South Dakota's Bear Butte State Park

Six miles north-east of Sturgis is South Dakota's Bear Butte State Park.  Activities available in this park include boating, camping, fishing, hiking and horseback riding. This State Park is considered a sacred ground for many American Indians.   While visiting Bear Butte State Park you are likely to see prayer cloths and tobacco ties that have been offered as prayers by the American Indians during their time of worship.  

• Boating/Canoeing - The Bear Butte Lake offers opportunities for boating and canoeing
• Camping - There are 15 non-electric campsites available on a first come first serve basis in the main campground.  There are non-electric campsites in the middle camp ground and there are  four additional horse camping sites in the Bear Butte State Park.
• Fishing - Bear Butte Lake offers a fishing dock giving anglers the opportunity to catch bullheads, crappie and northern pike.
• Hiking - The Bear Butte State Park offers hikers two trails to enjoy the majestic views.  The Summit Trail is 1.85 miles long while the Lake Trail is 2.5 miles long.  This park also allows access to the northernmost point of the 111 mile long Centennial Trail.
• Horseback Riding - The campsites for equestrian use are located on the west side of highway 79.

This South Dakota State park has a lot to offer for those outdoor enthusiasts who love to learn about the ways of the Native American Indian.

For more information on this State Park check out the South Dakota GFP Website.

- Any day in the outdoors is a good day