The Top 20 Lakes in South Dakota
Looking to visit the best lakes in South Dakota? After all, there’s nothing better than the serenity of the lakeshore — or a quick dip when the weather’s warm. So, browse our list of South Dakota’s top lakes below as recommended by the komoot community, and experience more on your next adventure!
Last updated: December 12, 2025
Sylvan Lake
Highlight • Lake
Sylvan Lake is a popular destination to enjoy the wilderness. You can take a hike around the picturesque lake with unique smoothly shaped rock formations or climb up to Black Elk Peak – South Dakota's highest point.
Tip by
Dakota Nature Park
Highlight • Natural
Dakota Nature Park aims to have as light of an impact on the land as possible, which means visitor get to enjoy serenity and solitude when visiting the park.
The …
The …
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Horsethief Lake Campground
Highlight • Rest Area
Horsethief Lake Campground is a beautiful lakeside spot nestled among towering ponderosa and lodgepole pines in the central Black Hills. It’s especially popular with families and travelers seeking a peaceful …
Tip by
Lake Mitchell
Highlight • Lake
Lake Mitchell is a man-made reservoir that was built in 1928. It used to supply drinking water for the town of Mitchell, but due to a degradation of water quality, …
Tip by
Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground
Highlight • Rest Area
Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground is a popular lakeside spot with direct access to the south boat ramp and the Flume Trail, and it is an excellent base for fishing, …
Tip by
Legion Lake
Highlight • Lake
Legion Lake is part of Custer State Park in South Dakota. There is a campground and a lodge right next to the lake. The Legion Lake Trail goes around the …
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sheridan Lake
Highlight • Lake
This beautiful dam lake was built in 1939 on the course of the Spring River. It owes its name to Philip Sheridan. A career officer in the American army, the …
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
The Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve Trail is a crushed-limestone trail for cyclists and walkers. The trail passes through beautiful wooded landscape around Mud Lake and the Missouri River and is a popular spot for bird spotting.
Tip by
Center Lake Dam
Highlight • Monument
When hiking around Center Lake, you will find yourself right next to Center Lake Dam at about the halfway point. From here you have the perfect view over the lake …
Tip by
Canyon Lake
Highlight • Lake
Canyon Lake is situated inside the park of the same name and is the main highlight. There is a nice walking trail around the lake, and you will find several shelters and picnic spots to take a rest.
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes in South Dakota.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Other adventures in South Dakota
Most popular attractions in South Dakota
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures around London and beyond.
Didn’t find what you were looking for?
Find the best lakes in South Dakota per region:
Explore more
Still not found your perfect lake in South Dakota? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
CaliforniaNew YorkColoradoMassachusettsWyomingIllinoisMinnesotaWashingtonMaineAppalachian MountainsSan FranciscoNew JerseyTexasOregonFloridaNevadaNew HampshireAlaskaWisconsinVirginiaMarylandNorth CarolinaArizonaMichiganGeorgiaSouth CarolinaPennsylvaniaConnecticutUtahHawaiiIndianaOhioMontanaVermontIdahoRhode IslandTennesseeOklahomaMissouriAlabamaLouisianaDelawareArkansasNew MexicoIowaSan FranciscoKansasMississippiNebraskaKentuckyMonroe CountyHawaiʻi CountyWest VirginiaNorth DakotaHonolulu CountyMaui CountyWashington D.CDistrict Of Columbia
Get ready to conquer new peaks
Sign up for Free