South Dakota is known both near and far for its landmarks, camping, and other outdoor recreational opportunities, but did you know that the Mount Rushmore State is also home to several can’t-miss beaches? It’s true! If you crave a little tropical getaway without the expensive price tag, check out one (or all!) of these 6 pristine hidden South Dakota beaches:
- Sylvan Lake (Custer County)
Trip Advisor/georgiatn Whether you dream of napping on the warm sand or splashing around in the cool water, there is no better place to be than Sylvan Lake! Located inside of Custer State Park, Sylvan Lake came to be in 1881 after a dam was built across the nearby Sunday Gulch, making it one of the most beautiful man-made lakes in the Midwest! Visit the official website of Custer State Park for more information.
2. Ravine Lake Park (Huron)
Putters & Scoops Facebook You say you want to go to easy street? Guess what? Ravine Lake Park is literally located along Easy Street in Huron! In addition to its relaxing name, Ravine Lake Park offers a tranquil experience complete with crystal-clear water, a sandy beach, and the Putters & Scoops ice cream shop. Find more information on Ravine Lake Park.
3. Brant Lake (Chester)
Google/Kevin Benson Arguably the most hidden and little-known of these beaches is the charming Brant Lake in Chester. Featuring everything from swimming and sunning to fishing and boating, Brant Lake is sure to be your one-stop-shop for all things outdoors this summer.
- Newton Hills State Park (Newton)
Newton Hills State Park Facebook There is more to the 1,063-acre Newton Hills State Park than just hiking, as evidenced by the gorgeous beach area! In addition to the great swimming, Newton Hills is also home to music festivals and other can’t-miss events that are sure to make your visit even more memorable. Here’s the official website of Newton Hills State Park.
5. Angostura and Sheps Canyon Recreation Areas (Hot Springs)
Angostura and Sheps Canyon Recreation Areas Facebook Everyone knows Hot Springs for Evans Plunge Mineral Springs, Mammoth Site, and Wind Cave, but until you have also taken a dip in the shining Angostura, you have yet to truly experience this wonderful town.
6. Oahe Downstream Recreation Area (Fort Pierre)
Oahe Downstream Recreation Area Facebook Last but certainly not least on our list of hidden South Dakota beaches is the Oahe Downstream Recreation Area in Fort Pierre, which has one of the largest beach areas in the state! What are you waiting for? Grab your blankets, umbrellas, chairs, and picnic baskets, and we will see you there! Visit the official website of Oahe Downstream Recreation Area for more information.
Which South Dakota beach is your favorite? What do you think are the best beaches in South Dakota? Let us know in the comments! For even more summertime fun in the Mount Rushmore State, check out these 5 Lazy River Summer Tubing Trips In South Dakota To Start Planning Now.
Trip Advisor/georgiatn
Whether you dream of napping on the warm sand or splashing around in the cool water, there is no better place to be than Sylvan Lake! Located inside of Custer State Park, Sylvan Lake came to be in 1881 after a dam was built across the nearby Sunday Gulch, making it one of the most beautiful man-made lakes in the Midwest! Visit the official website of Custer State Park for more information.
Putters & Scoops Facebook
You say you want to go to easy street? Guess what? Ravine Lake Park is literally located along Easy Street in Huron! In addition to its relaxing name, Ravine Lake Park offers a tranquil experience complete with crystal-clear water, a sandy beach, and the Putters & Scoops ice cream shop. Find more information on Ravine Lake Park.
Google/Kevin Benson
Arguably the most hidden and little-known of these beaches is the charming Brant Lake in Chester. Featuring everything from swimming and sunning to fishing and boating, Brant Lake is sure to be your one-stop-shop for all things outdoors this summer.
Newton Hills State Park Facebook
There is more to the 1,063-acre Newton Hills State Park than just hiking, as evidenced by the gorgeous beach area! In addition to the great swimming, Newton Hills is also home to music festivals and other can’t-miss events that are sure to make your visit even more memorable. Here’s the official website of Newton Hills State Park.
Angostura and Sheps Canyon Recreation Areas Facebook
Everyone knows Hot Springs for Evans Plunge Mineral Springs, Mammoth Site, and Wind Cave, but until you have also taken a dip in the shining Angostura, you have yet to truly experience this wonderful town.
Oahe Downstream Recreation Area Facebook
Last but certainly not least on our list of hidden South Dakota beaches is the Oahe Downstream Recreation Area in Fort Pierre, which has one of the largest beach areas in the state! What are you waiting for? Grab your blankets, umbrellas, chairs, and picnic baskets, and we will see you there! Visit the official website of Oahe Downstream Recreation Area for more information.
