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Rapid City, SD Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Closing time
10:00 p.m. daily
Reopening time
5:00 a.m. daily
Exception
Special permission from city official
Also exempt
Department-authorized activities
Enforcement chapter
RCMC Ch. 12.24, § 12.24.200 penalty

Summary

Every city park in Rapid City closes to the public at 10:00 p.m. and reopens at 5:00 a.m. daily. Being in a park during those closed hours is itself a violation of city ordinance unless a city official has given special permission or the Parks and Recreation Department authorized the activity.

All city parks shall be closed to the public each day from 10:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m., except upon special permission from a city official in charge of the area. It shall be a violation of city ordinance to be in a city park while it is closed under this section, except for activities authorized by the Parks and Recreation Department ("Department").

View official code

Full Breakdown

20 or a scheduled Department program. Because the closure is tied to being present in the park at all, rather than to a specific activity like camping or fires, the ordinance functions as a blanket after-hours curfew for every municipal park in the city, from neighborhood parks to Canyon Lake and Memorial Park. 24.

Violations & Fines

Being present in a closed city park between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. without special permission from the city official in charge of the area, or without Department-authorized activity, violates § 12.24.010 and is punishable under the general penalty provision of § 1.12.010, as applied to Chapter 12.24 by § 12.24.200.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time do city parks close in Rapid City?
Rapid City Municipal Code § 12.24.010 closes all city parks to the public every day from 10:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m., reopening at 5:00 a.m., unless a city official in charge of the area gives special permission.
Is it illegal to be in a Rapid City park after 10 p.m.?
Yes. Section 12.24.010 makes it a violation of city ordinance to be in a city park while it is closed, except for activities the Parks and Recreation Department has authorized, such as a permitted evening event.
Can I get a permit to use a Rapid City park after closing?
The ordinance allows use during closed hours only with special permission from the city official in charge of the area or through activities the Parks and Recreation Department has authorized, such as under a Chapter 12.20 special event permit.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Rapid City

Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsJuvenile CurfewSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSignificant RestrictionsFire Regulations: Propane StorageSome Restrictions

All Rapid City rules

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