Black Hills National Forest issues new special order expanding camping opportunities
(Rapid City, SD, August 6, 2026) — The Black Hills National Forest has issued a new special order that expands public access for dispersed camping by updating the previous stay limit requirement. Under the former order, visitors were restricted to a maximum of 14 days of camping within any 60-day period. The newly issued order broadens this allowance to 14 collective days within a 28-day period, providing campers with increased flexibility and improved opportunities to enjoy National Forest lands.
This change reflects the Forest’s ongoing commitment to supporting diverse recreation experiences while ensuring sustainable use of natural resources. The expanded stay limits were developed in response to public feedback, recreation trends and land management needs across the Forest.
Forest officials emphasize that all visitors must continue to follow established regulations designed to protect natural and cultural resources, maintain public safety and preserve high-quality recreation conditions. Campers are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles and to consult current Forest guidelines before planning extended stays.
The full special order and a detailed description of updated camping requirements are available on the Black Hills National Forest website.
For more information, contact the Black Hills National Forest Supervisor’s Office at (605) 673‑9200 or visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/blackhills.
About the Forest Service: The Forest Service has brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation for more than 100 years. Grounded in world-class science and technology — and rooted in communities — the Forest Service connects people to nature and recreation opportunities. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, supports the nation’s forest industry and energy needs, and operates the largest and most respected wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. By providing assistance to state and private landowners and working with tribes and other partners, the Forest Service also helps steward an additional 900 million forested acres within the U.S.
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