Nestled in western South Dakota, Angostura Recreation Area is a water-lover’s paradise with breathtaking, scenic views. The name “Angostura,” Spanish for “narrows,” hints at the unique geography of this large reservoir, which stretches over 36 miles of shoreline and offers some of the finest sandy beaches in the state. Built in 1949 by the Bureau of Reclamation across the Cheyenne River for irrigation, Angostura Reservoir is now a hub for camping, boating, fishing, swimming, and all kinds of summer fun. In this campground guide and review, we’re sharing our experience staying here, along with tips on activities, campsites, and amenities to help plan your visit.
About Angostura Recreation Area
Address: 13157 N Angostura Rd, Hot Springs, SD 57747
Website: https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/angostura-recreation-area/
Park Fees: $10 daily/residents, $15/daily non-residents, $40 annual/residents, $60 annual/non-residents
Camping at Angostura Recreation Area
One of the best parts about visiting Angostura Recreation Area is how many camping options there are. Whether you like a little extra comfort or you’re happy with the basics, there’s a spot here that fits the vibe. Campsites are reasonably priced too- electric sites run about $30/night, non-electric are $16/night, and if you want something a little cozier, there are camping cabins at $60/night.
There are four main campgrounds within the park: Cheyenne, Hat Creek, Cascade, and Horsehead. They all offer easy access to the lake and plenty of shade and space:
- Cheyenne: Mix of electric & non-electric sites, 4 cabins
- Hat Creek: Electric sites, 2 cabins
- Cascade: Electric sites, 3 cabins
- Horsehead: Electric sites, 2 cabins
Amenities:
- Playground in each loop
- Shower house in each loop (2 in Cascade)
- Vault toilets in each loop
- 2 dump stations: one at either end of the park (closest to Cheyenne & Hat Creek loops)
Things to Do at Angostura Recreation Area
Angostura Recreation Area is packed with activities, so whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, you won’t run out of ways to spend your time.
- Boating: With a large reservoir, boating is a must
- Fishing
- Swimming Beach
- Volleyball
- Disc Golf: The 9-hole course overlooks the reservoir
- Multi-Use Trail: Stretching 12.1 miles, this trail is great for hiking, biking, or horseback riding
- Horseshoes
- Hunting
If you’re looking for a full-service hub while you’re there, the Angostura Resort has you covered. From marina and boat slips to a restaurant, rental lodges, and a convenience store, it’s easy to get everything you need without leaving the park.
- Our favorite yard game: Scatter
- A good beginner disc golf set: Innova 3 piece set
- Our inflatable kayak: Intex Excursion Pro K2
Our Review of Angostura Recreation Area
We stayed in the Cheyenne Loop and really enjoyed the peace and quiet during the week- it was super empty, which made it feel like we had the whole park to ourselves. On the weekend, though, it filled up with locals, so if you like a quieter vibe, weekdays are the way to go.
Our site was a great size, with plenty of shade, which made relaxing at camp really enjoyable. We didn’t use the showerhouse, so can’t weigh in there, but the dump station being near the park entrance was a little inconvenient if you wanted to dump mid-week using the toter. One other annoyance was having to buy a park pass on top of paying for camping.
We made the most of the park activities- we played disc golf, checked out the beach and reservoir, and even grabbed some surprisingly good pizza at the concessionaire. Overall, it’s a fun spot with plenty to do and a laid-back campground that works well for a mid-week getaway or a weekend adventure.
Things to Do Near Angostura Recreation Area
Angostura Recreation Area is closest to the town of Hot Springs, South Dakota. Check out our full week recap for ideas on things to do in the area:
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