Laws & Policies

Superintendent's Compendium

Jewel Cave National Monument rules and regulations are all listed in the Superintendent's Compendium.

DESIGNATIONS, CLOSURES, PERMIT REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED UNDER DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY OF THE SUPERINTENDENT: TITLE 36 CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS, CHAPTER 1.

Ways to access the compendium:

Read compendium online.
Call the park, (605) 673-8350.

Firearms in National Parks and the
Possession of Firearms in National Park Units

As of February 22, 2010, a new Federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws, to legally possess firearms in the monument. In areas administered by the National Park Service (NPS), an individual can possess a firearm if that individual is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing the firearm and if the possession of the firearm complies with the laws of the state where the park area is located. 54 U.S.C. 104906.

It is the responsibility of visitors to understand and comply with all applicable federal, state and local firearms laws and regulations, including laws authorizing or prohibiting concealed carry, before entering a national park. Some parks are located in more than one state or locality which means that the applicable laws may change depending upon where you are located within a park area.

If a park is located in a jurisdiction where the applicable state and local laws grant reciprocity to non-resident firearm owners, then consistent with the applicable law, the park will equally recognize the reciprocity. For information on state and local laws, please contact the state and locality where the park is located.


Possession of Firearms in Federal Facilities
Unless expressly authorized, Federal law prohibits the possession of a firearm or other dangerous weapon in NPS facilities. These buildings include, but are not limited to, government offices, visitor centers, ranger stations, fee collection buildings, and maintenance facilities. 18 U.S.C. 930.

Use of Firearms
Unless authorized, the use or discharge of a firearm within a park area is prohibited. 36 CFR 2.4(b) and 13.30(c). In parks where hunting is specifically mandated or authorized by federal statute, firearms may be used to hunt in accordance with NPS regulations and state laws. 36 CFR 2.2. NOTE: Visitors should not consider firearms as protection from wildlife.

More Information
The information provided on this page provides a general overview of the rules about firearms across the National Park System. If you have questions about the firearm rules in a particular park, please contact that park for more information prior to visiting.

Furthermore, it is the responsibility of visitors to understand and comply with all applicable state, local, and federal firearms laws before entering Jewel Cave National Monument. For additional information and awareness, please visit the following State of South Dakota websites:

South Dakota Codified Laws

South Dakota Concealed Pistol Permit Information

Last updated: March 29, 2021

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

11149 U.S. Hwy. 16
Building B12

Custer, SD 57730

Phone:

605 673-8300
The main phone line connects visitors with staff at the visitor center. Throughout the year, the phone line is monitored by staff on a daily basis, excluding holidays and days with limited visitor services. Please be advised that after-hours messages are not taken on the system; visitors are encouraged to call the visitor center during normal operations and speak with a park ranger for assistance.

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