When you think of sandy beaches under sunny skies, do you think of South Dakota? If not, you should! Sure, we don’t have an ocean…but we do have several gorgeous beaches just begging for you to lounge on them. To see what we mean, take this road trip to all of the best hidden beaches in South Dakota.

This East River road trip should definitely be on your South Dakota bucket list! It takes you from the southern part to the northern part of the state and covers 789 miles. Of course, you won't attempt this trip all at once! Plan to spend several nights along the way.
Google Maps
You can use this interactive Google Map for directions and to add your own stops along the way.
1. Newton Hills State Park
28767 482nd Ave, Canton, SD 57013, USA
Newton Hills State Park/Facebook
You'll want to plan to spend a while at Newton Hills State Park, which includes forest, prairie, and Lake Lakota. Here you will also find one of the best hidden beaches in South Dakota.
2. Lake Vermillion Recreation Area
Lake Vermillion State Recreation Area, 26140 451st Ave, Canistota, SD 57012, USA
nordo rules / Google
Lake Vermillion is popular for its many fishing opportunities, but it also offers a nice beach with plenty of sand for playing.
3. Lewis and Clark Recreation Area
Lewis & Clark State Recreation Area, 43349 SD-52, Yankton, SD 57078, USA
Deb Nelson / Google
Just a few miles west of Yankton, Lewis and Clarke Recreation Area offers a couple of sandy secret beaches in South Dakota that are perfect for lounging and relaxing on a weekend afternoon.
4. North Point Recreation Area
North Point State Recreation Area, 38180 297th St, Lake Andes, SD 57356, USA
gfp.sd.gov
Located on the banks of the Missouri River, North Point Recreation Area has a beach with some beautiful river views. You'll also find flush toilets, showers, and camping here.

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5. Oahe Downstream Recreation Area
Jeff White / Google
Bring your towel and beach umbrella because you're going to want to spend some time on the spacious beach at Oahe Downstream Recreation Area. You'll also love playing in the water - hop on a personal watercraft or go waterskiing.
6. Ravine Lake in Huron
Easy Street, Easy St, Huron, SD 57350, USA
Putters & Scoops Putters & Scoops/Facebook
Racine Lake is located right in the town of Huron and it has been called one of the best lakes in South Dakota. You'll also find plenty of picnic tables, so pack a lunch!
7. Mina Lake Recreation Area
JoAnn Reff / Google
Mina Lake has a nice little beach and also offers overnight camping with showers. Try your hand at fishing - the park even offers fishing pole rentals.
8. Hartford Beach State Park
Peter Flores / Google
Hartford Beach State Park has a sunny little beach, and it also has some great walleye fishing. Bring your hiking boots, too...you'll want to hike the trails here.
9. Lake Poinsett Recreation Area
Lake Poinsett State Recreation Area, 45617 S Poinsett Dr, Arlington, SD 57212, USA
Facebook/Lake Poinsett Recreation Area
The beach here is small, but it's well maintained. In fact, it's one of the most pristine hidden beaches in South Dakota. You'll love camping right next to Lake Poinsett, and the fishing can be pretty good, too.

 

What other hidden beaches in South Dakota did we miss? Tell us your favorites in the comments, so our readers can add them to their itineraries.

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More to Explore

Best Hidden Beaches in South Dakota

Annie Sandmeier | April 19, 2019

Does South Dakota have beaches?

South Dakota not only has amazing beaches, but we also have more shoreline than Florida, meaning there are countless spots around the state to sink your toes in the sand and/or take a dip.

What is the prettiest beach in South Dakota?

Sylvan Lake is the prettiest beach in South Dakota.

This one is tough, as we think every South Dakota beach is pretty, but if we had to choose only one to be the prettiest beach in South Dakota it would have to be Sylvan Lake. Why? This man-made lake (that was created in 1881 by a dam built across Sunday Gulch Creek) is surrounded by stunning rock formations that will make you think you left Mount Rushmore State for Acapulco.

What are the best beach towns in South Dakota?

Needless to say, South Dakota beach towns are going to be a bit different than places like Virginia Beach or Tampa Bay, but we think you will be pleasantly surprised! If you want to take in one of these beach towns in South Dakota, we recommend:

  • Yankton (a college town that is home to not only the Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, but also tons of shopping, restaurants, and various outdoor activities)
  • Hot Springs (this town is all about fun with its many pools, hot springs, and caves to explore.)

 

What beaches have the clearest water in South Dakota?

Surprisingly, the water at most South Dakota beaches is clear, but for the most pristine we have to go with:

  • Pactola Point Swim Beach (at the Pactola Reservoir in West Pennington), whose water just seems to shine and glisten a bit more than the rest.

 

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