*Strenuous- The '76 Trail in Spearfish Canyon offers a steep and challenging hike, climbing over 1,000 feet in just 3/4 of a mile, and rewards hikers with panoramic views and a sense of seclusion. Limited to foot traffic only, the trail ensures an undisturbed natural experience. Hikers are encouraged to park at the nearby Roughlock Falls Nature Area due to limited parking at the trailhead.

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 Native American tribes who come here to hold religious ceremonies. The park is located near Sturgis in western South Dakota and offers hiking, camping, fishing and boating opportunities.

Big Stone Island, also known as Kite Island, is a 100-acre nature area near Milbank. Come experience the area discovered during an 1823 expedition led by Major Stephan Long and geologist William Keating as they explored the Big Stone Lake region. Shortly after entering present-day South Dakota, they met a Native American village on a rocky island (Big Island). Accessible only by boat, canoe or kayak, the area is a natural refuge for a variety of birds & wildlife.

Encompassing nearly 600,000 acres, the diversity of plants and animals in Buffalo Gap National Grassland is something to be celebrated. Wander to enjoy rolling prairie, woodland areas, and the rugged Badlands. Being so large means that crowds aren’t a concern, allowing visitors to take in the fresh air and gorgeous views as they head any direction they want. In nearby Wall, check out the National Grasslands Visitor Center to learn more about this unique ecosystem.

Not far from Burke, Buryanek Recreation Area is popular with boaters, anglers and anyone 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. Enjoy the recreation area perfect for camping, boating, fishing, swimming and fishing.

Located east of Pierre in central South Dakota, 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.

The first river crossing for the Watertown-to-Pierre Stage Line was here on Native Americans’ traditional rock river crossing. The park is named after Frank I. Fisher, the first permanent European settler in Spink County who lived at this site. Belchers Ford, as the site was called, once had a hotel for tourists. Today, visitors can enjoy this state park’s fishing, canoeing, kayaking, camping and picnicking options.

Flume Trail, located near Sheridan Lake, is an 11-mile trail with a three-mile loop available to hikers. The historic Flume Trail takes you back in time to the mining boom of the 1880s. The Rockerville Flume carried water east 20 miles from Spring Creek west of present-day Sheridan Lake. The flume operated until 1885, enabling miners to mine more than $20 million in gold. The trail follows the actual flume bed for much of its length. Along the way, you’ll see historic artifacts and parts of the flume itself.

The history of Fort Sisseton stretches back more than 130 years, when a series of forts were established in eastern Dakota Territory under the direction of Maj. Gen. John Pope. While in operation, the soldiers stationed at the fort ensured safe passage for settlers, surveyors, and others into the Dakota Territory. In 1959, the fort was designated a State Historical Park. This 1864 frontier army outpost has 14 of the original buildings still intact. Come see Fort Sisseton, where you can view the history and interpretive displays at the Visitor Center open daily from Open House Weekend (May) through September. In addition, camping is available year-round, with outside recreation found throughout the historic state park.

Southeast of Sioux Falls, Good Earth State Park is an important cultural and historical site as well as a unique nature retreat adjacent to the most developed and populated part of the state. The site itself is one of the oldest sites of long-term human habitation in the United States. The most recent addition the state park system, Good Earth offers prime opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, picnicking and snowshoeing.

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. This popular camping and picnic area is nestled along Big Stone Lake in the shade of a native wooded forest. Visitors enjoy camping, fishing, swimming, volleyball, horseshoes and more outdoor activities.

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. Indian Creek Recreation Area offers more than 2.5 miles of hiking and biking trails. Along any of the three trails, you can spot a variety of wildlife, from deer, raccoons, beavers, and bull snakes to turkeys, pheasants and orchard orioles.

Spend an afternoon soaking up the sun on this area’s beautiful sandy beach before or after going for a swim or boating/jet ski excursion on the northeast edge of Carthage. Fish for largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, pike, walleye and more from shore or boat. And the first-come, first-served campsites? They’re chock full of amenities while only ranging in price from $11 (tent site) to $15 (camper hookups). It all combines to make this a logical spot for loads of fun.

Melting glacial ice formed this 1,350-acre lake thousands of years ago. Lake Herman State Park is located on a peninsula, offering 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 inhabited by a variety of birds and animals. Canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals are available, as well as fishing pole checkouts.

Pactola Reservoir, located 15 miles west of Rapid City, is the largest and deepest reservoir in the Black Hills National Forest. The reservoir complex includes an 88-unit campground, a group campground, swim beach, picnic areas, two boat launches, and trails. The Pactola Visitor Center is also located on the south side of the dam and provides visitors with information about the area, including information on the area’s submerged town.

Because the lake was originally dry and used for pasture, Native Americans called it Dry Woods Lake. In the 1980s, the area was a 9,000-acre marsh. Heavy rains and snowmelt in the mid-80s made the lake more than 20 feet deep. The lake is so distinct it was designated as a National Natural Landmark. Today, Lake Thompson Recreation Area near De Smet offers biking, boating, canoeing, fishing, hiking, kayaking and swimming options for visitors.

Mina Lake Recreation Area in Mina provides many recreational opportunities including fishing, boating, camping, hiking, picnicking, and hunting. The recreation area offers 37 electric sites, one camping cabin, and a rental lodge. Amenities available during the day includes a beach, picnic shelter, playground, horseshoe pit, volleyball court and a hiking/biking trail. The boat ramp and handicap-accessible fishing piers are located near the day-use area, providing a chance to catch crappie, walleye, northern pike, bass and bullheads.

