When it comes to South Dakota lakes, most folks think the state’s all about Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park. But after two decades of exploring the Midwest’s hidden gems, I’m here to tell you that South Dakota’s best lakes offer world-class fishing, pristine camping, and outdoor adventures that rival anything you’ll find in Colorado or Minnesota.
From Lake Oahe’s legendary walleye fishing to Sylvan Lake’s granite boulder scenery in Custer State Park, these five top South Dakota lakes represent the absolute cream of the crop for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re planning a South Dakota fishing trip, looking for family-friendly camping destinations, or seeking that perfect Instagram-worthy mountain lake, this local guide covers everything you need to know.
What makes these South Dakota lakes special? Crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and kayaking, world-class walleye and northern pike fishing, campgrounds that won’t break the bank, and hiking trails that most tourists never discover. Plus, I’ll share my hard-earned gear recommendations and insider tips from fifteen years of fishing these waters.
Ready to discover why serious anglers and outdoor adventurers are adding South Dakota lake destinations to their bucket lists? Let’s dive into the five lakes that’ll change how you think about Midwest outdoor recreation.
1. Lake Oahe – The Big Kahuna
Sweet mother of pearl, this lake is massive. We’re talking 370,000 acres of prime real estate stretching clear up into North Dakota. I’ve been fishing Oahe for fifteen years, and I still discover new spots every time I’m out there. The walleye fishing? Absolutely legendary. I’ve pulled stringers here that’d make a Minnesota guide weep with envy.
But here’s the thing about Oahe—it’s not just a fishing lake. You want to camp? They’ve got campgrounds that’ll spoil you rotten. Need to launch your boat? Ramps everywhere. Want to stretch your legs? Miles of hiking trails that most people never even know exist.
Gear I Never Hit Oahe Without:
- Quality fish finder – Trust me, you’ll want a Humminbird Helix 7 or similar. The bottom structure changes constantly, and without electronics, you’re just throwing darts in the dark.
- Heavy-duty tackle box – I swear by my Plano 3700 series boxes. Oahe will test every piece of gear you own.
Don’t Miss: That dam tour near Pierre. Most folks blow right past it, but the engineering is incredible, and the views from up there will give you a whole new perspective on this monster lake.
2. Sylvan Lake – The Mountain Jewel
Now this little beauty will mess with your head. You’re driving through South Dakota prairie, and suddenly you’re looking at what seems like a lake straight out of the Rockies. Granite boulders the size of houses, crystal-clear water, pine trees everywhere—it’s like Mother Nature was showing off.
Sylvan’s small, maybe 15 acres on a good day, but don’t let that fool you. Some of my most peaceful moments in thirty years of hiking have been sitting on those granite slabs with a cup of coffee, watching the sunrise paint those Needles formations.
Trail Gear Essentials:
- Lightweight daypack – My Osprey Talon 22 has been to Sylvan more times than I can count. Perfect size for a day hike to Black Elk Peak.
- Portable camp chair – Those granite rocks are pretty, but they’re not comfortable. A Helinox Chair Zero weighs nothing and makes all the difference.
Pro Tip: Get there early. I’m talking sunrise early. Once the tour buses start rolling in, the magic gets a little diluted.
3. Lake Thompson – The Sleeper Hit
Here’s a lake with a story. Back in the ’80s, what used to be a marsh filled up during a wet spell and just… stayed that way. Now it’s one of the biggest natural lakes in the state, and most people have never heard of it.
Thompson’s got this laid-back vibe that I absolutely love. No fancy resorts, no crowds, just good fishing, decent camping, and enough elbow room to actually relax. The walleye and northern pike fishing can get downright stupid-good, especially in the spring.
Lake Thompson Loadout:
- Versatile rod setup – I bring my St. Croix Premier spinning rod in 7-foot medium-heavy. Handles everything from walleye to northerns.
- Reliable cooler – My YETI Tundra 65 keeps the beer cold and the fish fresh for the whole weekend.
Fun Fact: You’re right in Laura Ingalls Wilder country here. The wife dragged me to the historical sites once, and I’ll admit—pretty cool stuff if you’re into that sort of thing.
4. Lewis and Clark Lake – The Family Favorite
Down in Yankton country, Lewis and Clark Lake is what I call a “gateway lake.” It’s got everything a family needs—sandy beaches for the kids, marinas with all the amenities, hiking trails that won’t kill grandpa, and fishing that’ll keep dad happy.
The Missouri River creates some interesting structure here, and if you know how to read the water, you can find some serious fish. Plus, the Lewis and Clark Recreation Area is hands-down one of the best-managed parks in the state.
Family Trip Must-Haves:
- Portable shade – Sport-Brella XL saves the day when you’ve got kids who burn like vampires.
- Multi-person kayak – The Lifetime Tioga 12ft tandem kayak has survived three kids and countless lake adventures.
Heads Up: Summer weekends get busy here. Real busy. Book your campsite early, or you’ll be sleeping in your truck.
5. Lake Sharpe – The Overlooked Gem
Everyone talks about Oahe, but Sharpe is where the smart money goes. Eighty miles of varied shoreline, from prairie bluffs to wooded coves, and some of the most consistent walleye fishing in the Missouri River system.
What I love about Sharpe is how it changes personality as you move along it. One minute you’re fishing deep water off granite bluffs, the next you’re working shallow flats in a protected bay. It keeps you on your toes.
Sharpe Specialists:
- Depth finder with GPS – Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv helps you mark those productive spots for return trips.
- Quality rain gear – Weather changes fast on these big waters. My Grundens Neptune jacket has saved more fishing trips than I can count.
Local Secret: Farm Island Recreation Area near Pierre. Most folks blow right past it, but it’s got some of the best shore fishing access on the entire lake system.
The Bottom Line
Listen, I’ve fished from Ontario to Texas, hiked trails from the Appalachians to the Cascades, and I’m telling you straight—South Dakota’s lakes can hold their own with anybody’s. They might not have the marketing budget of the tourist traps, but they’ve got something better: genuine, unfiltered outdoor experiences that’ll remind you why you started loving the outdoors in the first place.
Don’t just drive through South Dakota looking for the next photo op. Stop. Wet a line. Take a hike. Sit on a lakeshore with a cold one and watch the sunset paint the water. These lakes aren’t going anywhere, but your excuses for not visiting them are running out.
Pack the truck, grab the gear, and I’ll see you on the water.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. When you purchase gear through these links, it helps support more outdoor adventures and honest gear reviews. I only recommend equipment I’ve personally used and trust on the trail and water.
