an invitation to find a way around it. If you encounter an unexpected closure, turn back and use a mapped alternative that is clearly open. When a route is unclear, pause and check rather than continuing until you find a sign on the far side.

Be especially considerate around hikers, cyclists, horseback riders, wildlife, and other motorized users. Slow down when visibility is limited, leave room when passing, and avoid spraying dust or gravel at people and vehicles. If you meet another group on a narrow route, communicate calmly and find a safe place to pass instead of forcing the issue at a blind corner.

Ride within your group’s limits

Use helmets and appropriate riding gear, and make sure every rider knows how the machine operates before setting off. Passengers should understand where to sit, how to hold on, and what to do when the driver slows or changes direction. Children need age-appropriate supervision, equipment, and a route that fits their experience and the rules for the area.

Set a pace that leaves room for reaction time. On a rocky climb or blind corner, a rider who is following too closely may have no safe place to stop if the person ahead loses traction. Keep a visible gap, use agreed-upon signals, and regroup at safe junctions rather than allowing the group to stretch out until people are unsure where to go.

Do not pressure anyone to tackle a route that feels beyond their ability. Turning around is a reasonable decision, not a failure. If a rider is uneasy about a steep descent or a narrow trail, take time to assess the situation and select a safer legal route. A group that treats caution as normal is more likely to finish together and want to ride again.

Leave the area in good shape

Pack out everything you bring in, including food wrappers, broken straps, and small pieces of equipment. Secure loose cargo before the ride so items do not fall off along the route. Avoid disturbing wildlife, damaging vegetation, or creating noise beyond what is necessary for responsible vehicle use.

Use designated staging and parking areas, and be mindful of other visitors when loading and unloading. Keep vehicles out of gates, driveways, emergency access points, and areas marked for other uses. If your ride starts near a campground or shared recreation site, respect quiet hours and posted vehicle rules.

A considerate ride supports continued access. Local communities and land managers have to balance motorized recreation with conservation, private property, and the needs of other visitors. Riding the approved route, following the permit and closure rules, and treating other people well are practical ways to help keep South Dakota’s riding opportunities available.

Common mistakes that can derail a ride

Assuming a road or trail is open because it appears on a map

A route line on a consumer map does not by itself establish legal access. The route may be private, restricted to certain vehicle types, seasonally closed, or not designated for motorized travel. This is one of the easiest mistakes to make when planning from home, because a line on a screen can look just like every other line.

Use the official map for the land you plan to visit, then compare it with your navigation tool. If you cannot confirm that your machine is allowed, choose a route you can verify. It is better to spend a few minutes checking than to discover a restriction after riding several miles into an area.

The same caution applies when another rider says, “We always go that way.” The route may have changed, the speaker may be describing a different vehicle, or the access may depend on permission they have and you do not. Treat local advice as useful context, not a replacement for current rules and posted signs.

Treating nearby recreation trails as ATV routes

The Black Hills offer many kinds of recreation, and the word “trail” does not always mean motorized trail. A walking path, bicycle trail, horse route, or rail trail may cross or run near roads that are open to vehicles. That proximity can make it tempting to assume that an ATV can use the trail too.

Check the use designation for the specific route. The Mickelson Trail is not a general ATV route, and Custer State Park has rules distinct from the nearby national forest. If your itinerary includes a state park, a town, or another managed area, research that section separately rather than assuming your forest access rules carry over.

If you are building a multi-stop itinerary, mark the transitions between land managers. The rules can change as you leave national forest land and enter a state recreation area, private property, or a community. Knowing where those boundaries are can prevent an otherwise well-planned ride from becoming an accidental violation.

Waiting until arrival to sort out permits and logistics

Arriving at a trailhead only to discover that your machine needs a permit, the route is closed, or the parking area cannot accommodate your trailer is frustrating. It can also leave you trying to make decisions in a crowded staging area with tired passengers and limited service.

Make a short pre-trip checklist several days ahead: machine width, approved routes, permits, closure notices, parking, fuel, and backup plans. Then check the essentials again before leaving. If the group is travelling from outside the area, make sure each rider understands what their own machine needs rather than assuming the lead rider’s paperwork covers everyone.

Keep key information accessible offline. Save maps and directions, write down a contact or staging location, and tell someone your return plan. These small steps are especially useful when you are unfamiliar with the Black Hills or are riding outside the busier corridors near town.

A simple checklist before you unload

Confirm access and route fit

First, identify the exact riding area and staging point. Confirm that the route is open, that your vehicle type is allowed, and that the machine meets any posted width or other restrictions. Check the official map and current closure notices; do not rely on a route being familiar, visible in an app, or used by someone else.

Next, verify permit requirements for each machine and understand where the permit applies. If you have an out-of-state plate or registration, confirm how it is treated for the route and land manager you plan to use. Keep proof and permit details accessible so you do not have to search for them at the trailhead.

Finally, review the route with the whole group. Make sure everyone knows the planned loop, the turnaround time, the meeting point, and the backup option. A quick conversation before riding is far easier than trying to coordinate after the group has become separated.

Prepare the people and machines

Check tires, brakes, lights, fuel, fluids, and cargo. Bring the safety gear required for the ride and suitable clothing for changing weather. Carry water, food, basic tools, and any medication the group may need, and make sure passengers understand how to ride safely in the machine.

Set expectations for pace and behavior. Agree to leave space between machines, slow down near other recreationists, stop at uncertain intersections, and regroup when the group needs to make a route decision. If a rider is uncomfortable, the plan should allow them to turn around without being left behind.

Before leaving the staging area, make sure the trailer and tow vehicle are parked legally and will not block access. Confirm the group has the necessary maps and that someone outside the ride knows when you expect to return. Then take one last look at signs and notices near the trailhead; they may contain the most immediate information about the route ahead.

South Dakota’s best ATV days usually come from a little restraint in the planning stage: choose a route that is clearly open, match it to your machine and riders, and leave enough time to adapt when conditions change. Whether you are exploring the Black Hills or visiting a designated OHV area, the map, posted rules, and current land-manager guidance should shape the ride—not assumptions based on a nearby road or a line on an app.

Disclaimer

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.