We spent a week camping at Angostura Recreation Area near Hot Springs, South Dakota, during a month-long trip through the state. After spending time exploring the Badlands and Rapid City, Angostura was a great home base for seeing more of western South Dakota and slowing down a little along the reservoir. If you’re looking for Hot Springs, SD camping, this spot has a lot going for it. The reservoir has miles of shoreline, sandy beaches, and plenty of opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, and enjoying the water. And with several campgrounds around the recreation area, it’s a popular option for camping in South Dakota during the warmer months.
We stayed here for a full week and got to experience the campground, explore the surrounding area, and see what it’s actually like to camp at Angostura. In this guide and campground review, I’ll cover where we stayed, the campsites and amenities, things to do, and what we thought of Angostura Recreation Area overall.
Last updated September 11, 2026.
About Angostura Recreation Area
Address: 13157 N Angostura Rd, Hot Springs, SD 57747
Website: https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/angostura-recreation-area/
Park Entry 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.
We loved playing the disc golf course during our stay, it’s one of the prettiest courses we’ve ever played. It was a little nerve wracking playing over the reservoir, though. The course sits up on a hill over the water and when it got windy, we definitely got a little nervous about losing a disc! We also enjoyed the beach area, we went down one afternoon to check it out and ending up getting pizza at the beach shop. We were shocked by how good it was!
- 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. As nonresidents, we had to pay $60 for an annual parks pass, on top of what we were already paying to camp there.
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:
Angostura Recreation Area FAQs
How far is Angostura Recreation Area from Hot Springs, SD?
From the main park entrance station, it’s 10 miles to downtown Hot Springs.
How far is Angostura Recreation Area from Rapid City, SD?
From the park entrance station, it’s about 56 miles to downtown Rapid City.
Can you swim at Angostura Reservoir?
Yes, there is a swim beach in the day use area near the marina and a swim beach near Cascade Campground,
Are there full hookups at Angostura Recreation Area?
No, campsites at Angostura are electric or non-electric only. There are no campsites with water or sewer hookup.
How much does camping at Angostura Recreation Area cost?
Electric campsites cost $30/night, non-electric sites cost $16/night. Cabins are $60/night.
Are there first-come, first-served campsites at Angostura Recreation Area?
You may be able to register a campsite in person at the camp office, but it’s recommended to reserve online since sites can book up.
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