Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Lake Vermillion Recreation Area adventure.
Discover Lake Vermillion's serene waters and vibrant wildlife.
Even though Lake Vermillion Recreation Area was named after the vivid red quartzite found along the banks, the waters found here are ultra-blue, pristine, and gorgeous. That may be why so many people flock here to swim, boat on, fish around, and just downright enjoy this 512 acre reservoir! This is a paradise right around the corner, located only 27 miles from Sioux Falls. A paradise where you can camp, hike, fish, hunt, boat, and watch for birds. Sounds nice right about now, huh? Don’t miss out on hiking the Otter Stream Trail, camping on one of the spacious sites, or bringing friends for a rustic-cabin-kinda weekend. You’ll be nearby to a smattering number of outdoor attractions all around the gorgeously green southeastern South Dakota. All there is to do now is pack your bags, grab some s’mores, and set the GPS!
The ideal time to visit Lake Vermillion Recreation Area is during the warm summer months, from June to August, when the park is in full bloom and the lake's waters invite for a refreshing dip. Conversely, the winter season can be quite harsh, with the park often blanketed in snow, limiting access to certain areas and activities.