Angostura Reservoir State Recreation Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Angostura Reservoir State Recreation Area is a popular tourist destination in the state of South Dakota.


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Summary

The area boasts beautiful scenery and a variety of recreational activities for visitors. The reservoir is a great place for fishing, boating, swimming, and water sports. The park also has hiking trails, picnic areas, and camping facilities.

One of the main attractions of Angostura Reservoir State Recreation Area is the reservoir itself. The reservoir is a large body of water that covers over 4,000 acres and is home to a variety of fish species, including walleye, perch, and bass. Visitors can fish from the shore or rent a boat to explore the reservoir.

The park also has several hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The trails range in difficulty from easy to moderate and are suitable for hikers of all skill levels. The park also has picnic areas and camping facilities for visitors who want to spend the night.

One interesting fact about Angostura Reservoir State Recreation Area is that it is home to a herd of bison. Visitors can see the bison up close and learn about their history and importance to the region.

The best time of year to visit Angostura Reservoir State Recreation Area is during the summer months when the weather is warm and the water is perfect for swimming and water sports. However, the park is open year-round and offers activities for visitors in all seasons.

Overall, Angostura Reservoir State Recreation Area is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to South Dakota. The park offers a unique combination of natural beauty, recreational activities, and educational opportunities that are sure to delight visitors of all ages.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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