If you're going to be riding your ATV in the South Dakota State Parks, it is important that you know an abide by the rules and regulations that the park enforces. The first of these rules is that park visitors must license both South Dakota and out-of-state ATVs. You must also obtain a valid park entrance license to enter the parks as well. If your ATV is not licensed, or doesn't have a park entrance license, then the ATV must stay in the truck or the trailer that you brought it in. Also, every ATV has to be equipped with a functional mirror, horn, headlight, brakes, brake lights and a license plate.
All people riding on ATVs must be at least 14 years of age, or possess 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 must 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.
The only exception to any of these rules is when you are riding at the Oahe Downstream ORV/ ATV area, which does not require ATVs to be licensed, and doesn't require a park entrance license either. However, all other rules and regulations apply while in this area, and riding is permitted only on the designated areas that are inside the ATV area.
