State Benefit·South Dakota·🌲Recreation & Parks

Disabled Veteran/POW/Purple Heart Lifetime State Park Entrance License

Free lifetime State Park entrance and 50% discount on camping for 100% disabled veterans, POWs, and Purple Heart recipients.

Verified May 12, 2026againstgfp.sd.gov

At a glance

Benefit type: Recreation & Parks — South Dakota
Who it's for: Veterans
VA rating needed: No rating requirement
Estimated value: Free lifetime park entrance + 50% off camping
Where it applies: South Dakota
Last verified: May 12, 2026

What is Disabled Veteran/POW/Purple Heart Lifetime State Park Entrance License?

Disabled Veteran/POW/Purple Heart Lifetime State Park Entrance License is a South Dakota recreation & parks benefit for veterans. Free lifetime State Park entrance and 50% discount on camping for 100% disabled veterans, POWs, and Purple Heart recipients. The listed value is Free lifetime park entrance + 50% off camping.

Who qualifies

Veterans

Available to any veteran
South Dakota residency

How to apply

Apply through the official South Dakota agency.

Open application

Who is eligible

Eligibility

SD resident with a VA "K" award, a VA letter indicating 100% total service-connected disability, documentation verifying POW status, OR documentation as a Purple Heart recipient. Per SDCL 41-17-13.4.

What Disabled Veteran/POW/Purple Heart Lifetime State Park Entrance License covers

Covers

Free lifetime State Park Entrance License for the veteran and their vehicle at all SD state parks (license holder must be present). Also provides a 50% discount on camping fees and electrical fees for campsites or camping cabins; discount automatically applies to online reservations once approved.

Annual park entrance license normally costs $36/year.

How to apply for Disabled Veteran/POW/Purple Heart Lifetime State Park Entrance License

How to apply

Apply online through Go Outdoors South Dakota. Upload required verification documents directly to your profile. Approval decisions are typically provided within two weeks.

Open application Verify at official source

Verified information & sources

Last verified: May 12, 2026

Official source: gfp.sd.gov

Compiled and fact-checked against the official source linked above. Benefit rules and dollar amounts change over time — always confirm current details at the official source before applying. A county Veterans Service Officer (VSO) is a free, accredited advocate who can review your eligibility and help you file at no cost.

Frequently asked questions about Disabled Veteran/POW/Purple Heart Lifetime State Park Entrance License

Who qualifies for Disabled Veteran/POW/Purple Heart Lifetime State Park Entrance License?▾

Disabled Veteran/POW/Purple Heart Lifetime State Park Entrance License is for Veterans; available to any veteran; south dakota residency. See the eligibility details on this page and confirm with the official source before applying.

How much is Disabled Veteran/POW/Purple Heart Lifetime State Park Entrance License worth?▾

The listed value is Free lifetime park entrance + 50% off camping. Amounts can change — confirm the current figure at the official source linked on this page.

How do I apply for Disabled Veteran/POW/Purple Heart Lifetime State Park Entrance License?▾

Apply through the official source linked on this page. A county Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can review your eligibility and help you file at no cost.

Where can I verify Disabled Veteran/POW/Purple Heart Lifetime State Park Entrance License?▾

Benefit rules and dollar amounts change, so always confirm current details at the official source linked on this page. A free, accredited county or state Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can also verify your eligibility and help you apply.

Other South Dakota Recreation & Parks

Active-Duty Hunting/Fishing License Exemption

SD resident service members on active duty stationed outside SD are exempt from hunting/fishing license requirements while on leave.

Reduced-Fee Hunting and Fishing License (40%+ Disability)

Four-year combined small game hunting and fishing license for $10 for veterans with 40%+ disability.

$10 for four-year license

See every benefit you qualify for in South Dakota

Get a personalized list of federal, state, and local veteran benefits based on your service history, disability rating, and South Dakota residency — in under 2 minutes.

Find My South Dakota Benefits