Places to Paddle

The Black Hills has many places to kayak, canoe, and paddleboard

We are blessed

Deerfield Reservoir & Horsethief Lake

Deerfield Reservoir: 

  • 3rd largest - 430 acres
  • Non-motorized
  • 15 miles from Hill City 

Horsethief Lake: 

  • 30 acres - Walking Trail around the shoreline 
  • Non-motorized
  • 6 miles from Hill City 

Something for everyone

From large reservoirs to small lakes, the Black Hills has a place to paddle for everyone.  

Area favorites include: 

  • Pactola Lake - Jenny Gulch: motorized
  • Sheridan Lake: motorized
  • Center Lake: 
  • Roubaix Lake 
  • Bismarck Lake 

Custer State Park

There are 5 lakes within Custer State Park. They are smaller 20-50 acres at most. Perfect for swimming, boating, and hiking. 

  1. Center Lake
  2. Legion Lake
  3. Stockade Lake
  4. Sylvan Lake
  5. Game Lodge Pond

* Entrance fee required 


Park Map

Whitewater Kayaking

Class I-III paddling can be found in the Black Hills in the early Spring through June. Our whitewater season is very snow-pack dependent.  Check with our partner - Black Hills Paddlesports for more information about venues.