Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2023]

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Ready to pack for Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Black Hills National Forest, we have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

  1. When to go to Black Hills National Forest
  2. Important essentials for Black Hills National Forest
  3. Activities for Black Hills National Forest
  4. Black Hills National Forest in January: weather and what to pack
  5. Black Hills National Forest in February: weather and what to pack
  6. Black Hills National Forest in March: weather and what to pack
  7. Black Hills National Forest in April: weather and what to pack
  8. Black Hills National Forest in May: weather and what to pack
  9. Black Hills National Forest in June: weather and what to pack
  10. Black Hills National Forest in July: weather and what to pack
  11. Black Hills National Forest in August: weather and what to pack
  12. Black Hills National Forest in September: weather and what to pack
  13. Black Hills National Forest in October: weather and what to pack
  14. Black Hills National Forest in November: weather and what to pack
  15. Black Hills National Forest in December: weather and what to pack

When to go to Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota, United States of America, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Black Hills National Forest, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota, United States of America by month

January

January in Black Hills National Forest is freezing. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C). It snows occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Black Hills National Forest. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the correct type. A lot of adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

February

If you are traveling to Black Hills National Forest in February, you will notice that it is very cold. Expect it to snow once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Black Hills National Forest. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the right type. A lot of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

March

March in this region is brisk. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It snows a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Black Hills National Forest. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the necessary kind. A lot of adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

April

If you go to Black Hills National Forest in April, you will notice that it is pretty cool. Expect it to snow once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the high 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Black Hills National Forest. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the right kind. The majority of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

May

May in Black Hills National Forest is cool. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Black Hills National Forest. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you choose the right kind. Many adapters available are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

June

June in Black Hills National Forest is mild. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Black Hills National Forest. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to pick the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

July

July in Black Hills National Forest is a perfect temperature. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) to high 70s F (mid 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Black Hills National Forest. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the right type. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

August

August in Black Hills National Forest is warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Black Hills National Forest. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you find the right kind. A lot of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

September

September is mild. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Black Hills National Forest. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to find the necessary kind. Most adapters currently available are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

October

October in Black Hills National Forest is cold. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) to low 50s F (low 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Black Hills National Forest. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the necessary kind. Most adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

November

Traveling to Black Hills National Forest in November, you will notice that it can be very chilly. Expect it to snow once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Black Hills National Forest. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the correct type. A lot of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

December

December for Black Hills National Forest is frigid. Temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It snows sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Black Hills National Forest. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the correct kind. Many adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

What to do in Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota, United States of America

Black Hills National Forest, located in South Dakota, USA, is a gorgeous national forest that attracts millions of tourists from around the world every year. The forest covers over 1.2 million acres of land and features breathtakingly beautiful landscapes that are perfect for hiking, camping, and exploring. Here's a list of the top tourist attractions in Black Hills National Forest that you should visit when you're in the area.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Mount Rushmore is one of the most iconic landmarks not just in the Black Hills but in the entire United States. Carved into the granite rockface of Mount Rushmore are the faces of four of the country's greatest presidents – George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Visitors can take a guided tour, watch a short film, and explore the museum at the base of the mountain.

Custer State Park – With over 71,000 acres to explore, Custer State Park is one of the biggest and wildest outdoor playgrounds in the Black Hills. The park features lakes, streams, and a diverse range of wildlife including buffalo, elk, bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelopes, and coyotes. Visitors can hike, bike, camp, fish, or take a scenic drive through the park's stunning beauty.

Wind Cave National Park – Wind Cave National Park is home to one of the longest and most complex cave systems in the world, featuring over 140 miles of explored passages. Visitors can take guided tours of the cave and learn about its unique features, including rare boxwork formations. Above ground, the park also features rolling prairies, pine forests, wildlife like bison, and hiking trails.

Sylvan Lake – Sylvan Lake is a stunning mountain lake that's surrounded by lush greenery and towering hills. Visitors here can swim, fish, kayak, paddle, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the area. There's also a hiking trail that takes you around the perimeter of the lake, offering spectacular views of the area.

Spearfish Canyon – Spearfish Canyon is a majestic 20-mile-long canyon that's lined with towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear streams. Visitors to the area can take scenic drives, go hiking, fish for trout, or enjoy a picnic in the scenic beauty. A must-visit attraction is Bridal Veil Falls, which is a stunning 60-foot waterfall that you can see from the road.

Jewel Cave National Monument – Jewel Cave National Monument is the second-longest cave in the world, with over 200 miles of explored passages. Visitors can take a guided tour of the cave, and see the glittering formations of calcite crystals, unique cave formations and much more. Above ground, there are hiking trails that offer outstanding views of the surrounding landscape.

These are just some of the top tourist attractions in Black Hills National Forest, there are many more scenic drives, trails, and outdoor activities to be discovered in this vast wilderness. So, if you're looking for a vacation destination that offers breathtaking views and outdoor adventures, Black Hills National Forest in South Dakota should definitely be on your bucket list.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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