Pringle: Fairhill Agate Rockhounding in Custer County, South Dakota

Updated June 2026

Pringle is a mapped rockhounding spot in Custer County, South Dakota. Reported finds include fairhill agate. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Custer County
State: South Dakota
Coordinates: 43.55228, -103.62793

Geology at Pringle

This spot sits on ground mapped as Minnelusa Formation, undivided that formed roughly 325 to 275 million years ago. Tough silica like agate and jasper typically survives weathering and collects as float in drainages and gravel.

Mapped unit: Minnelusa Formation, undivided
Age: 325–275 Ma (Pennsylvanian to Early Permian)
Elevation: 4,820 ft

Geologic mapping via Macrostrat and the underlying state geological survey maps (CC BY 4.0). Bedrock at the surface can vary within a mapped unit.

Best time to visit Pringle

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 82°F in midsummer and 37°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 12°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, WIND CAVE station (7 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

Land & collecting status

Generally open to casual rockhounding

Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig.

Public-land rules vary by agency, season, and field office. The RockHoundR app pulls live BLM, USFS, NPS, and tribal overlays so you can see exactly which agency manages the ground at this spot.

Sources & verification

Spot details combine the public RockHoundR location dataset, normalized mineral labels, agency land-status checks in the app, and community submissions. Coordinates are approximate until verified in the field.

Sources: RockHoundR public spot dataset, app land overlays, and local agency review before each trip.

Found at Pringle

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Fairhill Agate Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Pringle.

Across the state line from Pringle

Pringle is close enough to the South Dakota border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Pringle FAQ

Where is Pringle?+

Pringle is in Custer County, South Dakota, at 43.55228, -103.62793.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Pringle?+

Pringle is reported to produce Fairhill Agate.

Is collecting allowed at Pringle?+

Generally open to casual rockhounding. Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.

What tools should I bring to Pringle?+

Most agate and jasper is surface float: bring a spray bottle, a pick or small shovel, and a sturdy bag. Wet stones show their banding and translucence.

When is the best time to visit Pringle?+

The most comfortable months at Pringle are March to November.

How do I get to Pringle?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 43.55228, -103.62793 in Google Maps. Some spots are remote, so check road conditions before driving out.

More rockhounding in South Dakota

See all 43 South Dakota spots →

Open Pringle on the map

Use the RockHoundR app for live land overlays, weather, geology, directions, and saved finds.