OCTOBER 7, 2024: The 2025 annual park entrance license for South Dakota’s state parks and recreation areas is available for purchase. The 2025 park entrance license is valid from Oct. 1, 2024, through May 16, 2026. The license is required for entrance into designated state parks, recreation areas and lakeside use areas, although it does not cover camping costs or additional fees. Jeff VanMeeteren is the parks director for the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks. He says in 2025, GFP is highlighting water recreation, such as kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals, as well as life jacket checkouts. GFP also has overnight options for everyone with campsites, camping cabins and modern lodging open year-round. VanMeeteren says state parks also offer a variety of activities such as hiking, biking, disc golf, fishing, archery and birdwatching. Entrance licenses can be purchased: online at campsd.com, at local state park offices or by calling 1.800.710.2267.   JUNE 20, 2024: The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission is taking steps to eliminate two types of state park entrance licenses. Parks and Recreation Division Director Jeff VanMeetern gave the commission an overview of the proposed changes. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2626/files/2024/06/parkpass1.mp3 VanMeetern says those types of passes are cumbersome to work with. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2626/files/2024/06/parkpass2.mp3 Rather than continue down the path of declining usage, VanMeetern says it’s a good time to make a change. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2626/files/2024/06/parkpass3.mp3 Finalization of the proposal could come during the GFP Commission’s July meeting (July 11-12, 2024).