Cottonwood Lake State Recreation Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 7, 2025
Cottonwood Lake State Recreation Area is a popular destination located in South Dakota.
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Summary
It is a 80-acre park located on the shores of Cottonwood Lake. There are several good reasons to visit this area, including opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The park also offers picnic areas, campsites, and playgrounds for families.
Some specific points of interest to see in the Cottonwood Lake State Recreation Area include the lake itself, which is stocked with fish and offers opportunities for boating and fishing. There are also several hiking trails in the park, including the 2.5-mile Cottonwood Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Interesting facts about the area include the fact that it was once a popular spot for native American tribes, who used the area for hunting and fishing. Additionally, the area was used by early settlers for farming and grazing.
The best time of year to visit Cottonwood Lake State Recreation Area is in the summer months, when the weather is warm and the park is fully operational. Visitors should be aware that the park may be closed during the winter months due to inclement weather conditions.
Overall, Cottonwood Lake State Recreation Area is a beautiful and relaxing destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you're interested in fishing, hiking, or just enjoying the great outdoors, this park is definitely worth a visit.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
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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