The U.S. state of South Dakota operates 13 state parks, 43 recreation areas, 6 nature areas, and 1 trail, totaling approximately 96,000 acres.
These sites are administered by the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks.
These areas preserve natural geologic features, historic and sacred Plains Indian sites, and historic pioneer settlements and forts.
South Dakota State Parks and recreation areas range in size from the 19-acre Sandy Shore Recreation Area to the 71,000-acre Custer State Park.
The land is currently owned by the state of South Dakota and the federal government.