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Deerfield Reservoir Complex
Deerfield Reservoir is located 20 miles west of Hill City, SD. The Bureau of Reclamation manages the dam and water. Castle Creek flows into and out of the reservoir and provides additional fishing opportunities. Ice fishing, snowmobiling and ice skating are popular winter sports here. The complex has three campgrounds, two picnic areas and the Deerfield Lake Loop Trail (Trail #40L).
There are two boat launch areas; one at Dutchmen Campground (south side) and one at Custer Trails. Please note: The Custer Trails boat dock is not placed as the dock sustained extensive damage from wind and other elements. Gravel has been laid at this location and boats can still be launched there, however, sandals and/or footwear that can get wet is recommended.
Travel on the reservoir is limited to five miles per hour and there is a no-wake restriction which provides for peaceful fishing and boating experiences.
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/
Fish Your National Forests: This site can be accessed by Passenger Car; Fish available include: Trout; Types of fishing available include: Shore, Motorized boat, Float tube, Spin, Ice; Boat Launch available
At a Glance
| Fees: | $5/vehicle/day day use; campground fees vary |
|---|---|
| Closest Towns: | Hill City, SD |
| Operated By: | Forest Recreation Management |
General Information
Directions: Take highway 17 west of Hill City 20 miles to Deerfield Reservoir; a dead end 3 mile road, FSR 607 is the first access you have to Dutchman Campground and boat ramp off Highway 17; continue on past this road a mile or two and you will come to Whitetail Loop; a campground and 2 picnic areas are on this loop.Activities
Mountain Biking
Recreation areas with activity Mountain Biking:- Deerfield Lake Loop Trailheads (Trail #40L)
- Custer Trail Trailhead
- Gold Run Trailhead
- North Shore Trailhead
- Deerfield Trailheads (Trail #40)
- Deer Creek Trailhead
- Dougherty Trailhead
- Kinney Canyon Trailhead
- Silver City Trailhead
Deerfield Trail #40. The Deerfield Trail is 18 miles in length, and connects Deerfield Lake with Rapid Creek and Pactola Reservoir. In addition to great scenery and abundant wildlife, you will pass by a variety of historic sites including a log flume, cabins, mines, tunnels and railroad grades. There is no drinking water along the trail, so it is best to carry water with you. Difficulty Rating: Easy to Moderate.
Deerfield Lake Loop Trail #40L. This trail offers 10 miles of challenging riding around Deerfield Lake. From Reynolds Prairie you'll have great views of the lake. To the south, the trail winds through areas of tall pines and small meadows. This trail can be accessed from four trailheads: Custer Trail Trailhead, North Shore Trailhead, Hill Top Trailhead and the Gold Run Trailhead. Difficulty: Easy.
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
|---|
Campground Camping
Recreation areas with activity Campground Camping:RV Camping
Recreation areas with activity RV Camping:Lake and Pond Fishing
Recreation areas with activity Lake and Pond Fishing:Deerfield Reservoir provides opportunities to fish for brook, splake and rainbow trout.
River and Stream Fishing
Recreation areas with activity River and Stream Fishing:Ice Fishing
Recreation areas with activity Ice Fishing:Deerfield Reservoir is a popular ice-fishing location. The reservoir provides opportunities to fish for brook, splake and rainbow trout.
Day Hiking
Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:- Deerfield Lake Loop Trailheads (Trail #40L)
- Custer Trail Trailhead
- Gold Run Trailhead
- North Shore Trailhead
- Deerfield Trailheads (Trail #40)
- Deer Creek Trailhead
- Dougherty Trailhead
- Kinney Canyon Trailhead
- Silver City Trailhead
Deerfield Trail #40. The Deerfield Trail is 18 miles in length, and connects Deerfield Lake with Rapid Creek and Pactola Reservoir. In addition to great scenery and abundant wildlife, you will pass by a variety of historic sites including a log flume, cabins, mines, tunnels and railroad grades. There is no drinking water along the trail, so it is best to carry water with you. Difficulty Rating: Easy to Moderate.
Deerfield Lake Loop Trail #40L. This trail offers 10 miles of challenging riding around Deerfield Lake. From Reynolds Prairie you'll have great views of the lake. To the south, the trail winds through areas of tall pines and small meadows. This trail can be accessed from four trailheads: Custer Trail Trailhead, North Shore Trailhead, Hill Top Trailhead and the Gold Run Trailhead. Difficulty Rating: Easy.
Picnicking
Recreation areas with activity Picnicking:Boating - Motorized
Recreation areas with activity Boating - Motorized:Boating - Non-Motorized
Recreation areas with activity Boating - Non-Motorized:Ice Skating
Recreation areas with activity Ice Skating:Ice skaters can also enjoy their sport on the Deerfield Reservoir. Please remember that boat ramps are not plowed or maintained for access to the ice at the Reservoir. Ice conditions fluctuate and skaters are reminded to use caution when travelling over the ice.
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing
Recreation areas with activity XC Skiing/Snowshoeing:- Deerfield Lake Loop Trailheads (Trail #40L)
- Gold Run Trailhead
- North Shore Trailhead
- Deerfield Trailheads (Trail #40)
- Dougherty Trailhead
- Kinney Canyon Trailhead
Deerfield Trail #40. A three-mile portion of the Deerfield Trail, also called the Crouch Line, connects Canyon City with Silver City and is suitable for cross-country sking when snow conditions permit. White spruce and ponderosa pine tower over the trail along this roadless stretch of Rapid Creek. Wide wood bridges cross the creek several times. The Silver City Trailhead is at the end of the road, just west of the town of Silver City. Difficulty Rating: Easy.
Location