You won’t believe your eyes when you see how bright, blue, and beautiful this lake in South Dakota is. The amazing color and pristine conditions of the lake make it quite the stunning sight to see, and if you haven’t been there yet then add it on to your bucket list ASAP!
This lake is actually a reservoir created as a result of the Pactola Dam, which is where it got its name – Pactola Lake. The resulting lake is now one of South Dakota’s top destinations for tons of fun in the water. Swimming, boating, and fishing are especially popular here. If you’re daring enough, there are many people who cliff dive off of huge rocky outcrops around the edges of the lake. You can’t truly experience it unless you go there yourself, but if you take a look at these photos, I hope you can be convinced to squeeze in one or two more trips here before summer is officially over. It’s so worth it!
Pactola Lake is surrounded by natural forests.
DeanneHA/Tripadvisor This place is like something out of a painting. The pines reach the water’s edge and make a beautifully surrounded body of water to enjoy in as many ways as possible. Many animals call that area home, so be on the lookout when you visit, and take a camera, too!
palenakamikale/Tripadvisor
Rocky outcrops like this are found all around the lake and are popular with cliff divers.
palenakamikale/Tripadvisor Feeling daring? Take a leap off of one of these into the dark turquoise water below. Don’t worry - there are swimming beaches here as well. You don’t have to jump in to enjoy the water if you don’t want to.
You don’t have to be on the water to enjoy the lake, either. There are numerous trails around it to explore the sights.
DeanneHA/Tripadvisor Take a stroll right by the waters edge and see just how gorgeously colored and pristine it is. The cool breeze coming off the water helps create the ultimate trail experience on a warm, sunny day.
All kinds of activities take place on and in the water at Pactola Lake.
trantran323/Tripadvisor Boating, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, fishing… the list goes on! The water is perfect for all of that and more, all in an absolutely incredible setting.
DeanneHA/Tripadvisor
Here’s another fun fact about this lake that makes it all the more unique: there is a ghost town hiding at the bottom! Read more about it here.
DeanneHA/Tripadvisor
This place is like something out of a painting. The pines reach the water’s edge and make a beautifully surrounded body of water to enjoy in as many ways as possible. Many animals call that area home, so be on the lookout when you visit, and take a camera, too!
palenakamikale/Tripadvisor
Feeling daring? Take a leap off of one of these into the dark turquoise water below. Don’t worry - there are swimming beaches here as well. You don’t have to jump in to enjoy the water if you don’t want to.
Take a stroll right by the waters edge and see just how gorgeously colored and pristine it is. The cool breeze coming off the water helps create the ultimate trail experience on a warm, sunny day.
trantran323/Tripadvisor
Boating, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, fishing… the list goes on! The water is perfect for all of that and more, all in an absolutely incredible setting.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
