Angostura Reservoir, body of water
Angostura Reservoir is a large body of water in South Dakota built in 1949 across the Cheyenne River by the Bureau of Reclamation. The water spans a vast area with approximately 42 miles of shoreline and an average depth of about 95 feet (29 meters), reaching up to 245 feet (75 meters) when full.
Angostura Reservoir was built in 1949 as part of the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program to manage water resources and support irrigation in the region. The dam, constructed by the Bureau of Reclamation, controls the Cheyenne River's flow for agricultural and water supply needs.
The name Angostura comes from Spanish and means 'narrows,' referring to the narrower sections of the water body. Today, this place brings people together to relax, fish, and enjoy outdoor recreation in a shared natural setting.
The reservoir is located about 10 miles southeast of Hot Springs, South Dakota, off U.S. Highway 385-18 and is open year-round with an entrance fee required. Well-marked roads, several campgrounds with more than 170 campsites, boat ramps, and accessible facilities including a visitor center make planning and navigation straightforward.
Angostura Reservoir is a crucial stopover for migratory waterbirds that follow the eastern edge of the Black Hills during their seasonal journeys. Birdwatchers find the undeveloped western shoreline offers the best vantage points to observe these traveling birds.
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