Where to Find Fossils in South Dakota
South Dakota has 5 mapped collecting spots that report fossils, spread across 4 counties. The largest share sits in Custer County with 2 spots. 3 of the spots are on land mapped as publicly accessible.
Every fossil spot we track in South Dakota
Hell CanyonCuster County, South DakotaPublic access · Banded Agate, Jade, Jasper +2- Pleasant Valley CreekCuster County, South DakotaPublic access · Banded Agate, Jade, Jasper +2
MissionTodd County, South DakotaPermission required · Opalized Wood, Agatized Wood, Fossil- Rapid CityPennington County, South DakotaPermission required · Golden Barite, Fossil
- SummersetMeade County, South DakotaPublic access · Fossil
Best counties for fossils in South Dakota
Ranked by the number of mapped fossil spots. County links open the full rockhounding page for that county.
- Custer County2 spots
- Meade County1 spot
- Pennington County1 spot
- Todd County1 spot
Fossils in South Dakota FAQ
Where can you find fossils in South Dakota?+
The mapped spots concentrate in Custer County, Meade 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 fossil spots are mapped in South Dakota?+
5 spots across 4 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 fossils 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. 3 of the 5 mapped spots here sit on land marked public. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before you dig.
Where else to find fossils
More minerals to hunt in South Dakota
Hunt fossils in South Dakota with the map in your pocket
RockHoundR puts these spots on an offline map with BLM and Forest Service overlays, geology layers, and a log for your finds.
