Kadoka

On the Eastern edge of the badlands near the town of Kadoka, this area is lesser explored terrain that can yield better results.

When to visit: Spring, Fall, Winter (if dry)

What you can find: Fairburn agate, prairie agate, bubblegum agate, petrified wood, jasper, rose quartz.

What to bring: Rock hammer, spray bottle, backpack, water, snacks.

Where to stay: The town of Kadoka is 5 miles northeast and offers hotels, camping, and food. Dispersed camping is allowed in the National Grasslands in select spots near Site A. Reference the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands map for legal camping areas.

Getting there: From Kadoka, South Dakota drive west on Poplar St 0.6 miles then turn south on SD-73 S. Travel 1.4 miles then turn right on County RD CH 6 and drive 2.6 miles to reach Site B.

(Site A: 43°48’35.5″N 101°33’53.1″W)
(Site B: 43°47’56.6″N 101°33’58.8″W)

Rockhounding

The agate beds around Kadoka are less known and less explored than many of the other beds in region. This area is also more interspaced with private land. We highly recommend referencing a current Buffalo Gap National Grasslands map to ensure you are hunting on BLM land.  The beds of Kadoka have gifted several treasures to local hunters for years. Focus on low areas that look recently washed out to improve your success of finding a fairburn. These areas that are less known by tourist typically offer much easier picking of rose quartz, petrified wood, etc.

Gallery

(Sample Gallery – Updated gallery from this location coming soon.)

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