Game, Fish and Parks Offices Set to Re-open

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) offices are set to re-open June 15, statewide. While the state parks were able to remain open to camping and day-use, administrative offices and the outdoor campuses in Sioux Falls and Rapid City have been closed since mid-March.

“Offering opportunities for people to recreate is a priority for Governor Noem,” said GFP Secretary Kelly Hepler. “Fishing and camping and spending time outdoors is so important to people’s health, especially during these isolating times.”

Offices will open with extra precautions in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Markers on office floors are in place to keep a patrons six feet apart, sneeze guards have been placed at all reception areas, and staff are wearing masks when they must interact with the public closer than 6 feet.

The Outdoor Campuses

The Outdoor Campus-East in Sioux Falls and the Outdoor Campus-West in Rapid City will resume limited in-person classes with the following guidelines:

Class size is limited to 10, including instructors.
All participants and staff are expected to wash hands or hand sanitize at the beginning of class.
Participants are required to social distance during classes.
Staff are required to wear a mask during encounters with students at closer than 6 feet.
Participants are asked to acknowledge that they are symptom free to the best of their knowledge on the sign-in sheet.
All equipment must be sterilized between uses and at the end of each class.
Class registration will be available online.

Indoor areas at the Outdoor Campus-West remain closed at this time, but visitors are welcome to use the archery range and other outdoor facilities.

State Parks

State park visitor centers are now open, and all parks continue to be open to camping and day-use. Park visitors are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and purchase park entrance licenses online at campsd.com. To limit interaction, park offices are using drive-up windows and keeping lobbies closed. Many parks are offering online programming. Follow GFP or your local park on Facebook for activities, challenges, and virtual programs.

Always follow current COVID-19 CDC guidelines, including social distancing, group limitations and stay-at-home orders enacted