South Dakota State Parks

Whether you have a boat for boating and fishing in any of the many South Dakota State Parks, or are looking for a relaxing get-away, you'll discover our South Dakota State Park listings as the place to find just the right park for you and your family.  We have compiled all the state parks into one place for your convenience.

South Dakota State Parks has something for everyone: Boating, Fishing, Bicycling, Camping, Canoeing, Kayaking, Hiking, Swimming or just good relaxation.  Click on any of the links below to find the specific information on boat launching fees, camp reservations and information about the park.

All state parks are controlled and maintained by the State of South Dakota. They are clean, safe and well maintained by the state.


Listings

  • Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve

    Spanning 1,500 acres along the Missouri River, this area was donated to the people of South Dakota in 1984 by Mary and Maud Adams, granddaughters of original homesteader Stephen Searl Adams. They envisioned the area as a place where people, particularly youth, could enjoy the land and learn more about the natural world surrounding them. Mary and Maud wanted to give others a "place for inner renewal.

  • Angostura Recreation Area

    Angostura Reservoir is a water-lover's haven with breathtaking, scenic views. Offering crystal clear waters, 36 miles of shoreline, and some of the finest sandy beaches in the state, the area boasts many water sports and summer fun activities - camping, boating, fishing, and swimming.

  • Bear Butte State Park

    Mato Paha or "Bear Mountain" is the Lakota name given to this site. To the Cheyenne, it is "Noahvose." This geological formation is one of several intrusions of igneous rock in the Black Hills that formed millions of years ago. The mountain is sacred to many American Indian tribes who come here to hold religious ceremonies. Please be respectful of worshippers and their religious practices.

  • Beaver Creek Nature Area

    Developed to increase environmental awareness in visitors, Beaver Creek Nature Area highlights natural and historical resources in the vicinity. Pioneers named the creek for the numerous beaver they found along the winding spring-fed stream. The stream flows year-round, supplying the numerous plants and animals with water, and in turn, supplying visitors with opportunities to observe nature up-close.

  • Big Sioux Recreation Area

    Big Sioux Recreation Area lies on the banks of South Dakota's Big Sioux River. Close to the cities of Brandon and Sioux Falls, Big Sioux is popular among campers, canoers, history buffs and archers. When the snow flies, groups of snowmobilers gather at the enclosed warming house.

  • Big Stone Island Nature Area

    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 on a rocky island (Big Island). This island is now the 100-acre nature area.

  • Burke Lake Recreation Area

    Like an oasis on the prairie, Burke Lake Recreation Area sits next to a 25-acre lake which is surrounded by trees. Whether boating, kayaking or canoeing, visitors 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.

  • Buryanek Recreation Area

    Buryanek Recreation Area 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.

  • Chief White Crane Recreation Area

    With its 146 campsites and ten camping cabins, Chief White Crane is a great place for groups to gather to spend the weekend. Combined with its own facilities and the features of the other two state parks nearby, Lewis & Clark and Pierson Ranch, visitors can take advantage of a wide variety of recreation opportunities.

  • Cow Creek Recreation Area

    Water-lovers enjoy fishing, boating, or just watching the waves at Cow Creek. Both primitive shoreline camping and campground camping are available. The shoreline sites offer outstanding views of Oahe Resevoir while providing a great deal of privacy. Campsites in the campground have easy access to drinking water and restrooms/showers.

  • Custer State Park

    The clear mountain waters are inviting, and the open ranges are waiting to be discovered. Bring your family to Custer State Park, and let yourself run wild.

  • Farm Island Recreation Area

    Located east of Pierre, Farm Island attracts all types of visitors - campers, swimmers, hikers, anglers, bird watchers and bicyclists. With easy access to Lake Sharpe and popular beaches and trails, this park stays busy throughout the year. Additionally, the park has ties to the Lewis and Clark expedition, which is detailed in the Lewis and Clark family center.