Nestled among eight connecting glacial lakes northwest of Brookings, Oakwood Lakes State 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. The park has a horse camp and a disc golf course, as well as equipment checkouts and rentals for games, canoes, kayaks, fishing poles and snowshoes.

Discover the Osprey Trail, where you'll be immersed in the natural beauty of Pactola Lake and its remarkable osprey population. The 2.2 mile trail includes two loop trails and a spur trail to an incredible overlook. This trail, ideal for hiking and bicycling, offers scenic views and a chance to spot ospreys, also known as fish hawks, as they perform their impressive diving techniques.
Access the trailhead by traveling west on Highway 44 from Rapid City, turning south onto Highway 385, and then following signs past the Pactola Visitor’s Center to the end of the campground facility.

Just outside of Garretson, 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.

Noted for its cool, spring-fed waters, Pickerel Lake is one of the deepest natural lakes in the state. Visit the area near Grenville to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including boating, canoeing, hiking, biking, basketball, volleyball and stargazing. Campgrounds and camping cabins are also available at Pickerel Lake Recreation Area.

Right off Highway 52 in southeastern South Dakota near Yankton, Pierson Ranch Recreation Area provides easy access to picnic shelters and campsites. The large day-use area serves as an excellent facility for hosting family reunions and large groups. Located between Chief White Crane and Lewis & Clark Recreation Areas, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of recreation opportunities in all three parks. Facilities include a playground, picnic shelter, tennis/pickleball court and disc golf course.

Just outside of Aberdeen, Richmond Lake Recreation Area provides numerous outdoor recreational opportunities. The south unit has a 24-site campground, a camping cabin, beach, picnic areas, playground, boat ramp and 3.2 mile multiuse trail. The Forest Drive unit has a scenic drive, multiuse trails, warming shelter, and an 18-hole disc golf course. Archery deer hunting is allowed (during season). The warming shelter is a trailhead for the local snowmobile trail. Cross-country ski trails are groomed during the winter.

Rocky Point Recreation Area is located on the 8,000-acre Belle Fourche Reservoir. The reservoir 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. The campground has 62 campsites and two camping cabins. Facilities include a beach, a boat ramp, fish cleaning stations, a picnic shelter and a playground. Nature Day Camps are offered in the summer.

The Roughlock Falls Nature Area is located in Spearfish Canyon and considered one of the most beautiful locations in the Black Hills. The water feeding Roughlock Falls flows into Spearfish Canyon from Little Spearfish Creek. Roughlock Falls is spectacular to view and photograph. Designated walking paths and hiking trails provide the opportunity to explore the area. Bird watching, wildlife viewing, fishing and picnicking can all be enjoyed in the nature 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. It’s also home to a monument dedicated to legendary fur trapper and frontiersman Hugh Glass, who survived a grizzly bear attack in the area in 1823.

Nestled along Sheps Canyon Bay, Sheps Canyon Campground is the newest campground at Angostura Recreation Area. It offers great access to the boat ramp and excellent shore fishing opportunities. There’s also a group lodge suited for 12 and a new equestrian campground and trails. Sheps Canyon Recreation Area is in the southern Black Hills of western South Dakota, near Hot Springs.

Located 15 miles northwest of Sisseton in the northeastern corner of South Dakota, Sica Hollow State Park is a place filled with rugged beauty and ancient mysteries. The park, part of the Prairie Coteau Hills, offers a wide variety of year-round activities and is the source of many eerie Native American legends. Hiking, camping and horseback riding are all enjoyed in this scenic park.

Hidden in northwest South Dakota, this small and stunning forest is part of Custer Gallatin National Forest. The “Slim” part comes from buttes that are never more than a few miles wide, even though they tower 300 to 400 feet above the landscape. Amidst a sea of prairie, the Castles National Landmark area suddenly opens into a cavernous oasis of grass, ponderosa pine, and rock formations that can catch even the most experienced traveler off-guard in all the best ways. It’s an ideal place for a hike or scenic drive, and you have camping options that include Castles National Landmark and Reva Gap Campground.

Springfield Recreation Area is nestled along the shore with breathtaking views of the Missouri River in southeastern South Dakota. 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. Facilities include 20 campsites, two camping cabins, a fishing dock, a boat ramp, a picnic shelter and a playground.

Located in the southeastern part of the state south of Sioux Falls and near Beresford, this hidden treasure has a lush growth of native woods. 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.

Tucked along the shore of Lake Madison, this small but complete park meets the many needs of campers, anglers and boaters. The 43 campsites and two camping cabins offer picturesque views of the 2,800-acre lake, while anglers enjoy both on- and off-shore fishing. Facilities include a boat ramp, ski beach, playground and a fishing cleaning station.

Anglers enjoy the West Pollock Recreation Area as a prime location to stay when fishing for walleye and an abundance of other Lake Oahe fish, including smallmouth bass, white bass, northern pike and perch. The boat ramp provides easy access to the water. In the fall, pheasant, grouse and waterfowl hunters come to camp. There are 29 campsites at the campground, as well as a boat ramp and a fish cleaning station.

A popular campsite for the Arikara and Mandan people of the past, West Whitlock now draws modern-day campers and fishermen to its shores. The replica of an Arikara earth lodge found in the park is a reminder of the many lodges that the Lewis and Clark Expedition saw as they traveled this area. West Whitlock Recreation Area offers camping cabins, campsites and group picnic shelters to those that visit.