South Dakota has a huge number of wild and untamed riding opportunities for your 4-wheeling fun. If you're going to be riding your 4-wheeler 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 all 4-wheelers must be licensed by the park rangers whether you are a South Dakota citizen or not. You must also obtain a valid park entrance license to enter the parks as well. If your 4-wheeler is not licensed, or doesn't have a park entrance license, then the 4-wheeler must stay in the truck or the trailer that you hauled it out in. Also, every 4-wheeler has to be equipped with a functional mirror, horn, headlight, brakes, brake lights and a license plate and will be inspected by the park rangers prior to issuing your permit to ride.
All people riding on 4-wheelers must be at least 14 years of age, or possess a valid driver's license. Visitors to the park can only ride their 4-wheelers on the designated park trails in South Dakota state parks and on the recreation areas. 4-wheeler riders are not allowed to ride their 4-wheelers on paved trails or on beaches or shorelines. You must wear eye protection while on public/park roads. Until 2006, 4-wheelers with windshields were allowed to forego the goggles rule but the rule now applies to all riders of 4-wheelers across the board. All 4-wheeler riders must wear a helmet whenever their machine is in operation.
The only exception to any of these rules is when you are riding at the Oahe Downstream ORV/ 4-Wheeler 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.
