ShareTrails | Possible Camping Restrictions for Pinnacles Dispersed Recreation Area

Located just miles from Badlands National Park in South Dakota is the Pinnacles area. This is a hidden gem ideal for dispersed recreation and dispersed camping. The easy accessibility has made this area a popular destination for those who want a pristine and gorgeous camping spot away from the hustle and bustle of the national park.

The Forest Service is seeking public comment to make management decisions to respond to the following concerns:
• Increased demand for overnight camping and camping-associated impacts.
• Increased stress on law enforcement.
• Issues with grazing management.
• Increased potential for wildfires.
• Impacts to palaeontologic resources.
• Ingress/egress issues.
• Impacts to bighorn sheep distribution.
• Public safety issues.

Many of the proposed “solutions” are restrictive management practices such as implementing a reservation system, restricting off-road travel and limiting the number of dispersed camping spots. BRC believes many of the concerns the Forest Service is looking to address can be solved with better management, rather than closures. Better signs, education and road management can alleviate issues while still allowing access for dispersed camping.

You can see the Forest Service public meeting presentation here.

Please add your voice to ours and submit a comment using the action alert below and let the Forest Service know, dispersed camping is an important part of accessing and enjoying public lands. Comments are due on March 28.