Best Waterways in South Dakota

Trying to find the best waterways in South Dakota? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

South Dakota, Pennington County

03 :02 hrs
6.7 mi
5.199829 ft
I

This 780 acre lake is the largest and deepest water body in the Black Hills area at about 150 feet in depth. The southern access begins starts at the Pactola Campground off Custer Gulch Road. Brown and Rainbow trout, along with largemouth bass are primary found while fishing here. There is a $5 vehicle day use fee, and rentals are available at the full service marina store on the northern side of the reservoir.

2

South Dakota, Marshall County

03 :16 hrs
7.3 mi
2.9365234 ft
I

Located in Marshall County, this 2,000 acre waterbody has about 4 miles of shoreline and an average depth of 10 feet. Large burial mounds were once a part of the lake's history, and then the Roy family built a settlement and planted crops along the lakeshore. Roy Lake State Park is now a popular fishing spot where visitors will be able to enjoy sandy beaches, picnic areas, boat ramps, shoreline trails, and camping. The resort also offers cabins and condos, along with fising trips and rentals. There is a $6 day use fee required for each vehicle.

3

South Dakota, Pennington County

03 :18 hrs
7.3 mi
10.0998535 ft
I

Pactola Reservoir is the largest and deepest water body in the Black Hills area. This route starts at the Pactola North boat launch area, which is located off highway 385 and about 15 miles west of Rapid City. The marina is considered a heavily used area, especially on the weekends. There is a $5 vehicle day use fee, and rentals are available at the full service marina store.

4

South Dakota, Sully County

02 :42 hrs
6 mi
10.929962 ft
I

Okobojo point is located northwest of Pierre, and is accessed off SD 1804 to 194th Street. Visitors are offered some of the best views of the Missouri River and its surroundings. The shoreline has one of the longest sandy beaches on Lake Oahe, giving plenty of land and water activities for the whole family. Not only is there a beach, but there are also campsites, a picnic shelter, a boat ramp, drinking water, and toilets. There is a $6 day use fee required for each vehicle.

5

South Dakota, Sully County

01 :59 hrs
4.4 mi
5.502716 ft
I

The Oahe Dam on the Missouri River results in a large reservoir that begins in central South Dakota and continues north into North Dakota. West Bend Recreation Area offers a protected marina with easy boat launching for all watercrafts. There are also a lot services and facilities that accommodate for several land and water activities. Walleye, northern pike, catfish and chinook salmon are primarily stocked in the lake. There is also a $6 day use fee required for each vehicle.

6

South Dakota, Custer County

00 :14 hrs
0.5 mi
4.2608643 ft
I

Located in Custer State Park, Legion Lake is quite a gem for only having a water surface of 9 acres and a 1/2 mile shoreline. It is absolutely astonishing to be able to glide through the still water and to be able to see the reflections of ponderosa pines and large rock walls. Campsites, fishing docks, cabins, a gift shop, and a restaurant lodge facilitate the area. A $15 Custer State Park entrance fee is required for each vehicle.

7

South Dakota, Custer County

00 :26 hrs
1 mi
8.02002 ft
I

Sylvan Lake is located 7 miles up on Sylvan Lake road Custer, and is within the Custer State Park boundary. In 1881, a dam was built across Sunday Gulch to create the body of water. The scenery is absolutely amazing with evergreens and granite formations surrounding the shoreline. You'll also be entertained to have a chance to see bison, pronghorn, big horn sheep, mountain goats, deer, eagles, and other wildlife. A $15 park entrance fee is required for each vehicle, and a campground is located down the road.

8

South Dakota, Brookings County

01 :57 hrs
4.3 mi
3.696289 ft
I

Oakwood Lakes State Park has eight combined glacial lakes and offers almost every kind of land and water activity for the whole family. The park used to be a summer camp gathering place for American Indians, but was later developed after 1869. A variety of trails and shaded trees cover much of the shoreline, and there are a lot of waterfowl, turtles and other wildlife sightings near Scout Island. A $6 day use fee is required for each vehicle, and there are canoe and kayak rentals available.

9

South Dakota, Mitchell

00 :54 hrs
2 mi
0.8779297 ft
I

Lake Mitchell is a fairly large 870 acre waterbody with about 10 miles of shoreline and an average depth of 12 feet. There are multiple launching areas around the lake, along with residential development and thick forests along the shoreline. The southwest access point is near the campground and has probably the best boat launch at the lake. The lake is popular for fishing and has a lot of wildlife viewing opportunities. Also, be aware of possible algae outbreaks on the water during hot and dry weather conditions.

10

Nebraska, Cherry County

00 :35 hrs
1.3 mi
4.930542 ft
I

This wildlife refuge is home to multiple species of bird and other indigenous creatures. Approximately 30 water bodies dot the area and allow man-powered paddling vessels only. Sport fishing is available on lakes Watts, Rice, Duck, West Long, Hackberry, Dewey, Pelican, Clear, and Willow - also granting access to water crafts with outboard electric motors. Hunting is allowed as well. The landscape is vast and isolated, exhibiting the rolling hills of Nebraskan prairie. Access to and within the refuge can prove difficult since many of the lakes can only be accessed by foot or 4WD vehicles, so plan accordingly.

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