Located in the heart of the USA, South Dakota is a beautiful state blessed with rugged natural beauty and several scenic attractions. From rolling prairies, Badlands, deep underground caves, and lush green woodlands, to charming lakes, South Dakota boasts a diverse landscape that greets nature-lovers to explore the state. Visiting unique Badlands National Park offers you an opportunity to click dramatic vistas of rock formation, soaring spires, and steep canyons, and explore the Fossil Exhibit Trail. Also, South Dakota is home to the spectacular Black Hills National Forest, where you can spot incredible wildlife at the gorge of Spearfish Canyon and marvel at breathtaking Roughlock Falls. Because of this, several lake cabin rentals in South Dakota are found all over the place to accommodate tourists while they explore this nature’s masterpiece. While planning for places to visit during your trip, check out these beautiful lakes in South Dakota.
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1. Iron Creek Lake, Spearfish
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Iron Creek Lake on Thursday, September 16, 2021
Get stunned by the sight of Iron Creek Lake, which was built in the 1930s and is located in an undeveloped area of the magnificent Black Hills. The environment is calm and family friendly, making it an ideal location for a waterside picnic.
You can try your luck at fishing, plan a camping trip, or go on a hiking excursion and explore several picturesque nature routes on the way. Take advantage of the lake’s many recreational opportunities to make the most out of your day.
Iron Creek Lake
Address: Spearfish, SD, United States
Website: Iron Creek Lake
2. Lakota Lake, East Custer
Located in the southeast of Keystone, South Dakota, Lakota Lake serves scenic views for your picnics with family and friends. For adventure lovers, there are trails around the lake where you can hike or ride some horses. You can also bring along some kayaks and fishing rods to fully enjoy your lake experience.
Motorized watercraft are not allowed on the lake, making it serene and peaceful. With its calm environment, Lakota Lake can also be a romantic place for couple dates.
Lakota Lake
Address: East Custer, SD 57751, USA
Website: Lakota Lake
3. Horse Thief Lake, Keystone
A lake in Pennington County, Horse Thief Lake is the closest to Mount Rushmore. It has a campground adjacent to the lake that can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs. If you are looking for a place to spend a fun and relaxing time and engage in activities like hiking, horseback riding, and biking, you’ve come to the right place.
There are also plenty of sites where you can have picnics with your family and pets. Some areas around the lake allow dogs to be off the leash, so your furry pals can also enjoy.
Horse Thief Lake
Address: Keystone, SD, United States
Website: Horse Thief Lake
4. Pickerel Lake, Day County
Located in Day County, South Dakota, Pickerel Lake is famous for its cool, spring-fed waters. With an area of 955 acres (386.48 hectares), it is the deepest natural lake in the state. If you are looking for a place where you can swim, fish, and relax, Pickerel Lake would be the best choice.
It is a hidden gem in South Dakota that is complete with campgrounds, hiking trails, and picnic sites. There are also some swimming beaches where you can watch beautiful sunsets.
Pickerel Lake
Address: Day County, South Dakota
Website: Pickerel Lake
South Dakota Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of... Read more
Tours by Stephanie
5. Pelican Lake, Watertown
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Beautiful view from the Pelican boat ramp tonight!
Posted by Pelican Lake, Sandy Shore and Lake Cochrane Recreation Areas on Saturday, March 14, 2020
The Pelican Lake got its name from the pelican, a migratory bird that became a regular visitor of the lake together with geese and ducks. It is famous for its rich grasslands and mixed hardwood forests, making it a great place for hiking, camping, and picnicking. You can also enjoy water activities such as fishing, boating, swimming, and water skiing.
Being an all-season attraction, people also visit the lake to enjoy ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. For a bird’s-eye view of the area, there is an observation tower along with one of the hiking trails.
Pelican Lake
Address: Watertown, SD, United States
Website: Pelican Lake
6. Lewis and Clark Lake, South Dakota and Nebraska border
Straddling the border of South Dakota and Nebraska on the enchanting Missouri River, Lewis and Clark Lake is a huge and beautiful waterbody that greets nature-lovers. This 31,400-acre (12707.12-hectare) lake is famous for its sprawling coast of 140 kilometers (86.99 miles). Enjoy the fun of watersports and fishing. Also, if you are a birder, you can spot various lovely birds. The spectacular surrounding region of this pleasant lake dates back to the era of 3000 B.C. to 5000 B.C. Go for a hiking or biking excursion and have a refreshing break.
Lewis and Clark Lake
Address: South Dakota, USA
Website: Lewis and Clark Lake
7. Lake Thompson, Kingsbury County
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Be amazed by the sight of one of the largest lakes in South Dakota; the beautiful Lake Thompson, which developed during the glacier age. It spans over 16,236 acres (6570.47 hectares) and offers you a perfect spot to enjoy picnicking by the water. If you are fond of fishing, try your hands at catching a fish. Plan a camping excursion as you will find good camping facilities. If you love hiking, go for a hiking tour and explore various scenic nature trails. Have fun by taking part in various recreational activities at the lake.