  • Fisher Grove State Park

    The first crossing for the Watertown-to-Pierre stage line crossed the river here on American Indians' traditional rock river crossing. Belchers Ford, as the site was called, had a hotel for tourists. The park is named after Frank I. Fisher, the first permanent European settler in Spink County who lived at this site. A restored country school at the park reminds visitors of earlier times.

  • Fort Sisseton Historic State Park

    Named after the nearby Sisseton Indian Tribe, this historic fort is now a picturesque state park that unfolds the area's past. Walk the grounds where the officers' quarters, stone barracks, powder magazine, guard house, and other buildings that remain from time of the western frontier.

  • George S. Mickelson Trail

    Imagine a path where the ghosts of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane still roam; where bicyclists, hikers and horseback riders can explore spruce and ponderosa pine forests; and the very young, the very old and people of all abilities can enjoy.

  • Hartford Beach State Park

    Runoff from melting glaciers 10,000 years ago created the river Warren. A section of the river is known today as Big Stone Lake. Rugged rock-strewn bluffs and scenic timbered shorelines surround Hartford Beach.

  • Indian Creek Recreation Area

    The rolling hills and beautiful river views make Indian Creek 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.

  • LaFramboise Island Nature Area

    LaFramboise Island Nature Area is a unique area along the Missouri River. The island is covered in trees and meadows, which are home to a variety of wildlife and bird species. Additionally, the island is mentioned in the Lewis and Clark journals as they passed through the area in 1804.

  • Lake Alvin Recreation Area

    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 Sioux Falls and Newton Hills State Park make it a great place to enjoy a day on the beach.

  • Lake Cochrane Recreation Area

    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 Herman State Park

    Melting glacial ice formed this 1,350-acre lake thousands of years ago. Lake Herman State Park is located on a peninsula and offers visitors spectacular views of Lake Herman. Camping, boating, fishing, and cross country skiing are favorite activities at the park. Observe wildlife in the native oak woodlands and prairie grasses that inhabitat a variety of birds and animals.

  • Lake Hiddenwood Recreation Area

    Melting glaciers carved the valley of Hiddenwood Creek. Traditionally, this area was home for several American Indian tribes. Early explorers crossed this area on their way between Big Stone Lake and the Rocky Mountains. The first European settlers named the area because no trees were visible on the vast prairie until they reached the crest of the hills overlooking the valley. In 1927, the Department of Game and Fish used a new technique called an earthen dam to make Lake Hiddenwood, one of the first artificial lakes in South Dakota.

  • Lake Louise Recreation Area

    Lake Louise was made in 1932, when the south fork of Wolf Creek was dammed. Water depth in this 164-acre impoundment averages nine feet, with a maximum depth of 25 feet. Anglers and hunters come to this area for its abundant game. The park is located in the heart of pheasant and duck country.

  • Lake Poinsett Recreation Area

    One of the largest lakes in the state, Lake Poinsett was named after Joel Poinsett who served as U.S. Secretary of War. He was instrumental in promoting the expedition of Joseph Nicollet and John Fremont who first explored the region in 1838. The party camped on the north side of Lake Poinsett. Today, the lakeshore still provides excellent camping opportunities, as well as many other recreational activities.

  • Lake Thompson Recreation Area

    Originally called Dry Woods Lake by American Indians, the lake was renamed for Jacob Thompson, Secretary of the Interior under President James Buchanan. In the 1930s, the lake was completely dry and used for pasture. In the 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. The lake is so distinct it was designated as a National Natural Landmark.

  • Lake Vermillion Recreation Area

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

  • Lewis and Clark Recreation Area

    Lewis and Clark Lake, near Yankton, is one of the state park system's most popular resort parks. Three separate campgrounds comprise this modern recreation area, attracting visitors from throughout the Midwest. Modern resort facilities - from marinas to camping cabins to sandy beaches - attract water lovers to Lewis and Clark.

