Water Activities

The larger Pactola Reservoir and Sheridan Lake offer a variety of water activities, including waterskiing, fishing, boating, kayaking and more. Marinas at these two locations also offer slip and boat rentals, launch sites, food service, fishing licenses, and boating and fishing supplies. The marinas have fairly consistent operational seasons, but factors such as weather and reservoir water levels can cause dates to change. Smaller bodies of water on the forest include Deerfield Reservoir, Horsethief, and Bismark Lakes, which allow small-motor (trolling) boats, but "no wake" rules are enforced. 

Individuals wishing specific marina information may contact the marinas at the following numbers:

• Pactola Marina- (605) 343-4283
• Sheridan Marina- (605)574-2169

Reservoir water levels and boat ramp data can be found on the Bureau of Reclamation website for Pactola and Deerfield Reservoirs:  http://www.usbr.gov/gp/boat/.

See also "Does my watercraft need a decontamination" (by SD Game, Fish & Parks)

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Recreation Opportunities

Boating - Motorized (6)

Boating - Non-Motorized (14)

Swimming (10)

Waterskiing (2)

Showing: 1 - 10 of 19 results

Bismark Lake

Ideal FishingBismark Lake is set amidst a scattering of aspen groves and Ponderosa pine. This is a great place for visitors seeking recreation and relaxation in the Black Hills National Forest. The…

Black Elk Wilderness & Norbeck Wildlife Preserve

Black Elk Wilderness is located in in the center of the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve & was designated as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System by Congress in 1980.Within the heart of the…

Cook Lake Recreation Area

Recreation and RelaxationSituated in a heavily forested area, Cook Lake offers a little something for everyone. A campground close to the lake is in a peaceful setting for guests seeking recreation…

Dalton Lake

Historic AreaDalton Lake is approximately a 2.8 acre lake on Little Elk Creek. The upstream watershed drains about 2,000 acres. The lake is about 15 feet deep. The Forest Service and South Dakota…

Deerfield Cove Boat Launch

Site Open

The Deerfield Cove Boat Launch is located at Dutchman Campground at Deerfield Reservoir.When temperatures drop and before the lakes freeze over, boat docks on the forest are removed for the winter.…

Horsethief Lake

Horsethief LakeHorsethief Lake is located near Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Fishing, especially ice fishing, is popular at this lake. Dredging operations were completed a few years ago to clean…

J.H. Keith Cascade Falls Picnic Area

The J.H. Keith Cascade Falls Picnic Area has eight picnic sites located near the Falls. Restroom facilities are available.

J.H. Keith Cascade Springs Picnic Area

The J.H. Keith Cascade Springs Picnic Area has eight picnic sites located near the warm spring. Restroom facilities are available.

Jenny Gulch Picnic Area Fishing Access

Jenny Gulch Picnic Area Fishing Access has three picnic tables located at an inlet on the west side of Pactola Reservoir. There is a small hand launch for small watercraft.

Lakota Lake

Lakota Lake is located southeast of Keystone, SD, on US Highway 16A (Iron Mountain Road), within the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve. It is a small, non-motorized lake and a popular destination for fishing…