You might not think of beaches when you picture South Dakota, but there are actually some fantastic beaches on the rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, the lakes in South Dakota are full of water sports, fishing, and of course, popular beaches.
What Are the Best Beaches in South Dakota?
- Sylvan Lake Beach
- Lewis & Clark Recreation Area Beach
- Newton Hills State Park
- Lake Vermillion Recreation Area
- Ravine Lake in Huron
- Stockade Lake Beach
- North Point Recreation Area
- Angostura State Recreation Area Beach
- Hartford Beach State Park
- Mina Lake Recreation Area Beach
What Are the Best South Dakota Beaches for RVers?
| Park | Campsite Options | Hookups & Amenities | RV Friendliness | Best For | Key Advantage |
| Sylvan Lake Beach (Custer State Park) | Campgrounds within the park with RV sites | Basic to partial hookups, restrooms, access to trails, lake activities, scenic setting | High; established campground options in a major park | Scenic camping, hiking, multi-day stays | Combines iconic Black Hills scenery with lake access and nearby major attractions |
| Lewis & Clark Recreation Area Beach | Three campgrounds with numerous campsites | Electric hookups, marina access, trails, restrooms, showers, boating amenities | Very high; large, well-developed camping area | Water recreation, boating trips, family camping | Extensive campground options with direct access to marina and beach |
| Lake Vermillion Recreation Area | Three campgrounds around the lake | Electric hookups, restrooms, showers, bait shop, watercraft rentals | Very high; multiple campgrounds | Fishing trips, relaxing lake stays | Strong mix of amenities and space, making it easy to camp right by the water |
Sylvan Lake Beach
Located in Custer State Park, Sylvan Lake is one of the park’s five lakes and is great for swimming. You can rent paddle boats to explore the water, and with a fishing license, you can fish in the lake. There are several hiking trails around the lake and throughout the park. There’s also camping, so you can stay a few nights to see everything.
Things to do near Sylvan Lake Beach
Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial are less than an hour drive away. Badlands National Park is less than a 70-mile drive. You’re in the Black Hills, so there’s plenty to explore in nature.
Lewis & Clark Recreation Area Beach
Lewis & Clark Recreation Area is a favorite for both locals and visitors. The sandy beaches are great for relaxing or swimming. Head to the marina for boat rentals and spend a day on the water. Multi-use trails are great for hiking and biking, and there are three campgrounds with plenty of campsites.
Things to do near Lewis & Clark Recreation Area Beach
Sioux Falls is about an hour and a half away, with plenty to do, see, and eat.
Newton Hills State Park
Newton Hills State Park offers camping, swimming, fishing, hiking, and boating. Lake Lakota has a swimming beach and a no-wake zone, making it ideal for swimming. Canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards are available to rent. With a South Dakota fishing license, you can fish for bass, panfish, catfish, and perch.
Things to do near Newton Hills State Park
The park is located 6 miles south of Canton and is less than an hour from Sioux Falls.
Lake Vermillion Recreation Area
This 512-acre reservoir is popular for swimming, boating, and fishing. The clear waters and sandy beaches make it a great place to cool off. Kayaks, paddle boats, and canoes are available to rent. Amenities include a bait shop, restrooms, showers, and three campgrounds.
Things to do near Lake Vermillion Recreation Area
The lake is about 30 miles west of Sioux Falls, and Newton Hills State Park is about an hour away.
Ravine Lake
Located in downtown Huron, Ravine Lake offers swimming, a sandy beach, and paddle boat or kayak rentals. Ravine Lake Park has mini golf, snacks, and relaxation areas. The lake is stocked with crappie, catfish, pike, walleye, and bullheads. A paved walking trail circles the lake and is less than a mile long.
Things to do near Ravine Lake
Explore Huron, or drive just over two hours east to Sioux Falls.
Stockade Lake Beach
Stockade Lake, the largest lake in Custer State Park, allows boating and has plenty of room for RVs. There’s a playground, swimming beach, and grassy picnic area. A scenic drive and hiking trail loop around the lake.
Things to do near Stockade Lake Beach
Badlands National Park is about 70 miles east. Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse are less than an hour away. Rapid City is also nearby.
North Point Recreation Area
Located along the Missouri River just north of Fort Randall, North Point Recreation Area is great for swimming and relaxing. There’s a playground, hiking and biking trails, and views of the “burning bluffs.” Campsites are available for overnight stays.
Things to do near North Point Recreation Area
Fort Randall Marina offers kayak and paddleboard rentals. Visit the dam or historic Fort Randall. Sioux Falls is about a two-hour drive east.
Angostura State Recreation Area Beach
The Angostura Reservoir has 36 miles of shoreline, making it ideal for water activities. The beach is great for swimming and relaxing. Amenities include volleyball courts, a 9-hole disc golf course, and canoe and kayak rentals. Fishing is popular for walleye, smallmouth bass, and crappie. There are four campgrounds.
Things to do near Angostura State Recreation Area Beach
Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore, and Crazy Horse Memorial are nearby. Badlands National Park and Rapid City are just over an hour away.
Hartford Beach State Park
Located along Big Stone Lake, Hartford Beach State Park is popular for fishing, swimming, and camping. Scenic bluffs and forest views surround the beach. Activities include a 9-hole disc golf course, lawn games, fishing pole rentals, and hiking trails.
Things to do near Hartford Beach State Park
Sioux Falls is just over two hours south, and Minneapolis is less than four hours east.
Mina Lake Recreation Area Beach
Mina Lake Recreation Area Beach is a popular spot for swimming, relaxing, volleyball, horseshoes, and hiking or biking. There are picnic areas and fishing piers. Campsites with electric hookups are available.
Things to do near Mina Lake Recreation Area Beach
Mina Lake is just outside Aberdeen, South Dakota, and makes a convenient stop when traveling through the state.
Planning an RV Trip to South Dakota
During your time in the state, be sure to visit the best state parks in South Dakota. You’ll also want to stay at the best campgrounds in the state.
