Whether you need something to look forward to this summer or just want to try something new and exciting, there is nothing quite like tubing. If you are new to this lazy, and sometimes thrilling, activity and are not sure where to go, we recommend checking out the five lazy rivers for river tubing in South Dakota and lake tubing trips listed below. They most certainly belong on your summer bucket list.

1. Spearfish Creek - Lead
Spearfish Creek, South Dakota, USA
Wickiup Village
When it comes to river floating, there is no better place to begin than Spearfish Creek, the best portion of which is managed by Wickiup Village. Reserved for their guests, Wickiup Village provides both tube rentals and fun for all ages, thanks to both fast and slow-moving streams.
2. Pactola Lake - West Pennington
Pactola Lake, West Pennington, SD 57702, USA
Google/Rocio Ferrer
It may not be a river, but you will always find people floating around the waters of Pactola Lake. Whether you hitch your tube to the back of a boat or float near the shore while awaiting the waves from the said boat, you are guaranteed a memorable day of rafting in South Dakota at Pactola Lake. 

Take a look at this video by @HighSightDronePOV:

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3. Rapid Creek - Rapid City
Rapid Creek, South Dakota, USA
wikipedia/Jeffrey Beall
The next time you visit Rapid City, South Dakota, make sure to carve out some time for not only its many landmarks and attractions but also for some tubing fun along Rapid Creek. Tucked away in the heart of the Black Hills, Rapid Creek is surrounded by the same pristine mountain beauty that you have come to expect from western South Dakota.

Take a look at this aerial tour of Rapid City by @hunterfergen7039:
4. Missouri National Recreational River - Yankton
Missouri National Recreational River Headquarters, 508 E 2nd St, Yankton, SD 57078, USA
Google/Ananth Iyer
We couldn't have a list of the best river tubing in South Dakota without mentioning the Missouri National Recreational River. Spanning a whopping 2,341 miles, there is no shortage of places to hop on and ride, and the Mount Rushmore State is no exception. This is one of the best places to tube down a river.
5. Big Sioux River - Sioux Falls
Big Sioux River, South Dakota 57201, USA
Google/Miranda Burfeind
Last but certainly not least on our list of places to tube down a river in South Dakota is the Big Sioux River, which is a 419-mile-long tributary of the Missouri River. In addition to tubing, the Big Sioux River is also a favorite destination for fishing, kayaking, and rafting in South Dakota. You'll want to plan a weekend to try it all.

Do you have a favorite place for river tubing in South Dakota? If so, please share it with us in the comments. Also, if you’ve ever visited any of the tubing destinations above, please share your experience(s) with us. For even more summertime fun, be sure to check out this list of outdoorsy things in South Dakota that anyone can do.

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Lazy Rivers In South Dakota

Jennifer Young | May 14, 2022

What river offers some of the best tubing in South Dakota?

One of the best rivers to offer tubing in South Dakota is the Big Sioux River. The Big Sioux River is a tributary of the Missouri River in eastern South Dakota and northwestern Iowa. It's 419 miles and features a lovely waterfall at Sioux Falls, South Dakota. If you're planning to go tubing this summer, nothing beats a day in a South Dakota river floating on the Big Sioux River. It's also a great activity for the entire family.

What's one of South Dakota's best lakes for floating and relaxing on a hot summer day?

There are several lakes in South Dakota for floating. One, in particular, is Pactola Lake. This lake, which is located near Rapid City, is a great lake for spending a summer day, whether it's tubing, boating, kayaking, or more. Pactola Lake is also known for having some of the bluest water of any lake in South Dakota. This lake also covers 800 acres and has 14 miles of shoreline.

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