The Fort Meade Recreation Area’s south access is at I-90 Exit 34, the same exit as Suzies Camp, and it carries 11 miles of the Centennial Trail through about 6,700 acres of forest and grassland. Day use is free.
What is the Fort Meade Recreation Area?
About 6,700 acres of public land just east of Sturgis, managed by the Bureau of Land Management. It borders the Black Hills National Cemetery and Bear Butte State Park, and it’s open for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, camping, fishing, hunting and picnicking.
Where are the trailheads?
- Alkali Creek Trailhead, with a campground and picnic area, near the south end close to Exit 34.
- Alkali Creek Horse Camp, next to it, for riders.
- Fort Meade Trailhead, a gravel day-use lot at the north end, about half a mile east of Sturgis on Highway 34/79.
The two Alkali Creek campgrounds charge a fee from May 15 to September 30 and close for about three weeks around the Sturgis Rally. Day use is free all year.
What can I do on the Centennial Trail here?
Hike, ride a mountain bike or a horse. The 11-mile stretch through Fort Meade is part of the 111-mile Centennial Trail, which starts at Bear Butte to the north. Walk out and back from Alkali Creek, or leave a car at the Fort Meade Trailhead and walk the whole stretch one way.
What about the fort itself?
Fort Meade was a cavalry post from 1878 to 1944; the grounds are now a VA medical center. The Old Fort Meade Museum, in the former commanding officer’s headquarters, tells the post’s story. It’s open in summer only, from mid-May through September.
Can I bring my horse?
Yes, the Centennial Trail is open to horses. Horses coming from out of state need a health certificate from the last 30 days and a negative Coggins test from the last 12 months. For current rules at Fort Meade, call the BLM Belle Fourche office at (605) 892-7000. Portable horse corral panels are available at camp.
Stay at Suzies Camp
Suzies Camp is a quiet, owner-run campground at I-90 Exit 34 near Sturgis, South Dakota: 18 dry cabins, 60 RV sites and 15 tent sites. See drive times to the whole Black Hills.