This Underrated South Dakota Lake Will Become Your New Favorite Summer Destination

We love South Dakota's diverse natural beauty, from the lush, green Black Hills National Forest to the imposing, colorful Badlands National Park. Near the southwest corner of the state, you'll find a gorgeous lake and recreation area. It's a popular spot, but it's impossible to fully appreciate the stunning beauty of this place until you spend some time there. Take a look!

Angostura Recreation Area is just 10 miles south of Hot Springs, right on the banks of Angostura Reservoir.

Angostura Reservoir was created in 1949 when the Cheyenne River was dammed. It's one of the largest reservoirs in the state, covering 4,407 acres. The lake is 75 deep at its deepest, with an average depth of 29 feet.

The clear, cool waters of this lake beckon those who wish to go fishing, boating or just lounging on its shores. There's 36 miles of shoreline here, including several sandy beaches.

Four campgrounds offer a total of 169 campsites. Sites are just $15/night for non-electrical; $19 for electrical. Click here for a map of the campgrounds.

Many of the sites are located on the waterfront, so you can set up camp right on the banks and enjoy an incredible scenic vista.

Take a ride along the paved bike trail. It's 3.6 miles, one way, and offers some great lake views and slightly hilly terrain.

Enjoy some relaxation on the beach, or rent a kayak or canoe to explore the lake.

Drop a line and see if you can catch your dinner. This lake is brimming with fish, including walleye, smallmouth bass, crappie, northern pike, perch and bluegill.

Enjoy a gorgeous sunset...

...then gather around the campfire and tell tall tales, make some s'mores and enjoy the night air - you'll never want to leave!

Have you visited Angostura Lake? Tell us all about your adventures there!