South Dakota offers unique landscapes from badlands and wind tunnels to Sioux Falls, rushing rivers and blue lakes. If you’re looking for a home in South Dakota with easy access to the lake, there’s plenty to explore.
Here at Redfin, we’ve compiled a list of the best lakes to live in in South Dakota this year. South Dakota offers a variety of options, from quaint, tight-knit communities to bustling lake towns with a wide range of amenities. Let’s take a look at which seven lakes made the list.
1. Dashi Lake (Dashi City)
Nearest city: big rock city south dakota
Median home sales price: $125,000
population: 450
Homes for Sale in Big Rock, SD
Apartments for Rent in Big Rock, SD
Number one on our list of livable lakes in South Dakota is Big Rock Lake. Located on the border of South Dakota and Minnesota, Big Rock Lake offers a tranquil lifestyle with stunning views and tranquil surroundings. This lake is great for anglers and nature lovers, with a variety of fish species such as walleye, pike, and bass. Surrounded by lush parks and scenic trails, residents can enjoy plenty of outdoor activities. The nearest city is Big Stone City, a charming town with a population of about 450 people.
2. Francis Case Lake (Chamberlain)
Nearest city: Chamberlain, SD
Median home sales price: $263,000
population: 2,400
Chamberlain, SD Homes for Sale
Apartments for Rent in Chamberlain, SD
Lake Francis Case is a gem in the City of Chamberlain, known for its vast body of water and recreational opportunities. The lake is rich in fish and the water is clear, making it a paradise for boating and fishing enthusiasts. The surrounding area is rich in history and culture, with museums and historical sites to explore, such as Landmark and Dignity of the Sky and the Aktarakota Museum and Cultural Centre. Chamberlain offers the comfort of a small town with the amenities of lakeside living. Stunning views of the Missouri River and proximity to Francis Case Lake made Chamberlain an excellent choice.
3-4. Lake Hermann and Lake Madison (Madison)
Nearest city: Madison, South Dakota
Median home sales price: $304,000
population: 7,500
Madison, SD Homes for Sale
Madison, SD Apartments for Rent
Lake Hermann and Lake Madison are surrounded by natural beauty and recreational facilities. These lakes provide the perfect setting for a variety of water sports, hiking and relaxing picnics in the numerous parks that dot their shores. Lake Hermann is home to Lake Hermann State Park, where you can enjoy the lakeside views, camp, or picnic. Lake Madison offers many waterfront restaurants, clear waters suitable for swimming, kayaking, and canoeing, as well as viewing of some native species. Located between two lakes, Madison is a charming community with a downtown area and college campus.
5-6. Campesk Lake and Pelican Lake (Watertown)
Nearest city: watertown, south dakota
Median home sales price: $262,500
population: 22,000
Homes for Sale in Watertown, SD
Apartments for Rent in Watertown, SD
Watertown’s Lake Campesca and Pelican Lake are paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and those looking to spend a day on the water. These lakes are ideal for swimming, fishing, and boating, and feature multiple public access points and facilities. At Lake Kampeska, you can play a round of golf on the lakeside course, camp, or explore the Sandy Shore State Recreation Area. Pelican Lake is a peaceful place with many parks, such as Pelican Lake State Recreation Area and Thompson Point. Watertown itself is a bustling city with a rich cultural scene, including art galleries, theaters, and a zoo. The presence of the lake offers you picturesque scenery and countless leisure activities, right on your doorstep
7. Lake Oahe (Mobridge)
Nearest city: Mobridge, South Dakota
Median home sales price: $66,250
population: 3,400
Mobridge, SD Homes for Sale
Apartments for Rent in Mobridge, SD
Stretching beyond the horizon near Mobridge, Lake Oahe is a massive reservoir known for its excellent fishing and boating opportunities. The lake’s vast waters are home to a variety of fish including Chinook salmon, northern pike and northern pike, making it a popular destination for anglers. There are many small towns around the lake, but Mobridge is located in the central area of the lake. The city’s rich history and cultural heritage, such as the Klein Museum, make it a unique place to live. Lake Oahe’s natural beauty and the area’s peaceful lifestyle are perfect for those looking for lake living in South Dakota.
8. Lake Sharp (Pierre)
Nearest city: Pierre, S.D.
Median home sales price: $287,000
population: 14,000
Pierre, SD Homes for Sale
Apartments for Rent in Pierre, SD
Located near Pierre, the capital of South Dakota, Lake Sharp is a reservoir that offers plenty of water activities and beautiful scenery. Its coast is a favorite among locals for fishing, swimming, camping and boating. Pierre is home to a variety of government and historic sites, as well as parks and recreation areas that make up the community. For example, you can explore the South Dakota Discovery Center, tour the charming downtown, or visit one of the many historical landmarks.
9. Lewis and Clark Lake (Yankton)
Nearest city: Yankton, South Dakota
Median home sales price: $270,000
Average rent for one bedroom: $719
population: 15,000
Yankton, SD Homes for Sale
Apartments for Rent in Yankton, SD
Bordering Yankton, Lewis and Clark Lake is a vast body of water that attracts people with its stunning scenery and recreational opportunities. The lake straddles South Dakota and Nebraska, making it ideal for sailing, kayaking, and fishing, with ample public access points and docks. Known as the “Mother City of the Dakotas,” Yankton blends historic charm with modern life. The downtown area features local breweries, restaurants, and cafes, as well as Riverside Park, where you can find a replica of the Dakota Territory Capitol Building.
Please note that this list does not include all lakes in South Dakota. Median home sales price data from the Redfin data center in April 2024.