  • Little Moreau Recreation Area

    Originally Big Owl and Little Owl rivers, the sheltered watersheds of the Moreau and Little Moreau Rivers provided traditional winter campgrounds for the Cheyenne, and later the Minneconjou and Two Kettle bands of Teton Sioux. The river names were later changed from Owl to an early trader's name of Moreau. Grassland attracted the first European settlers to the Moreau Valley. During the late 1870s through 1890s, cattle barons from southern states grazed thousands of cattle on this rich grassland.

  • Llewellyn Johns Recreation Area

    A small, get-away park, Llewellyn Johns' ten campsites offer a quiet camping experience. Nearby Shadehill Recreation Area offers recreational opportunities as well as points of historical interest to keep you busy all day. Or, if you prefer peace and quiet, this is a great campground to just sit back and relax.

  • Mina Lake Recreation Area

    Nestled along the wooded shores of Mina Lake, Mina Recreation Area 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 provide hours of family fun.

  • Newton Hills State Park

    Newton Hills State Park was named after William Newton who settled in the area in the 1850s. Newton's wife was a mid-wife; until the 1870s, she was the only European American north of Vermillion who could deliver babies and cure the sick.

  • North Point Recreation Area

    Located on the shores of the Missouri River just above Fort Randall Dam, North Point Recreation Area 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.

  • North Wheeler Recreation Area

    This small, quiet park is a great get-away for those seeking to relax. And, if your idea of relaxation involves a fishing pole, North Wheeler aims to please. With lake access between Pease Creek and Platte Creek, visitors can spend their days on the water and their night relaxing in the campground.

  • Oahe Downstream Recreation Area

    The park's three campgrounds give visitors a variety of recreational opportunities, from boating to hiking to disc golf. 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

    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

    Scenic rolling hills, wide expanses of prairie, and one of the most outstanding vistas along the Missouri River await those who love the outdoors. 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.

  • Palisades State Park

    Palisades State Park is one of the most unique areas in South Dakota. Split Rock Creek, which flows through the park, is lined with Sioux quartzite formations varying from shelves several feet above the water to 50-foot vertical cliffs. Scenic overlooks and rushing water make Palisades a popular getaway. The park is popular among campers, photographers, sightseers, picnickers, rock climbers and hikers.

  • Pease Creek Recreation Area

    With almost 600 acres to explore and easy access to the Missouri River's Lake Francis Case for great fishing, Pease Creek is a popular day use and camping park. The wooded terrain provides shaded campsites and hiking opportunities on the bluffs above Lake Francis Case.

  • Pelican Lake Recreation Area

    Naturalists enjoy the migrating birds and vast numbers of prairie grasses and wildflowers at Pelican Lake Recreation Area. Winter enthusiasts appreciate the park's cross-country ski trails, snowshoeing and ice fishing.

  • Pickerel Lake Recreation Area

    Visitors to colonial dorchester state historic site are walking into a rare look at a remarkably preserved past.

  • Pierson Ranch Recreation Area

    Right off Highway 52, the park provides easy access to picnic shelters and campsites. In addition, the large day-use area serves as an excellent facility for hosting family reunions and large group picnics.

  • Platte Creek Recreation Area

    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 enjoy natural features similar to those at Snake Creek, but from a quieter campground with similar amenities.

  • Randall Creek Recreation Area

    Randall Creek Recreation Area is located on the banks of the Missouri River, downstream from Fort Randall Dam. Spend hours peacefully watching the water flow, observing the animals and birds that frequent the area, and enjoying he breathtaking beauty of the surrounding shoreline.

  • Revheim Bay Recreation Area

    Revheim Bay Recreation Area is a day-use park with four picnic shelters, a playground, an off-highway vehicle area, two sets of horseshoe pits, and a sand volleyball court. The picnic shelters range in size from large groups to small families. The park is a great place to hold a family reunion, company picnic, or to spend a relaxing day.

  • Richmond Lake Recreation Area

    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.

  • Rocky Point Recreation Area

    Rocky Point Recreation Area is located on the 8,000-acre Belle Fourche Reservoir. The reservior was created in 1911, when Orman Dam was constructed to store water for agricultural use. At the time of its completion, Orman Dam was the largest earthen dam in the world. In 1989, Orman Dam was designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.

