
Angostura Recreation Area
A vast reservoir with 36 miles of shoreline, offering camping, boating, fishing, and water sports. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pizza joint & marina open

Angostura Recreation Area
Best Time
Pizza joint & marina open

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast reservoir with 36 miles of shoreline, offering camping, boating, fishing, and water sports. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
"Amazing campground with epic water views and plenty of activities for everyone."

🎯 Check Opening Times
Things get quiet Mon/Tues. Confirm what's open before you go!
☀️ Pack Sunscreen!
The sun is strong out on the water and trails. Stay protected!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cheyenne Campground
Angostura Recreation Area
Family-friendly loop with a playground and shower house. Site 2 is nice, Site 17 offers private, epic water views.

Paved Bike Trail
Angostura Recreation Area
Enjoy a long, scenic paved trail perfect for biking or leisurely strolls with beautiful reservoir views.

Water Sports Rentals
Main Office/Marina
Affordable rentals for kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and lily pads make enjoying the reservoir easy.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Reservoir Fun & Campground Comforts
Water Sports & Scenic Strolls
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Opening Times
Things get quiet Mon/Tues. Confirm what's open before you go!
☀️ Pack Sunscreen!
The sun is strong out on the water and trails. Stay protected!
🚗 Easy Access to Hot Springs
Hot Springs is just 5 miles away for laundry, restaurants, and gas.
🛶 Affordable Rentals
Rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards at great prices to enjoy the reservoir.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Opening Times
Things get quiet Mon/Tues. Confirm what's open before you go!
☀️ Pack Sunscreen!
The sun is strong out on the water and trails. Stay protected!
🚗 Easy Access to Hot Springs
Hot Springs is just 5 miles away for laundry, restaurants, and gas.
🛶 Affordable Rentals
Rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards at great prices to enjoy the reservoir.
✨ Stargazing Gem
Southern sky views are beautiful with minimal light pollution.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Angostura Recreation Area, highlighting its beautiful reservoir, excellent camping facilities, and abundant water activities. The sandy beaches and affordable rentals are big draws, though some note that the area can become quiet mid-week and recommend checking operating hours.
"Amazing campground. We stayed in the Cheyenne loop, which was small with a playground and shower house. It was perfect. Site 2 was very nice, site 17 is private with an epic view of the water.
Pizza joint up on the weekends, marina with snacks, a very long paved biked trail which was awesome. Highly recommend. Hot springs is about 5 miles down the road which has laundry, restaurants, gas / diesel and alot to do."
RS
"This is a great place really has bathrooms. It has plenty of place to paddle. The scenery is awesome and I recommend it to anybody to spend the day out on it.a little crowded on the weekends lots of parking"
Dawn
"Really enjoyed the park! Only suggestion is to make sure you know what is open and when. It gets pretty quiet Mondays and Tuesdays of a normal week."
Steve Watkins
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Angostura Recreation Area is located near Hot Springs, South Dakota. It's easily accessible by car, with Hot Springs being about 5 miles down the road for amenities like gas and restaurants.
Yes, Angostura Recreation Area offers RV spots, with various campgrounds providing different amenities. Some sites are described as spacious.
While specific directions vary, the area is generally accessed via roads leading from Hot Springs, South Dakota. It's a popular destination for those camping in the region.
Public transportation options are limited to reach Angostura Recreation Area. It is best accessed by private vehicle.
The recreation area is quite large with 36 miles of shoreline. Driving is the primary way to get between campgrounds and points of interest, though a paved bike trail offers scenic travel within certain areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Angostura Recreation Area is part of the South Dakota State Park system. Typically, state park entrance fees or camping fees apply. It's advisable to check the official South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website for current fee structures.
The recreation area is generally open year-round for access, but specific facilities like campgrounds, marinas, and rental services will have their own operating hours, which can vary seasonally. It's noted that it can get quiet on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Camping fees vary depending on the type of site (tent, RV, cabin) and the specific campground. Affordable rental options for watercraft are also available. Check the official park website for the most up-to-date pricing.
Advance booking for campsites and cabins is highly recommended, especially during peak season and weekends, to secure your preferred spot. You can typically book through the South Dakota State Parks reservation system.
Day-use fees may apply for visitors not camping. These fees help support the maintenance and operation of the park. Check with the park office or website for current day-use rates.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can swim, fish, boat, kayak, paddleboard, and enjoy the sandy beaches. There's also a long paved bike trail and opportunities for stargazing.
Yes, Angostura Recreation Area features sandy beaches and areas suitable for swimming.
Angostura Reservoir is popular with anglers. The 36 miles of shoreline offer ample opportunities for fishing.
There are multiple campgrounds, including Cheyenne, Cascade, and Hat Creek. They offer sites for tents and RVs, and some have cabins. Amenities can include playgrounds and shower houses.
Yes, affordable rental options for kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and lily pads are available at the main office or marina.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there isn't extensive dining within the park itself, a pizza joint operates on weekends, and the marina offers snacks. Hot Springs, a short drive away, has various restaurant options.
Hot Springs, located about 5 miles away, provides a range of dining choices, from casual eateries to more established restaurants.
Absolutely! Picnicking is a popular activity, and bringing your own food and drinks is encouraged, especially for day trips or to enjoy at your campsite.
The closest town with a grocery store is likely Hot Springs, which is about a 5-mile drive from the recreation area.
The marina typically offers snacks and basic provisions, perfect for a quick bite while enjoying time on the water.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for scenic overlooks along the shoreline, especially during sunrise and sunset. Campground sites with water views, like Site 17 at Cheyenne Campground, offer great photo opportunities.
While not a primary focus, the natural setting of the recreation area may offer chances to spot local wildlife. Early mornings and late evenings are often best for sightings.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset provide beautiful lighting for landscape and water photography. The clear southern sky also makes for excellent stargazing photography.
The vastness of the reservoir itself, the sandy beaches, and the campgrounds nestled along the shore are the main visual attractions. The marina area can also be picturesque.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive reservoir views. A telephoto lens can be useful if you hope to photograph any distant wildlife. Don't forget a tripod for low-light or stargazing shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎣 Anglers and Boaters Paradise
🏕️ Campers Seeking Serenity
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Camping at Angostura: Your Home Away From Home
When planning your stay, consider that weekends can be busier with amenities like a pizza joint and marina operating. If you prefer a quieter experience, weekdays, particularly Mondays and Tuesdays, tend to be more peaceful. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for cabins and prime weekend spots, to ensure you get the site that best suits your needs. Remember to pack essentials, as the nearest full-service town is Hot Springs, about 5 miles away.
Embracing the Water: Activities on Angostura Reservoir
Beyond the immediate reservoir activities, a long, paved bike trail winds through the area, offering a scenic route for cycling or leisurely walks. The water levels have been noted to be low at times, allowing visitors to walk and encompass larger areas of the lakebed, which can be a unique experience. Regardless of your chosen activity, remember to bring plenty of sunscreen, as the sun can be intense during long days spent outdoors.
Beyond the Lake: Exploring the Surroundings
For those interested in exploring further afield, the region around Angostura is rich in natural beauty and outdoor activities. While not directly within the recreation area, nearby attractions like Custer State Park, Wind Cave National Park, and the Badlands offer world-class hiking and scenic drives [^R]. Angostura serves as a great base for exploring these iconic South Dakota landmarks, combining lake recreation with the rugged beauty of the Black Hills region.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit