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Glide Paddle Boards Guide on Where to Paddle Board in South Dakota.

Glide Paddle Boards Guide on Where to Paddle Board in South Dakota.

South Dakota may not be the first state that comes to mind when it comes to water sports, but that doesn't mean there aren't great spots to go paddle boarding. From quiet lakes to scenic rivers, there are plenty of places in South Dakota where you can enjoy the calm waters while getting a great workout. Here are some of the best places to paddle board in South Dakota.

Key Highlights

  1. Pactola Reservoir: A serene spot west of Rapid City, surrounded by the Black Hills with over 1,200 acres of water perfect for paddle boarding and wildlife viewing.

  2. Sheridan Lake: Offers a peaceful setting within the Black Hills, ideal for exploring bays and catching sight of Harney Peak.

  3. Deerfield Lake: Nestled in the Black Hills National Forest, it provides over 400 acres of pristine waters for an immersive paddle boarding experience.

  4. Lake Madison: A southeastern hotspot with 2,000 acres of water, offering islands, inlets, and fishing opportunities.

  5. Missouri River: Experience the longest river in the U.S. with paddle boarding through historical landmarks and abundant wildlife.

  6. Lake Kampeska: Near Watertown, it's known for its vast water surface and recreational possibilities.

  7. Lewis and Clark Lake: A large reservoir on the South Dakota-Nebraska border, offering stunning bluff views and diverse wildlife.

  8. Big Sioux River: A river adventure through eastern South Dakota, perfect for wildlife spotting and serene paddle boarding.

  9. Sylvan Lake: Located in Custer State Park, this lake offers breathtaking scenery and crystal-clear waters.

  10. Lake Oahe: The fourth-largest reservoir in the U.S., providing a unique opportunity to explore vast waters and enjoy fishing.

  11. Angostura Reservoir: In the southwestern region, known for its stunning landscapes and excellent fishing spots.

  12. Lake Alvin: Near Sioux Falls, this smaller lake is perfect for a peaceful paddle boarding experience amidst nature.

  13. Shadehill Reservoir: Offers over 2,000 acres of water in northwestern South Dakota, surrounded by rolling hills.

  14. Lake Poinsett: In northeastern South Dakota, it's surrounded by farmland, providing a tranquil setting for paddle boarders and fishermen.

  15. Lake Francis Case and Lake Sharpe: Both located on the Missouri River, offering extensive waterways for paddle boarding and fishing amidst beautiful hills.

  1. Pactola Reservoir.

    Located just 15 miles west of Rapid City, Pactola Reservoir is a popular spot for outdoor recreation. The reservoir offers over 1,200 acres of water and is surrounded by the beautiful Black Hills National Forest. Paddle boarding on Pactola Reservoir offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and an opportunity to see wildlife such as bald eagles, deer, and mountain goats. The reservoir also has several small islands to explore.

  2. Sheridan Lake.

    Also located in the Black Hills, Sheridan Lake is another great spot for paddle boarding. With over 375 acres of water, the lake offers a peaceful setting surrounded by towering pine trees. Paddle boarders can also take in the stunning views of Harney Peak, the highest point in South Dakota. Sheridan Lake has several small bays and coves to explore, and anglers will appreciate the opportunity to catch trout, bass, and other fish.

  3. Deerfield Lake.

    Located in the Black Hills National Forest, Deerfield Lake offers over 400 acres of water for paddle boarding and other water sports. The lake is surrounded by forest and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills. Paddle boarders can also explore the lake's many inlets and coves.

  4. Lake Madison.

    Located in southeastern South Dakota, Lake Madison is a popular spot for water sports. With over 2,000 acres of water, the lake offers plenty of space for paddle boarders to explore. Lake Madison also has several islands and inlets to explore, as well as sandy beaches for picnicking and sunbathing. Anglers will appreciate the opportunity to catch walleye, perch, and other fish.

  5. Missouri River.

    The Missouri River is the longest river in the United States, and it runs through several states including South Dakota. Paddle boarding on the Missouri River is a unique experience, offering a chance to see historic landmarks such as the Lewis and Clark Trail and the St. Charles Rock Road. The Missouri River is also home to a variety of wildlife including eagles, deer, and beavers.