Lake Thompson
Address: South Dakota, USA
Website: Lake Thompson
8. Lake Sharpe, Central South Dakota
Make your excursion in South Dakota more pleasant by visiting Lake Sharpe. Being one of the biggest lakes in the state, it resembles more of a river than a general lake. Lake Sharpe is abundant in walleye, a kind of fish, so much so that people caught about 160,000 walleyes in 1997. If you love boating, get a boat ramp available here and go for a boating excursion. Have fun picnicking and explore various picturesque waterfront trails.
Lake Sharpe
Address: South Dakota, USA
Website: Lake Sharpe
9. Lake Poinsett, Arlington
Plan a picnic with your family and friends at Lake Poinsett when you are holidaying in South Dakota. It’s one of the biggest lakes in the state and it is named honoring the USA’s Secretary of War, who is famous as Joel Poinsett. A trip to this charming lake offers you a plethora of fun-filled activities to make it an enjoyable experience for you. If you love water activities, go for a boating excursion and enjoy swimming in the pleasant waters. If you are a golfer, play a game of golf near the enchanting lake.
Lake Poinsett
Address: South Dakota, USA
Website: Lake Poinsett
10. Pactola Lake, West Pennington
Explore the biggest lake in the scenic Black Hills of South Dakota by planning an excursion to Pactola Lake. This picturesque lake is about 1,419 meters (4656 feet) high above the sea level, and the lush green forest and magnificent mountains in the surroundings adorn it. Do not miss the thrill of water skiing and cliff diving. Also, have fun kayaking in the pleasant waters of the lake. Explore the underwater world by going scuba diving. Wildlife enthusiasts will be amazed to spot wildlife in the wilderness that surrounds the water.
Pactola Lake
Address: West Pennington, SD 57702, USA
Website: Pactola Lake
11. Enemy Swim Lake, Waubay Township
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Enemy Swim Lake is a spellbinding lake in South Dakota that greets you to spend a pleasant time and experience the serenity. It derives this name from the incident where the locals crossed the lake by swimming to escape their enemies. It is present on the Lake Traverse Indian Reservation in the glacial lake area of the state. The lake has a variety of fishes, such as the yellow perch, largemouth bass, walleye, black crappie, bluegill, and many more. So, fishing is quite famous here. If you wish to enjoy the camping fun, choose a camping ground and settle back amid scenic nature. Also, enjoy swimming in the southwest corner of the Enemy Swim Lake.
Enemy Swim Lake
Address: Waubay Township, SD 57273, USA
Website: Enemy Swim Lake
12. Lake Francis Case, South-Central South Dakota
Are you looking for a refreshing sabbatical amid the enchanting nature? Plan a trip to Lake Francis Case, a big and beautiful lake in South Dakota. The Fort Randall Dam, which impounds this captivating lake, is home to a massive number of golden and bald eagles. Watch the majestic flying bird closely while you camp near the lake. Also, you can enjoy a plethora of exciting activities, such as water skiing, fishing, swimming, hiking, and boating.
Lake Francis Case
Address: South Dakota, USA
Website: Lake Francis Case
13. Sheridan Lake, Mount Rushmore UT
A visit to Sheridan Lake gifts you one of the best lakes in South Dakota. The lake houses plenty of fish and offers you a great opportunity to enjoy fishing here. In winter, you can go ice fishing. Also, find the biggest campground in the Black Hills National Forest on the south coast of Sheridan Lake. Get all your camping supplies and have fun camping in this serene area beside the lake.
Sheridan Lake
Address: Mount Rushmore UT, SD 57702, USA
Website: Sheridan Lake
Price: 6 USD
14. Big Stone Lake, South Dakota and Minnesota border
Creating a border between South Dakota and Minnesota, Big Stone Lake is a charming lake that invites you to spend a lovely time in the natural setting. This freshwater lake offers you tranquil lakeside camping areas to enjoy the fun of camping. Also, as it houses several fishes, this is a fantastic site to try your hands at fishing. Birders can get their binoculars and spot beautiful birds flying in the surroundings.
Big Stone Lake
Address: South Dakota, United States
Website: Big Stone Lake
Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)
15. Sylvan Lake, East Custer
Nestled in the spectacular Black Hills area, Sylvan is another gorgeous lake in South Dakota that you should visit. Get a boat rental and sail on the pleasant waters of the lake. Adventure-seekers can enjoy the thrill of rock climbing and fun of swimming. Also, have an enjoyable time picnicking and hiking in the scenic nature.
Sylvan Lake
Address: East Custer, SD 57730, USA
A relaxing lakeside excursion
South Dakota is a fantastic travel destination to explore. It boasts a countless number of beautiful lakes that attract plenty of visitors for a refreshing vacation. So, make sure that you visit all these beautiful lakes and experience awesome things to do in South Dakota.
Frequently asked questions about lakes in South Dakota
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