Railroad Buttes OHV Area

Railroad Buttes OHV Area consists of three open-riding sections totaling approximately 1,745 acres within the Buffalo Gap National Grassland, located about 21 miles east of Rapid City on SD-44 near the community of Farmingdale in Pennington County. This is one of the few designated open-riding areas in the northern Great Plains, a format where riders navigate cross-country within the designated boundary rather than following marked trails. The terrain is quintessential badlands grassland: hard-packed clay and caliche flats on the rolling tablelands, eroded butte edges with sharper grades, and dry creek crossings through native mixed-grass prairie. The ``Railroad Buttes' name references the distinctive butte topography that marks this section of the White River Badlands transition zone. All OHV types are welcome in the open-riding areas. No fees or permits are required for the grassland OHV areas. A vault toilet and gravel staging area at the main access point provide basic facilities. Dispersed camping is allowed within the national grassland boundaries but potable water is not available. Plan accordingly. Contact the Buffalo Gap National Grassland Supervisor's Office (605-745-4107) for current boundary and access information.