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State Parks

DISABLED VETERAN AND PRISONER OF WAR LIFETIME STATE PARK ENTRANCE LICENSE
The Division of Parks and Recreation offers lifetime state park entrance licenses for disabled veterans who are residents of South Dakota and are deemed 100 percent total and permanent disabled or is a “K” Award recipient. Approved applicants also receive a 50-percent discount on camping fees. The application and additional information can be found at Disabled Veteran and Prisoner of War Lifetime State Park Entrance License Application.

MILITARY GROUP SPECIAL EVENTS
Park entrance licenses are not required for past and present military personnel or their family and guests if participating in an approved military group event held in a state park. This includes South Dakota veterans, members of the South Dakota National Guard and military reserve units, patients of veterans’ hospitals in South Dakota and family members, and guests attending the event. To host a military event in a state park, complete the Special Event Application.

TRAIL USER SERVICE FEE EXEMPTIONS
The following guests who enter the George S. Mickelson Trail area for a special event hosted by their organization, are exempt from the trail fee:
• Members and guests of a South Dakota veteran’s organization or group
• South Dakota National Guard or military reserve unit and guests
• Patients currently admitted to a veteran’s hospital in South Dakota and their attendants

An approved special event permit must be obtained at least five days before the event. The park manager shall issue a special free trail user pass to participants of the special event. The application form can be found at this link: Application.

CHECK OUT SOUTH DAKOTA STATE PARKS
In partnership between the Department of Education and the Department of Game, Fish and Parks, library card holders may check out a three-day state park vehicle pass at their local participating public library. The Check Out South Dakota State Parks library park pass is valid for entry of one passenger vehicle into any South Dakota State Park, Recreation Area, or Nature Area. View the list of participating libraries on the GFP website. Don’t see your local library listed? Contact your library to request their participation at this link: Libraries.

PARK RX
Any Healthcare provider licensed to prescribe in South Dakota can write a Park Prescription, which is redeemable for a free, 1-day pass to any South Dakota state park or a discounted annual pass for year-round activity. Regular outdoor activity and exercise are proven to benefit both physical and mental health. We encourage all providers to sign up for the program and get all South Dakotans to work on wellness at one of our amazing state parks. Talk to your doctor today to see if they participate in the South Dakota Park Prescription program. If not, it’s easy for them to sign up and start writing prescriptions. The program is being administered by the South Dakota Department of Health in partnership with South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks and SDSU Extension. To learn more, visit this link: Park RX.