The Oahe Downstream ATV Area has roughly 400 beautiful acres of lush, hilly grassland, breathtaking river bluff and vegetated shale slopes that you are free to roam in and explore with your ATV. When riding in the ATV/ ORV area, ATVs do not have to be licensed, and vehicles do not have to have a park entrance license either. Riding is permitted only on the designated areas inside the ATV/ ORV area.
Remember, while the Oahe Downstream ATV/ ORV Area doesn't require your ATV to be licensed or have a park entrance license, all of the other parks in South Dakota do. Lets go over some of the rules for riding your ATV in South Dakota: All people riding on ATVs have to be at least 14 years of age, or have a valid driver's license. Visitors to the park can only ride their ATVs on the designated park roads in South Dakota state parks and on the recreation areas or in the state ORV/ ATV area. ATV riders are not allowed to ride their ATVs on paved trails or on beaches or shorelines.
You will be required to wear eye protection while on public/park roads unless your ATV has a sturdy windshield, and all riders under 18 must legally wear a helmet while in the parks. Also, every ATV has to be equipped with a functional mirror, horn, headlight, brakes, brake lights and a license plate.
Camping is available at three campgrounds in the Oahe Downstream Recreation area, which feature 206 campsites with electricity, and four camping cabins that are equipped with wheelchair accessories for the disabled. But camping and ATV riding aren't the only things that you can do while at the Oahe Downstream Recreation Area. There is also a swimming beach; 9-hole golf course and you can enjoy hiking and even a volleyball court. If you prefer, take your ATV to one of the many fishing holes and enjoy a freshly caught trout dinner after a great day of ATVing.
