The main points:
- This order prohibits camping or occupying any Black Hills National Forest lands for more than 14 calendar days (including portions of days) within any continuous 28-day period.
- Effective from August 8, 2026 through December 31, 2031
- This restriction is intended to reduce environmental impacts, prevent overuse, and ensure fair access for all users.
- Violations are subject to legal penalties, including fines up to $5,000 for individuals or $10,000 for organizations, and possible imprisonment up to six months.
- For details or questions, the public can contact the Black Hills National Forest Supervisor Office in Custer, SD.
For more information, continue reading the order and map below.
Order Number: #BKF-197-2026
U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service
Black Hills National Forest
Occupancy and Use Prohibitions
PROHIBITIONS
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (b) in order to protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Black Hills National Forest.
- Camping or occupying within the Black Hills National Forest as follows:
- Camping or occupying on the Black Hills National Forest Lands for a period longer of 14 calendar days (including portions of days) in a continuous 28-day period. (36 CFR 261.58(a))
EXEMPTIONS
Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
- Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. § 251.50(e)(1) or (2).
- Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this Order is to protect natural resources and public health and safety.
IMPLEMENTATION
- This Order shall be in effect from August 8th, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. through December 31st, 2031, at 08:00 a.m., unless rescinded.
- A map identifying the Described Area is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A. For a digital version of this Order and Exhibit A, go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/blackhills/alerts.
- Unless otherwise expressly defined in this Order, the terms used in this Order are defined by the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture, 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299. If there are terms in this Order that are not expressly defined in the Order or 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299, their meaning shall be determined by their plain language definitions.
- A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.
- Contact the Black Hills National Forest Supervisor Office in Custer, SD, (605) 673-9200, for more information about this Order.
- This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts in the same Described Areas.
Signed and issued on August 6, 2026.
/s/ Jason Virtue for
Shawn Cochran
Forest Supervisor
Black Hills National Forest
Camp Observer
