Pactola Lake, Reservoir in Black Hills, South Dakota

Pactola Lake is a reservoir in the Black Hills region, offering clear waters lined with limestone cliffs and forest shores. The lake provides multiple areas suited for swimming, fishing, and boating activities throughout its expanse.

Pactola Dam was built in 1952 by federal authorities to give Rapid City a new water supply, following the 1945 Deerfield Dam. The reservoir flooded the mining town of Pactola, and work finished in 1956 after moving more than 4.3 million cubic yards of embankment fill. Flooding in Rapid City in 1972 led to dam modifications, with further safety work in 1987.

The reservoir takes its name from the mining town of Pactola, submerged when the dam filled. Scuba divers can still see the limited remains of that town below the surface, and the surrounding land is run by the US Forest Service as part of Black Hills National Forest.

The US Forest Service visitor center stands on the south side of the dam, and campgrounds, picnic areas, hiking trails and a beach lie around the water. The lake sits 15 miles west of Rapid City. Zebra mussels were found in summer 2022, so check current rules on boating and swimming before launching.

The lake is home to large trout that have adapted to the deep, cold waters and grow to considerable sizes. This fish population makes the place especially rewarding for anglers seeking substantial catches.