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State guide

When to catch South Dakotathrough the year

We follow 3 places in South Dakota for spring migration, fall foliage and winter wildlife: fall at Spearfish Canyon, winter at Wind Cave and spring at Lacreek Refuge. Each timing below is the place's own source, in its words; none is a forecast.

When are you going?

Fall in South Dakota

Places in South Dakota

Pin color: each place's season now or next
  • Spring
  • Fall
  • Winter
Places on this map, as a list
Map: approximate positions; state lines US Census.

Planning a South Dakota trip

Everything here from each place's own sources

Towns to stay in

Nearest place we follow, straight-line miles.

Browse by season and event

Questions people ask

When is the refuge open at Lacreek Refuge?

All year, from sunrise to sunset. The office is open Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., except federal holidays.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Lacreek NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Can I drive through the refuge at Lacreek Refuge?

Yes: a 4.5-mile auto tour route starts at the visitor center. Refuge roads are gravel with a 25 mph limit, and vehicles must stay on designated roads.Sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Lacreek NWR: Activities ↗ (opens in a new tab), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Lacreek NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Can I camp in Spearfish Canyon?

Only in campgrounds: dispersed camping isn't allowed in the canyon. Timon and Rod & Gun, off Roughlock Falls Road from Savoy, have seven first-come sites each, with no reservations.Sources: US Forest Service, Spearfish Canyon (Black Hills National Forest) ↗ (opens in a new tab), US Forest Service, Timon Campground ↗ (opens in a new tab), US Forest Service, Rod & Gun Campground ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Is there water at the campgrounds in fall at Spearfish Canyon?

Not after about October 1: Rod & Gun has no water from then until about May 15, and both campgrounds close on December 1 until mid-May.Sources: US Forest Service, Rod & Gun Campground ↗ (opens in a new tab), US Forest Service, Timon Campground ↗ (opens in a new tab)

How close can I get to the elk at Wind Cave?

Stay at least 25 yards (23 meters) from all wildlife, and farther from bison. Elk are more aggressive during the rut in September and October, and they're usually heard in the distance rather than seen up close.Source: National Park Service, Wind Cave National Park: Elk Bugling ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Can I use a spotlight to find them at Wind Cave?

No. Spotlighting isn't permitted in the park: shining headlights or other lights on wildlife disturbs the animals and changes their behavior.Source: National Park Service, Wind Cave National Park: Elk Bugling ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Plan a South Dakota trip for your dates →Alerts for South Dakota

Nearby state guides: Nebraska · Colorado · Wyoming

South Dakota in pictures

Illustrative photos, not current conditions
The Lake Creek Valley landscape at the refuge
Lake Creek Valley at Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge (date not given). Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (no photographer listed) · public domain · resized
A tall waterfall splitting into streams down a grey limestone wall, framed by green trees and grass
Spearfish Falls inside Spearfish Canyon, South Dakota, July 28, 2019 (context, not fall color). Photo: Shawn Steinfeger · Wikimedia Commons · CC0 1.0 · resized
Ponderosa pine forest near the natural entrance of Wind Cave, in Wind Cave National Park
Ponderosa pine forest along the trail to Wind Cave's natural entrance, below the visitor center (USGS, published November 17, 2009). A view of the park, not of the elk.. Photo: Geology and Ecology of National Parks, USGS · public domain · resized

How we know

Every timing on this page, from these pages; checked Sep 29