Where to Find Agate in South Dakota
South Dakota has 11 mapped collecting spots that report agate, spread across 5 counties. 7 of the spots are on land mapped as publicly accessible.
Every agate spot we track in South Dakota
Best spotTepee CanyonCuster County, South DakotaPublic access · Agate, Beryl, Almandine Garnet +3
ScenicPennington County, South DakotaPermission required · Blue Chalcedony, Carnelian, Aquamarine +4
Cheyenne River - Buffalo GapPennington County, South DakotaPublic access · Fairburn Agate, Agate, Rose Quartz +1
French Creek Agate BedsCuster County, South DakotaPublic access · Fairburn Agate, Agate, Rose Quartz +1
Railroad ButtesPennington County, South DakotaPublic access · Fairburn Agate, Agate, Rose Quartz +1
InteriorJackson County, South DakotaPublic access · Jasper, Chalcedony, Agate
OglalaOglala Lakota County, South DakotaPermission required · Agate, Chalcedony, Jasper
Red ShirtOglala Lakota County, South DakotaPermission required · Agate, Chalcedony, Jasper
Sioux FallsMinnehaha County, South DakotaPublic access · Agate, Catlinite, Jasper
OelrichsOglala Lakota County, South DakotaPermission required · Agate
Teepee Canyon AgatesCuster County, South DakotaPublic access · Agate
Standout agate spots in South Dakota
Hand-picked from the full list above, with the reason each one earns a trip.
Best counties for agate in South Dakota
Ranked by the number of mapped agate spots. County links open the full rockhounding page for that county.
- Custer County3 spots
- Oglala Lakota County3 spots
- Pennington County3 spots
- Jackson County1 spot
- Minnehaha County1 spot
Before you go
Read the agate identification guide so you know what a keeper looks like in the field: Agate in the encyclopedia.
Agate in South Dakota FAQ
Where can you find agate in South Dakota?+
The mapped spots concentrate in Custer County, Oglala Lakota County, and Pennington County. Every spot on this page is on the map, and each spot's own page has its coordinates and access notes.
How many agate spots are mapped in South Dakota?+
11 spots across 5 counties. The RockHoundR app keeps the same spots on an offline map with public land overlays, geology layers, and your saved finds.
Is it legal to collect agate in South Dakota?+
Hand collecting of common rocks and minerals in small amounts for personal use is generally allowed on BLM and U.S. Forest Service land, with limits set by the local field office. National parks, most state parks, and tribal land are closed to collecting. 7 of the 11 mapped spots here sit on land marked public. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before you dig.
