PIERRE, S.D. – Game, Fish and Parks officials are inviting outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy South Dakota State Parks' Open House Weekend Friday, May 20 through Sunday, May 22.
During the annual three-day event, entrance fees are waived for visitors to South Dakota's state parks and recreation areas. Camping fees still apply. In addition, the drivers of the first 200 vehicles coming into parks with booth staff will receive a free water bottle provided by the S.D. Department of Health. The weekend is also held in conjunction with South Dakota’s Annual Free Fishing Weekend.
Throughout the Open House Weekend, parks will be hosting a variety of special events across the state. These events are in addition to regular programming and activities held in the parks throughout the season. Open House Weekend special events include the following:
 | 25th Annual Trail Tour, Big Sioux Recreation Area, Brandon, 8 a.m. Saturday |
| "Walking Through History" Walk in the Park, Pickerel Lake Recreation Area near Waubay, 10 a.m. Saturday. |
| History Hike: CCC Camp and the Natural History of Farm Island, Farm Island Recreation Area near Pierre, 10 a.m. Saturday. |
| "Trot Along the Trail" Walk in the Park, a trail ride and walk, Pelican Lake Recreation Area near Watertown, 1 p.m. Saturday. |
| Family Fun Extravaganza, Palisades State Park near Garretson, 2 p.m. Saturday. |
| Kids’ Fishing Derby, Indian Creek Recreation Area near Mobridge, 4 p.m. Saturday. |
| "Hike Hartford Creek" Walk in the Park, Hartford Beach State Park near Milbank, 7 p.m. Saturday. |
| Various outdoor activities, including cookouts, nature walks, contests and other family activities, Custer State Park near Custer in the Black Hills, all weekend. |
During the Open House Weekend, both resident and non-resident anglers can fish South Dakota waters without purchasing a fishing license. All fishing limits and regulations apply.
The weekend also marks the first weekend that campsites can be reserved in South Dakota state parks this year, and many campsites are currently available. Reservations are taken until 10 p.m. on May 18 for the weekend, either online at
www.CampSD.com or by calling 1-800-710-CAMP (2267).South Dakota state parks offer a wide variety of outdoor fun, including camping, picnicking and boating. Many parks also offer trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.
For more information on the South Dakota state park system, visit www.sdgfp.info/Parks or call (605) 773-3391.
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