The Fort Meade Recreation Area is composed of approximately 6,700 acres of forest and grasslands. The area is managed to protect, preserve, and enhance its cultural, historic, recreational, and wildlife values. Attractions include the Fort Meade Cavalry Post, Old Fort Meade Museum, Fort Meade Post Cemetery, and the Centennial Trail. The recreation area also adjoins the Black Hills National Cemetery and Bear Butte State Park. Camping is allowed at two locations, the Alkali Creek Trailhead and the Alkali Creek Horsecamp. Both are fee campgrounds. Picnicking facilities are located at the Alkali Creek Trailhead. Other Attractions: • Fort Meade Trailhead is a day-use graveled parking area that serves as a trailhead for the Centennial trail. • Fort Meade Reservoir (50 acres) contains two picnic tables, a restroom, and a reservoir stocked with rainbow trout. • Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Chapel: This day use site contains picnic facilities with water and restrooms. • Centennial Trail: This 11-mile trail is a portion of the 111-mile interagency national recreation trail across the Fort Meade Recreation Area. • The Fort Meade Back Country Byway is a 4.5-mile gravel road that connects I-90 and Highway 34 on the south half of the unit. Reservations/Permits: • Special recreation permits are required for all commercial and competitive group events. Please contact the BLM office for reservation information and forms. • Operating hours/seasons: The Fort Meade Recreation Area is open for use year round, weather permitting. • The access road is open year round, with temporary closures possible due to weather and road conditions. There is no winter maintenance. • Alkali Creek Horsecamp is open from May 15 to September 30. Exception: The campground is closed 3 weeks during the Black Hills Motorcycle Classic. A camping fee is required. • Alkali Creek Trailhead is open year round with fees charged for camping from May 15 to September 30. Exception: The campground is closed for 3 weeks during the Black Hills Motorcycle Classic. • Water is available from approximately May 15 to October 1 each year.
The description, directions and fees are the Bureau of Land Management’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
US Forest Service (USFS)
National Park Service (NPS)
US Fish and Wildlife (USFW)
Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)
Department Of Defense (DOD)
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
Other Federal
State
Local
Alaska Native Lands (Patented or Interim Conveyed)
Alaska Native Allotment
Road
Primitive Road
Road
Primitive Road
Trail
Roads open to all Vehicles, Yearlong
Roads open to all Vehicles, Seasonal
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Yearlong
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Seasonal
Special Designation, Yearlong
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails open to all vehicles, Yearlong
Trails open to all vehicles, Seasonal
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Yearlong
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Seasonal
Trails open to motorcycles, Yearlong
Trails open to motorcycles, Seasonal
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" in Width, Yearlong
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" or Less in Width, Seasonal
Wilderness Area
Wilderness Study Area