  • Roughlock Falls Nature Area

    The Roughlock Falls Nature Area is located in Spearfish Canyon and is considered one of the most beautiful locations in the Black Hills. The water feeding Roughlock Falls flows into Spearfish Canyon from Little Spearfish Creek. Spearfish Canyon highlights an outdoor wonder that is impressive and unique to the Black Hills.

  • Roy Lake State Park

    Roy Lake is known for its excellent 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.

  • Sandy Shore Recreation Area

    On the banks of Lake Kampeska, Sandy Shore Recreation Area offers just that ... a long, sandy beach. The beach is a great place to enjoy Lake Kampeska, which is a glacial lake named for its clear water. Early homesteaders settled along the shores of the lake.

  • Shadehill Recreation Area

    Nestled on the shores of Shadehill Reservoir, Shadehill Recreation Area offers opportunities 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 to enjoy.

  • Sica Hollow State Park

    The Hollow's first Indian visitors named it "Sica," (pronounced she-cha) meaning evil or bad. Eerie Sioux legends recall mysterious happenings here. Along the Trail of the Spirits, you'll see gurgling reddish bogs, which Indians saw as the blood and flesh of their ancestors. Indian lore gives new meaning to Sica's streams, rustic bridges, waterfalls, and wildflowers. An interpretive guide is available to bring these legends to life.

  • Snake Creek Recreation Area

    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.

  • Spirit Mound Historic Prairie

    August 25, 1804, was a stiflingly hot day when members of the Lewis & Clark Corps of Discovery visited Spirit Mound. They came to the site because they had heard that little people with big heads inhabited the mound. At the mound the expedition didn't find any little people, but did find a "most butifull landscape."

  • Spring Creek Recreation Area

    A day-use park, Spring Creek offers water-lovers access to the Oahe Reservoir. The lake has more than 2,000 miles of shoreline and its clear waters are ideal for boating, sailing, fishing, water skiing and diving. Campers, history buffs, mountain bikers and hikers will find new adventures in this rugged land first explored by Lewis and Clark.

  • Springfield Recreation Area

    Springfield Recreation Area is nestled along the shore with breathtaking views of the Missouri River. Adjacent to the park overlooking the river is a beautiful nine-hole golf course, and a bike trail connects the park to the town of Springfield.

  • Swan Creek Recreation Area

    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. Swan Creek is one of the SD state parks along the Lewis and Clark Trail.

  • Union Grove State Park

    Rich glacial soils support a lush growth of native woods in this hidden treasure. Horseback riders, hikers, bikers and cross-country skiers enjoy several miles of trail through the forest along Brule Creek. The trees and plants attract a variety of birds sure to keep botanists and birdwatchers entertained for hours. Campers enjoy the quiet well-shaded campsites, and the horse camp is the perfect base for a weekend of riding.

  • Walker's Point Recreation Area

    Tucked along the shore of Lake Madison, this small but complete park meets the many needs of campers, anglers and boaters. Campsites offer picturesque views of the 2,800-acre lake, while anglers enjoy both on- and off-shore fishing.

  • West Bend Recreation Area

    Excellent walleye and small mouth bass fishing is supported by a relatively stable lake level and cool water temperatures. With most fishing done from boats, the protected marina offers convenient boat launching, regardless of the wind direction. In the autumn, hunters use this as a base camp to hunt pheasants and Canada geese.

  • West Pollock Recreation Area

    Anglers enjoy this recreation area as a prime location to stay when fishing for walleyes and an abundance of other Lake Oahe fish. The boat ramp provides easy access to the water. In the fall, pheasant, grouse and waterfowl hunters come to camp.

  • West Whitlock Recreation Area

    A popular campsite for the Arikara and Mandan people in the past, West Whitlock now draws modern-day campers and fishermen to its shores. When the area became a park, it was named for Mrs. J.F. Whitlock, whose pioneering family once owned the land. Whitlock Crossing was the name given to a small settlement that operated a ferry across the river near the area.