Black Hills National Forest (Paha Sapa)

Immerse yourself in 1.2 million acres of diverse terrain and breathtaking scenery at Black Hills National Forest. Established in 1897 by President Grover Cleveland, this stunning destination owes its name to the pine trees that cover the landscape, giving the hills a black appearance from a distance. The forest is 110 miles long and 70 miles wide, comprised of mountains that span the Central Hills, Northern Hills, Southern Hills, and Northeast Wyoming. You’ll find trails, streams, lakes, caves, and some of the highest peaks between the Rocky Mountains and Swiss Alps here.

The Oceti Sakowin, or Seven Council Fires, represents the powerful alliance of the Dakota, Lakota, and Nakota nations — a bond woven through centuries of shared heritage and unwavering cultural strength. Since the 18th century and long before written memory, the Oceti Sakowin — especially the Lakota — have lived across a sweeping expanse of plains, river valleys, and rugged peaks stretching from the Missouri River to the Bighorn Mountains.

At the heart of this homeland rises a place of profound spirit: Paha Sapa, “the hills that are black.” For countless generations, the Black Hills have stood as a sacred center — a protected sanctuary of prayer, story, and identity that continues to hold powerful meaning for the Lakota people today.

Locals simply call them “The Hills,” a name as warm and familiar as the landscape itself. This treasured region unfolds into three distinctive realms, each shaped by its own natural character and history.

The Northern Hills sweep from northeast Wyoming through Spearfish and beyond, cloaked in deep pine forests and carved with dramatic canyons. This is the land of storied Wild West legends and breathtaking scenery, including the famed Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway — which legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright once praised as “even more miraculous” than the Grand Canyon.
The Central Hills form the vibrant heart of the region. Here, icons like Mount Rushmore, Hill City, Keystone, and the sparkling waters of Pactola and Sheridan Lakes draw explorers from around the world. Yet beyond the well-traveled paths, the Central Hills whisper quieter wonders: hidden lakes like Horsethief and Deerfield, historic trails like the Flume Trail, and weathered mining relics that keep the past alive.
The Southern Hills invite a gentler pace. Home to Custer State Park, the towering depths of Wind and Jewel Caves, and the sunlit shores of beloved Angostura Reservoir, this area encourages peaceful wandering and wide-open discovery. It’s a place where the views seem to stretch forever and the spirit of the Black Hills reveals itself one moment of awe at a time.

Things to Do

Learn More About Black Hills National Forest

You'll find 30 campgrounds with nearly 700 individual camp sites throughout the Black Hills. A majority are primitive, meaning they won't offer much more than vault toilets and firepits. Nightly fees vary based on campground, and reservations are encouraged during peak season.
Contrary to popular belief, Native American tribes never permanently lived in the Black Hills. They would use the Hills for hunting expeditions and spiritual ceremonies, but were never in the Hills for more than a few days at a time.
Scenic byways, hiking trails, boating, and day-use spaces are free to use within Black Hills National Forest. Camping, fishing, and hunting require fees or licenses. Be sure you have the proper permits and check local regulations before heading out, so you can enjoy your visit responsibly and respectfully.

Black Hills National Forest App