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Address: Oahe Dam Downsteam Fort Pierre Trail, Fort Pierre, SD 57532, USAAddress: Sylvan Lake, East Custer, SD 57730, USAAddress: Angostura Reservoir, Northeast Fall River, SD 57747, USAAddress: Brant Lake, SD 57016, USAAddress: Huron, SD 57350, USAAddress: Newton Hills State Park, 28767 482nd Ave, Canton, SD 57013, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Beaches In South Dakota April 07, 2022 Beth Price-Williams What are the best South Dakota beaches to visit? Most people probably wouldn’t associate South Dakota with beautiful sandy beaches, but oh how wrong they’d be. We’re so lucky to live in a state with such gorgeous landscape AND some beautiful beaches to while away our summer days. Some of the best beaches in South Dakota, in fact, include Newton Hills State Park. The sandy beach is perfect for a summer day; soak up the sun, go swimming, or enjoy a bit of boating. Build sandcastles at Lake Vermillion Recreation Area, a beautiful summer destination that’s perfect for the whole family. Relax on the banks of the Missouri River at North Point Recreation Area, a picturesque spot where you can sunbathe and swim. The beach also features flush toilets and showers. A day simply not enough? Camp out overnight. Are there any South Dakota beaches to visit? Summers in South Dakota are absolutely perfect. After all, we get to spend as much time as we want, and can, outdoors. One of the best ways to soak up all that summer has to offer is on a leisurely beach day, and we have no shortage of South Dakota beaches to visit. Bring all of your beach gear for a day at Lewis & Clark Lake. Spend some time soaking up the sun and making sandcastles before cooling off in the lake. Boating and sailing are also popular on the lake. Tucked right in the town of Huron, Ravine Lake makes it easy to get away and to relax on a hot summer day, and you’ll find a full list of amenities awaiting you. The highlight is, of course, the sandy beach, but the lake also features picnic tables and fishing docks. If you love jumping into the water, you’ll absolutely love Sylvan Lake Beach near Custer. The whole family can jump into the cool water from nearby cliffs.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Beaches In South Dakota
April 07, 2022
Beth Price-Williams
What are the best South Dakota beaches to visit? Most people probably wouldn’t associate South Dakota with beautiful sandy beaches, but oh how wrong they’d be. We’re so lucky to live in a state with such gorgeous landscape AND some beautiful beaches to while away our summer days. Some of the best beaches in South Dakota, in fact, include Newton Hills State Park. The sandy beach is perfect for a summer day; soak up the sun, go swimming, or enjoy a bit of boating. Build sandcastles at Lake Vermillion Recreation Area, a beautiful summer destination that’s perfect for the whole family. Relax on the banks of the Missouri River at North Point Recreation Area, a picturesque spot where you can sunbathe and swim. The beach also features flush toilets and showers. A day simply not enough? Camp out overnight. Are there any South Dakota beaches to visit? Summers in South Dakota are absolutely perfect. After all, we get to spend as much time as we want, and can, outdoors. One of the best ways to soak up all that summer has to offer is on a leisurely beach day, and we have no shortage of South Dakota beaches to visit. Bring all of your beach gear for a day at Lewis & Clark Lake. Spend some time soaking up the sun and making sandcastles before cooling off in the lake. Boating and sailing are also popular on the lake. Tucked right in the town of Huron, Ravine Lake makes it easy to get away and to relax on a hot summer day, and you’ll find a full list of amenities awaiting you. The highlight is, of course, the sandy beach, but the lake also features picnic tables and fishing docks. If you love jumping into the water, you’ll absolutely love Sylvan Lake Beach near Custer. The whole family can jump into the cool water from nearby cliffs.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Most people probably wouldn’t associate South Dakota with beautiful sandy beaches, but oh how wrong they’d be. We’re so lucky to live in a state with such gorgeous landscape AND some beautiful beaches to while away our summer days. Some of the best beaches in South Dakota, in fact, include Newton Hills State Park. The sandy beach is perfect for a summer day; soak up the sun, go swimming, or enjoy a bit of boating. Build sandcastles at Lake Vermillion Recreation Area, a beautiful summer destination that’s perfect for the whole family. Relax on the banks of the Missouri River at North Point Recreation Area, a picturesque spot where you can sunbathe and swim. The beach also features flush toilets and showers. A day simply not enough? Camp out overnight.
Are there any South Dakota beaches to visit?
Summers in South Dakota are absolutely perfect. After all, we get to spend as much time as we want, and can, outdoors. One of the best ways to soak up all that summer has to offer is on a leisurely beach day, and we have no shortage of South Dakota beaches to visit. Bring all of your beach gear for a day at Lewis & Clark Lake. Spend some time soaking up the sun and making sandcastles before cooling off in the lake. Boating and sailing are also popular on the lake. Tucked right in the town of Huron, Ravine Lake makes it easy to get away and to relax on a hot summer day, and you’ll find a full list of amenities awaiting you. The highlight is, of course, the sandy beach, but the lake also features picnic tables and fishing docks. If you love jumping into the water, you’ll absolutely love Sylvan Lake Beach near Custer. The whole family can jump into the cool water from nearby cliffs.
