Redbank Springs Campground

Show on map (605) 673-9200

14-day Limit for Camping/Occupancy in the Black Hills National Forest

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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This Order shall be in effect from August 8th, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. through December 31st, 2031, at 08:00 a.m., unless rescinded.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

Overview
Looking for seclusion? Redbank Springs Campground is located off the beaten path and offers limited sites for those wanting to be surrounded by the sounds of nature. Situated west of Deerfield Lake along Road #294, this campground only has four sites. This lesser-known location is rustic and is tucked away in a beautiful spot in the Black Hills. Sites are available first-come, first serve.

NOTE: The Forest is working diligently to maintain recreation opportunities at Redbank Springs Campground, located in the southern Black Hills, while installing new toilets this upcoming season. The campground will remain open for the 2024 season to visitors that have self-contained toilets; whether it be recreation vehicles (RV) that have a unit or portable above ground toilets for human waste to be properly disposed of at a sanitary facility. Campers will need to follow pack it in and pack it out procedures. This limited use requirement is to ensure public health and safety, please do not dig any pits at the site. Forest officials ask that campers be respectful of the campground, surrounding area, and leave it in good condition for the next user(s). If conditions create unsafe or unsanitary situations, the campground will be closed. Thank you for your patience and support during this required multi-step process to ensure the protection of environmental and cultural resources of the area.

Hell Canyon Ranger District is the point of contact for any operational needs, management actions, or concerns related to this campground. District staff can be reached by calling (605) 673-9200.

Redbank Springs Campground Layout
Reservations are not available for Redbank Springs Campground. Sites are available first come, first served. See the layout of the area to find your perfect camping site.
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