Planning to visit a South Dakota state park in 2026? Here’s how to get an annual pass.

There are more than 60 state parks and recreation areas spread across South Dakota – and if you’re planning to visit in 2026, annual passes are already available.

The annual entrance licenses, valid from Oct. 1, 2025, to May 23, 2027, can be purchased online, by calling 1-800-710-2267 or at local state park offices. For residents, the price is $40 for one or $60 for two.

While it provides access to South Dakota’s state parks and recreation areas, the license doesn’t cover the cost of camping.

“We have a variety of overnight options for everyone with campsites, camping cabins and modern lodging throughout the year,” Jeff VanMeeteren, state parks director, said in a news release.

In 2026, South Dakota’s state parks will celebrate a place in history as part of the America 250 initiative, which marks the country’s 250th birthday, the news release said.

Here’s more about the annual entrance license and your other options for visiting South Dakota’s state parks.

This new South Dakota video series shows what it’s like to herd buffalo in Custer State Park

Where do I put my annual South Dakota state parks entrance license?

The annual entrance license adhesive must be placed in the passenger-side corner of your windshield, within 3 inches of the bottom, according to South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks. The license is valid for everyone in the vehicle.

Are there other options for entering South Dakota state parks?

There are also daily entrance licenses available – $10 for residents, $15 for nonresidents – at many state parks, though notably not at Custer State Park.

If you want one license for multiple vehicles, you can buy a transferable annual entrance license. It costs $90, but comes in the form of a hang tag that can be moved between different vehicles.

How does South Dakota use the fees collected at state parks?

All of the fees collected at South Dakota’s state parks “play an important role” in daily operations, Game, Fish and Parks says. The sale of park entrance licenses and camping fees make up more than two-thirds of the funding used to run state parks and recreation areas and “provide comfortable and enjoyable facilities and recreation opportunities,” according to the agency’s website.