U.S. Destinations : South Dakota : Boating & Sailing
South Dakota
Boating & Sailing

Angostura Recreation Area
South Dakota

Angostura Reservoir is a water-lover’s haven in the southern Black Hills. With plenty of room for boating, fishing and swimming, this recreation area attracts visitors to its clear waters and natural sand beaches. The dam was built in 1949 by the Bureau of Reclamation across the Cheyenne River for irrigation purposes but paved the way for recreation. The word “angostura” is Spanish for “narrows.”

Big Stone Island Nature Area
South Dakota

An 1823 expedition led by Major Stephan Long and geologist William Keating explored the Big Stone Lake region. Shortly after entering present-day South Dakota, they met an American Indian village. Keating wrote in his journal that "The village ... consisted of 30 skin lodges... This permanent residence is on a rocky island (Big Island) ... they cultivate their cornfields secure against aggression of their enemies. "This island is now the 100-acre nature area.

Burke Lake Recreation Area
South Dakota

Like an oasis on the prairie, this area has a 25-acre lake which is surrounded by trees. Whether boating, sailing or canoeing, visitors will enjoy this lake that averages only eight feet in depth. Native and introduced prairie grasses and wildflowers abound in the 206-acre park, and wildlife of all kinds inhabit this unique area.

Indian Creek Recreation Area
South Dakota

The rolling hills and beautiful river views make this park an excellent place to camp picnic and explore. Park visitors will find new adventure in this rugged land explored by Lewis and Clark in 1804. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, cowboys used the area to fatten thousands of cattle for shipment south.

Lake Alvin Recreation Area
South Dakota

Although small in size, Lake Alvin has become a very popular area. This 59-acre park is best known for its beach facilities and excellent fishing. Its proximity to both Sioux Falls and Newton Hills State Park make it a great place to enjoy a day on the beach.

Lake Cochrane Recreation Area
South Dakota

Nestled between Lake Cochrane and Lake Oliver is an 88-acre playground for campers, anglers, boaters and those who simply enjoy the outdoors. Both the quality of the park and the clear, spring-fed lake bring people to this area. Lake Cochrane was named for the area’s first homesteader, Byron J. Cochrane, who settled on the south side of the lake in 1872. The area’s rich farmlands and attractive setting soon attracted other homesteaders.

Lake Thompson Recreation Area
South Dakota

Originally called Dry Woods Lake by American Indians, the lake was renamed for Jacob Thompson, Secretary of the Interior under President James Buchanan. The lake is mentioned as Twin Lakes in many of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books, including By the Shores of Silver Lake and The Long Winter. In the 1930s, the lake was completely dry and used for pasture. In 1980s, the area was a 9,000-acre marsh. Heavy rains and snowmelt in the mid 80s filled the lake to over 20 feet deep and now covers 18,000 acres in Kingsbury County. The lake is so distinct it was designated as a National Natural Landmark.

Lake Vermillion Recreation Area
South Dakota

Known for its clear waters and abundant fish, Lake Vermillion Recreation Area has become a popular area among fishermen, boaters and swimmers. During the fall, sportsmen can find waterfowl and upland game within minutes from the park, making it an ideal hunting camp. This 512-acre reservoir is located 27 miles west of Sioux Falls.

Mina Lake Recreation Area
South Dakota

Nestled along the wooded shores of Mina Lake, Mina Recreation Area is is a water-lover's haven with plenty of room for boating, fishing and swimming. When you leave the water, a spacious campground, hiking trail, and several picnic areas will provide hours of family fun.

North Point Recreation Area
South Dakota

Located on the shores of the Missouri River, just above Fort Randall Dam, the park provides a spectacular river view. Lewis and Clark came up the river in late-August, early-September in 1804. In this area, they saw their first prairie dogs, which they called "barking squirrels." They were also told to watch for an infrequent phenomenon called "burning bluffs," where the shale ignites and smokes.

Oahe Downstream Recreation Area
South Dakota

The park's three campgrounds give visitors a variety of recreational opportunities, from boating to hiking to disc golf. During the winter, bird watchers can view bald eagles, which roost in the treetops below the dam. The Corps of Engineers began building the dam in 1948 and in 1962 started generating electricity. It's one of the largest constructed reservoirs in the United States, measuring 231 miles connecting the capital cities of South Dakota and North Dakota.

Oakwood Lakes State Park
South Dakota

Nestled among eight connecting glacial lakes, this park provides a never-ending variety of activities throughout the year, from hiking and swimming, to ice fishing and cross-country skiing. Shaded campgrounds and picnic areas complement the park’s excellent swimming and boating facilities.

Okobojo Point Recreation Area
South Dakota

Scenic rolling hills, wide expanses of prairie, and one of the most outstanding vistas along the Missouri River await those who love the outdoors. Spend a day, a weekend or week relaxing in this quiet, scenic, almost wilderness area. The miles of sandy beach invite park visitors to play in the water, enjoy a volleyball game, try some shore fishing and walk near the river wave.

Platte Creek Recreation Area
South Dakota

Fishing and water recreation draws a quieter crowd to Platte Creek Recreation Area to enjoy Lake Francis Case on the Missouri River. Visitors to Platte Creek RA enjoy natural features similar to those at Snake Creek RA, but from a quieter campground with similar amenities.

Richmond Lake Recreation Area
South Dakota

Three separate areas in this park cater to the needs of campers, swimmers, naturalists, boaters and anglers. Campers stay in the South Unit, while the 200-acre Forest Drive Unit is a great place for wildlife viewing. The Boat Ramp Unit provides access to the more than 1,000-acre lake.

Roy Lake State Park
South Dakota

Roy Lake is known for its excellent walleye, bass, panfish, and pike fishing, but you don't have to be an angler to enjoy all this park has to offer. Visitors will find sandy beaches, campgrounds, picnic areas, boat ramps and a variety of trails to keep them busy. A resort offers conveniences like groceries and bait, as well as boat rentals and cabins to enhance your stay.

Shadehill Recreation Area
South Dakota

Nestled on the shores of Shadehill Reservoir, the park offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy land- and water-based activities. The reservoir is one of western South Dakota’s few large lakes. The dam, built in 1951 by the Bureau of Reclamation, creates more than 5,000 surface acres of water creating fun for everyone.

Snake Creek Recreation Area
South Dakota

Lake Francis Case draws visitors to Snake Creek Recreation Area. The park is popular with boaters and anglers, as well those looking for scenic beauty along the Missouri River. History buffs will enjoy knowing that the Lewis and Clark expedition traveled through the area, where they were told to watch for "burning bluffs" along the river.

Spring Creek Recreation Area
South Dakota

A day use park, Spring Creek offers water-lovers access to the Oahe Reservoir. Fishermen try to snag walleye, sauger, northern pike and more, both off shore and from boat. Others just listen to the waves as they crash along the shore.

Swan Creek Recreation Area
South Dakota

Situated on the rolling prairie bluffs, the east and west campgrounds provide anglers the opportunity to stay overnight. Two ramps offer access to Lake Oahe for boating and fishing fun.

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