South Dakota is home to many beautiful lakes that are perfect for boating and other recreational activities.
Whether you’re looking to fish, swim, boat, or simply take in the stunning scenery, these lakes offer a wide range of options for visitors looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
From Lake Oahe, the largest lake in the state, to smaller bodies of water like Sylvan Lake and Iron Creek Lake, there’s something for everyone in South Dakota. And with many lakes conveniently located near national parks and other attractions, it’s easy to plan a trip that combines outdoor fun with other exciting activities.
Angostura Reservoir
The Angostura Reservoir is a man-made lake located in the southern part of South Dakota. The lake was created by the construction of a dam on the Missouri River. The lake offers a wide variety of recreational activities for visitors, including boating, fishing, swimming, and more.
The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including smallmouth bass and catfish.
Visitors can also enjoy lakeside fun rentals in Yankton, such as swimming and boating.
Big Stone Lake
Big Stone Lake is a stunning lake located in the far southeastern corner of South Dakota. The lake offers a wide variety of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, swimming, and more.
Anglers will be pleased to know that the lake is home to rainbow trout, brown trout, largemouth bass, and northern pike. Visitors can also enjoy lakeside fun rentals in Yankton, such as swimming and boating.
Lake Francis Case
Lake Francis Case is located in the southern part of South Dakota. The lake was created by the construction of a dam on the Missouri River. The lake offers a wide variety of recreational activities for visitors, including boating, fishing, swimming, and more. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including smallmouth bass and catfish.
The lake is surrounded by scenic views and is a popular spot for picnicking and camping, with several campgrounds and RV parks located nearby for those who wish to stay overnight.
Additionally, visitors can also take a tour of the nearby dam, which provides an interesting glimpse into the history and engineering of the area. The lake is also a great spot for fishing, with species such as yellow perch and northern pike found in its waters.
Horsethief Lake
Horsethief Lake is lake located in the southern part of South Dakota. The lake is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, with species such as yellow perch and northern pike found in its waters.
Visitors can also enjoy boating, swimming, and picnicking by the lake. Horsethief Lake is a great spot for camping, with several campgrounds and RV parks located nearby for those who wish to stay overnight.
Iron Creek Lake
Iron Creek Lake is a beautiful lake located in the southern part of South Dakota. The lake is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, with species such as yellow perch and northern pike found in its waters.
Visitors can also enjoy boating, swimming, and picnicking by the lake. Iron Creek Lake is a great spot for camping, with several campgrounds and RV parks located nearby for those who wish to stay overnight.
Lewis and Clark Lake
Lewis and Clark Lake is located in the southern part of South Dakota. The lake is named after the famous explorers Lewis and Clark who passed through the area during their expedition.
The lake is well known for its excellent fishing opportunities, with species such as yellow perch and northern pike found in its waters.
Visitors can also enjoy boating, swimming, and picnicking by the lake. Lewis and Clark Lake is a great spot for camping, with several campgrounds and RV parks located nearby for those who wish to stay overnight.
Lake Oahe
Lake Oahe, the largest lake in South Dakota and the fourth-largest lake in the United States, boasts an impressive 2250 miles of shoreline. Millions of visitors flock to the lake each year to take advantage of its vast expanse and wide range of recreational activities. There are 50 state parks scattered around the lake, offering something for everyone.
One popular spot is the Oahe Downstream Recreation Area, where visitors can view the numerous vibrant butterflies and pollinators in the Prairie Butterfly Garden area. This area is perfect for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. In the winter, visitors can see many bald eagles breeding on the treetops nearby.
Another popular spot is the Indian Creek Recreational Area, which offers numerous trails and a variety of wildlife species like deer, wild turkeys, beavers, and raccoons for those who enjoy hiking and wildlife viewing.
Pactola Lake
Pactola Lake, located near Mount Rushmore, is a beautiful lake that offers a wide variety of recreational activities for visitors. The lake is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, with species such as smallmouth bass and channel catfish found in its waters.
Visitors can also enjoy boating, swimming, and picnicking by the lake. A popular spot for camping, Pactola Lake offers several campgrounds and RV parks for those who wish to stay overnight.
Pickerel Lake
Pickerel Lake is located in the southern part of South Dakota. The lake is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, with species such as smallmouth bass and catfish found in its waters.
Visitors can also enjoy boating, swimming, and picnicking by the lake. Pickerel Lake is a great spot for camping, with several campgrounds and RV parks located nearby for those who wish to stay overnight.
Lake Poinsett
Another great lake to visit in South Dakota is Lake Poinsett. This lake is a haven for outdoor pursuits and offers a wide variety of activities for visitors. Swimming, golfing and, picnicking with loved ones are also popular activities in this area.
In addition to these recreational opportunities, the Lake Poinsett State Park offers 112 campsites spread across two campgrounds.
Additionally, Arlington Beach Resort offers cabins for those who want to stay overnight. To learn more about the history of the region, visit the Lake Poinsett Visitor Center and Museum.
Sheridan Lake
Sheridan Lake is located in the southern part of South Dakota. The lake is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, with species such as rainbow trout, brown trout, largemouth bass, and northern pike found in its waters.
Visitors can also enjoy boating, swimming, and picnicking by the lake. A popular spot for camping, Sheridan Lake offers several campgrounds and RV parks for those who wish to stay overnight.
Sylvan Lake
Sylvan Lake, which is located in the Black Hills and considered to be the state’s cleanest lake, is the main attraction of Custer State Park. Visitors love taking a seat and admiring the beautiful scenery. Another popular option is taking a boat cruise to explore the charming waters and admire the gorgeous surroundings.
At Sylvan Lake Lodge, visitors can rent boats, but it is a calm area as only non-motorized boats are allowed. The surrounding granite walls and the lake’s crystal clear waters make for a stunning natural setting.
Lake Thompson
Lake Thompson, one of South Dakota’s largest natural lakes, was known as Dry Woods Lake by American Indians in the past. On its northeastern side, the Lake Thompson Recreation Area is open to the public all year round and offers a variety of amenities, including a beach, campsites, a playground, and more. Visitors can take in the beautiful lake views and have a picnic at one of the 45 miles of shoreline’s picnic sites.
The lake has a surface area of 16,236 acres and a depth of 26 feet. It is home to a variety of fish species, including sunfish, northern pike, walleye, black bullheads, and more, making it a popular destination for anglers. The primary draw for most visitors is the Lake Thompson Recreation Area, which offers five cottages, a playground, a water skiing beach, and 103 campsites.
Hiking enthusiasts can also explore a number of beautiful natural trails in the area.
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