If you are thinking of taking a road trip, you are in luck. South Dakota is home to some of the most incredible sights and attractions in the country, meaning you don’t have to go elsewhere to have a memorable experience. If you are planning a Mount Rushmore State staycation and road trip (or if you are from out-of-state and looking for unique ideas and suggestions), we recommend stopping at the brilliantly blue Pactola Lake:

Located in the Black Hills near Rapid City is Pactola Lake, the largest reservoir in the region!
DXR/Wikimedia Commons
Spanning 800 acres and featuring 14 miles of shoreline, Pactola Lake is SoDak's go-to for all things water fun thanks to its 150-foot depths that are also home to thousands of fish.
TripAdvisor/JinAbr
In addition to fishing, Pactola Lake is home to a sandy swim beach, along with boating, camping, hiking, overlooks, and picture-perfect picnic areas! 
TripAdvisor/JA699

Related Stories

The Natural Swimming Hole At Cascade Falls In South Dakota Will Take You Back To The Good Ole Days

The Natural Swimming Hole At Cascade Falls In South Dakota Will Take You Back To The Good Ole Days

 Few People Realize That The Scenic Big Stone Lake In South Dakota Is Also The Lowest Point In The State

Few People Realize That The Scenic Big Stone Lake In South Dakota Is Also The Lowest Point In The State

 The Small Moccasin Springs In South Dakota Is A Hidden Gem Worth Seeking Out

The Small Moccasin Springs In South Dakota Is A Hidden Gem Worth Seeking Out
Have you ever wanted to try your hand (and, well, the rest of your body) at scuba diving? You can do so at Pactola Lake, too!
Black Hills Aquatic Adventures Facebook
To learn more about scuba diving in Pactola Lake, please contact Black Hills Aquatic Adventures at (605) 791-1262.
Need we mention that Pactola Lake is one of the bluest and most beautiful bodies of water in South Dakota?
TripAdvisor/JA699
Admission to Pactola Lake is $6 per day, per vehicle, plus an additional fee for camping.
TripAdvisor/PNRao
To learn more about Pactola Lake and current conditions, please visit the U.S. Forest Service's website.
TripAdvisor/Deanne A

Did you know that Pactola Lake is not only brilliantly blue but also hiding an old ghost town within its waters? To learn more about this fascinating legend, read There’s An Underwater Ghost Town Hiding Under This Reservoir In South Dakota. Do you want to see your favorite SoDak restaurant or attraction featured on Only in South Dakota? You can nominate it here!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore South Dakota

Featured Addresses
Pactola Lake, West Pennington, SD 57702, USA