  6. Lake Kampeska.

    Located near Watertown in northeastern South Dakota, Lake Kampeska is a popular spot for fishing and water sports. With over 5,000 acres of water, the lake offers plenty of space for paddle boarders to explore. Lake Kampeska also has several bays and coves to explore, as well as sandy beaches for picnicking and sunbathing.

  7. Lewis and Clark Lake.

    Located on the border between South Dakota and Nebraska, Lewis and Clark Lake is a large reservoir that offers over 30,000 acres of water. Paddle boarding on Lewis and Clark Lake offers stunning views of the surrounding bluffs and an opportunity to see wildlife such as eagles, osprey, and pelicans. The lake also has several islands and coves to explore.

  8. Big Sioux River.

    Glide Paddle Boards and Inflatable Paddle Boards get you where you want to go!

    The Big Sioux River runs through eastern South Dakota and is a popular spot for kayaking and canoeing. Paddle boarding on the Big Sioux River offers a unique perspective of the river, as well as an opportunity to see wildlife such as beavers, muskrats, and various bird species. The river also offers several access points and camping areas for multi-day trips.

  1. Sylvan Lake.

    Located in Custer State Park, Sylvan Lake is a stunningly beautiful spot for paddle boarding. The lake is surrounded by granite cliffs and offers crystal clear water, making it a popular spot for swimming as well. Paddle boarders can also explore the lake's many small islands and inlets.

  2. Lake Oahe.

    Lake Oahe is a massive reservoir that stretches over 200 miles along the Missouri River in South Dakota. With over 370,000 acres of water, Lake Oahe is the fourth-largest reservoir in the United States. Paddle boarding on Lake Oahe offers a unique opportunity to explore this vast body of water and take in the stunning views of the surrounding bluffs and rolling hills. The lake is also home to several species of fish, including walleye, bass, and catfish.

  3. Angostura Reservoir.

    Located in the southwestern part of the state, Angostura Reservoir offers over 4,000 acres of water for paddle boarding and other water sports. The reservoir is surrounded by the Black Hills and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Angostura Reservoir is also a popular spot for fishing, with anglers catching walleye, smallmouth bass, and crappie.

  4. Lake Alvin.

    Located near Sioux Falls, Lake Alvin is a small lake that offers a peaceful setting for paddle boarding. The lake is surrounded by trees and offers clear water, making it a popular spot for swimming as well. Paddle boarders can also explore the lake's many inlets and coves.

  5. Shadehill Reservoir.

    Located in northwestern South Dakota, Shadehill Reservoir offers over 2,000 acres of water for paddle boarding and other water sports. The reservoir is surrounded by rolling hills and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Shadehill Reservoir is also a popular spot for fishing, with anglers catching walleye, northern pike, and crappie.

  6. Lake Poinsett.

    Located in northeastern South Dakota, Lake Poinsett offers over 7,000 acres of water for paddle boarding and other water sports. The lake is surrounded by farmland and offers a peaceful setting for paddle boarders. Lake Poinsett is also a popular spot for fishing, with anglers catching walleye, northern pike, and perch.

  7. Lake Francis Case.

    Located on the Missouri River in central South Dakota, Lake Francis Case offers over 100 miles of water for paddle boarding and other water activity's. The lake is surrounded by rolling hills and offers gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape. Lake Francis Case is also a popular spot for fishing, with anglers catching walleye, bass, and catfish.

  8. Lake Sharpe.

    Also located on the Missouri River in central South Dakota, Lake Sharpe offers over 80 miles of water for paddle boarding and other water sports. The lake is surrounded by rolling hills and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Lake Sharpe is also a popular spot for fishing, with anglers catching walleye, bass, and catfish.

In conclusion, South Dakota offers plenty of opportunities for paddle boarding enthusiasts to explore and enjoy the state's beautiful waterways. Whether you're looking for a peaceful lake or a scenic river, South Dakota has something to offer. So grab your paddle board and head out to one of these great spots for an unforgettable experience on the water, including Deerfield Lake and Lake Madison. South Dakota has endless opportunities for stand-up paddleboarding with many beautiful parks and nature to enjoy on an exciting and fun adventure through the state.