Boating At Big Stone Lake In South Dakota

Free Public Boating & Watersport Activities

Big Stone Lake, located in the northeastern corner of South Dakota, is a gem for boating enthusiasts. This expansive lake offers a fantastic boating experience, attracting visitors with its tranquil waters and beautiful surroundings. Boaters can explore its vast expanse and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding landscape while indulging in various water-based activities.

Boating on Big Stone Lake is made convenient with multiple boat launch ramps scattered along its shores. These ramps provide easy access to the water, allowing boaters to launch their vessels with ease. Whether you have your own boat or need to rent one, the lake offers rental services that provide boats by the hour or the day, ensuring that everyone can partake in the boating fun.

For those seeking some amenities and services on the lake, there's a marina available. Boaters can refuel, restock supplies, or seek assistance with any boat-related needs at the marina. It adds a touch of convenience and peace of mind to the boating experience on Big Stone Lake.

Popular water sports abound on the lake, attracting enthusiasts of all ages. From water skiing and wakeboarding to tubing and jet skiing, the lake's calm waters offer the ideal setting for adrenaline-pumping adventures. Families and friends can have a blast enjoying these water activities together.

The boating season on Big Stone Lake typically spans from spring to fall, ensuring that visitors have ample opportunities to explore its splendors. During this time, anglers are also treated to excellent fishing opportunities. The lake is teeming with various fish species, including walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass, making it a popular fishing destination.

Camping options around Big Stone Lake add to the overall experience, allowing boaters to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the serene beauty of the area. Whether you prefer RV camping or pitching a tent by the shore, the lake's campgrounds offer a peaceful retreat after a day of boating and outdoor activities.

Big Stone Lake in South Dakota provides a delightful boating experience with its vast waters, boat launch ramps, rental services, marina, and array of water sports. Its popularity as a fishing destination and the availability of camping opportunities make it an excellent destination for a well-rounded outdoor getaway. With its breathtaking views and recreational offerings, Big Stone Lake leaves boaters and nature lovers with lasting memories of their time on its pristine waters.

Boating, camping and fishing at Big Stone Lake

Boating and fishing are popular at Big Stone Lake on the eastern border of the state, at Big Stone City, SD. Boat launch ramps are available at Hartford Beach State Park and Schmidt's Landing for launching pleasure and fishing boats. Rocks and boulders in the lake bed are what gave this 12,600-acre lake its name. There are nearly 60 miles of shoreline, half in South Dakota and half in MN. Bass, walleye and perch are the main attraction here, while the complete list of targeted fish in the lake includes bass, crappie, walleye, sunfish, white bass, perch and northern pike. This is a year-round fishery. Spring, summer and fall provide excellent fishing from the shore, fish houses, and all types of boats - from canoes and kayaks to pontoons and all kinds of fishing boats. During winter ice fishing is quite popular and generally quite successful.

Big Stone Lake Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Camping

Hartford Beach State Park Campground - 605 432-6374

Camp Iyataka Campground - 605 361-2697

Camping 109 RV Park - 605 862-7650

Big Stone Lake Map

Fishing

Fish species found in Big Stone Lake include largemouth bass, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, green sunfish, rock bass, white bass, yellow perch and northern pike.

Largemouth bass White crappie Walleye Bluegill Green Sunfish Rock Bass White Bass Yellow Perch Northern pike