Piedmont: Selenite Rockhounding in Meade County, South Dakota

Updated June 2026

Piedmont is a mapped rockhounding spot in Meade County, South Dakota. Reported finds include selenite. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Meade County
State: South Dakota
Coordinates: 44.23232, -103.36811

Geology at Piedmont

This spot sits on ground mapped as Lakota Formation that formed roughly 145 to 100 million years ago. Fresh exposures, cuts, and drainages are typically the most productive places to look on ground like this.

Mapped unit: Lakota Formation
Age: 145–100 Ma (Early Cretaceous)
Elevation: 3,780 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 Piedmont

Best months: March to November. Typical highs run 83°F in midsummer and 36°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 12°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, RAPID CITY 4NW station (9 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 Piedmont

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

Selenite Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Piedmont.

Across the state line from Piedmont

Piedmont 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.

Piedmont FAQ

Where is Piedmont?+

Piedmont is in Meade County, South Dakota, at 44.23232, -103.36811.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Piedmont?+

Piedmont is reported to produce Selenite.

Is collecting allowed at Piedmont?+

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 Piedmont?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, safety glasses, and a collecting bag cover the basics here. Add a spray bottle: wet rock shows color and pattern that dry rock hides.

When is the best time to visit Piedmont?+

The most comfortable months at Piedmont are March to November.

How do I get to Piedmont?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 44.23232, -103.36811 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 Piedmont on the map

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