A Day Trip To This Little-Known South Dakota Lake Will Make Your Summer Complete

On a hot, summer day, the best thing to do is head for one of South Dakota's lakes, where you can cool of, relax and make summer memories that will last a lifetime. If you're gearing up for some summertime fun, you've got to check out this gorgeous lake.

You'll find Lake Kampeska just west of downtown Watertown. It's an iconic spot.

Artist Terry Redlin included Kampeska Lake in many of his paintings, and had fond childhood memories of fishing there. Other local artists also include the picturesque Kampeska Lake in their work.

Lake Kampeska is the perfect spot to spend a summer day.

With a surface area of 5,250 acres there's more than enough room for boating, waterskiing and other water sports.

The east side of the lake is a good place for kayaking and canoeing; there's a no-wake zone near Hidden Valley.

Fishing is another popular activity. Anglers can expect to find mainly walleye and smallmouth bass, but many other species inhabit the lake, too.

There's an old urban legend surrounding this lake.

The Creature of Kampeska is a lake monster who supposedly haunted these waters in the late 1800s. In 1888, picnickers were terrified when a 200-foot-long monster emerged out of the water right in front of them. The claims of the men who were there are a bit dubious, and it's thought that the tale was a publicity stunt to attract tourists and new residents to Watertown. Still, you might want to keep your eyes peeled - maybe you'll see the infamous creature!

At Sandy Shores Recreation Area, you'll find a sandy beach and campground where you can settle in for the night so that you can get back out there on the lake first thing in the morning.

17 campsites offer year-round camping, and the campground also has a boat ramp, vault toilets, playground, and picnic shelter. You can rent kayaks and fishing poles, too.

You can see how this lake has captured the imagination of artists and South Dakota outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Once you witness a sunset at Lake Kampeska, you'll never want to leave.

Ready to have more fun in South Dakota's lakes? Check out this water adventure that will bring out the explorer in you.