Lakes Near Rapid City
It’s summertime and that means it’s time to start planning your upcoming summer adventure. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Rapid City. Fortunately, when you make a trip to Rapid City there are some great spots for spending time on the lake.
There are numerous brilliant motivations for a getaway to a lake in Rapid City this summer – the cool water for swimming, enjoyable summer activities such as paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches that are ideal for working on your tan. So what are you waiting for? Load up the car with your beach goodies and a cooler then hit the road this weekend and discover a brand new number one location on the water!
Lakes Close to Rapid City
A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary
A day trip, or a longer trip gives you an almost limitless amount of stuff for families or couples.
Every getaway on or in the water offers you all the options from partying to restful bliss.
Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. If you want a little physical activity, load up your preferred vessel and chart your course to a lake that has a boat launch and start paddling around to soak up nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.
Picnic time. The lakes near Rapid City offer a wealth of top-notch picnic areas for you to pack up some culinary delights, or you could just do some cheese and crackers while enjoying the scenery. For a romantic evening, good food and a view should put a smile on their face.
Swimming. Finding a swimming lake near Rapid City will offer tons of fun for the kids, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between working on their tan. Make sure to do your research and verify that your lake has a sandy beach and a designated swimming area prior to packing the car and the family! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool just isn’t as much fun as a beautiful public beach!
How to Prepare for a Day at the Lake
A day at the lake can honestly be all over the map when you take into consideration which lake you’re going to, the time of year, the weather, and the activities on your to-do list. For your convenience we’ve assembled a rundown of our favorite lake necessities that you can use as a checklist prior to locking up the house and heading out.
Common lake items
If the plan is to be in the sun for most of the weekend, our list of provisions below is an excellent place to start when it comes to the necessities to have on hand.
- USB charger
- Travel dinnerware and cups
- Sweatshirt and sweatpants
- Sneakers
- Something to dry off with
- Sunblock
- A beach blanket and umbrella
- A cooler and drinks
- Sunglasses
- Snacks
Specialty lake stuff
Depending on your planned activities for the day and who will be joining you, the list of gear could make your day more enjoyable and worth packing before hitting the road.
- Fishing poles
- Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
- Books
- Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
- Bait
- Corkscrew
- Your tackle box
- Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
- Goggles or masks
- Rafts and floaties
Lake Safety Checklist
Yes, being on the water can make for a memorable day, safety should be top of mind. Following a few standard safety tips that can make sure that everyone stays safe while around the lake.
- Make sure no one swims alone
- Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
- Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
- Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
- Regularly apply sunblock throughout the day – following the product’s instructions
- Avoid plants that can sting or cause allergic reactions
- Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Rapid City
When you make a trip to the beautiful lakes near Rapid City, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that can make your weekend gameplan substantially more rewarding. For example, every lake near Rapid City is going to have their own environment which makes it important to think about what you need to make a memorable getaway when planning yours.
- Maximize the best local resources. If there’s time for a lengthier stay, find local state campgrounds and parks that offer the option to camp directly on the water at an affordable price.
- Find a marina. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas that offer boat rentals. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or tubing with the kids. Doing a quick Google search will typically help you locate several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
- Pay attention to the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, occasionally the beaches near Rapid City may be swarmed with beachgoers. If you want more space to spread out, do some digging on multiple lakes in the area to see if you can find one that’s less crowded to find one with a slower pace. To get in on the party, search out the busiest, most happening sandy party scene!
