🌤 Weather at Roy Lake State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18–67 °F | 58–82 °F | 23–72 °F | 3–27 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Roy Lake, 1 mi away, elevation 1,810 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Roy Lake State Park lies nestled within the woodlands surrounding picturesque Roy Lake 17 miles east of Britton in northeastern South Dakota. This beautiful area is divided into two sections along the lake and also features the Roy Lake Resort & Lodge.
Visitors love to relax on the sandy beaches, swim, paddle, explore the island trail, have lunch in one of the scenic picnic areas, camp or spend the night in the comfy resort, and much more.
Activities
Roy Lake’s beautiful clear waters offer opportunities for boating, swimming, fishing, bird watching… and in addition to these fun lakeside activities the park also features a campground, modern cabins, a nature trail, scenic picnic areas, playgrounds, geocaches, a ball field, and a Disc Golf course.
This South Dakota state park also provides gaming items for you to check out during your visit, including golf discs, lawn games, and softballs.
Here are some of the many activities that you can do during your visit to Roy Lake State Park:
Boating at Roy Lake State Park
Bring your own boat (or rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard inside the park) and enjoy a leisurely day out on Roy Lake during your visit to Roy Lake State Park. Conveniently located boat ramps allow for easy access to the lake.
Swimming at Roy Lake State Park
Roy Lake State Park features two beach areas along the crystal clear waters of Roy Lake. Relax on the beach, swim, float, and enjoy your summer vacation here. Keep in mind that there may not be lifeguards at either beach, so swim at your own risk.
Hiking at Roy Lake State Park
Explore Roy Island Trail during your visit to Roy Lake State Park. This easy trail winds across the bridge to the island for a closer look at some of the local flora and fauna, including water plants, painted turtles, fish, birds, wildflowers, trees and shrubs. You may also be interested in taking a walk through the surrounding woodlands and along Roy Lake.
Fishing at Roy Lake State Park
Roy Lake’s clear deep waters are ideal for fishing. Here you may catch Walleye, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, and Black Bass from your canoe, the fishing pier, or along the shoreline. Just don’t forget to pick up a South Dakota fishing license ahead of time.
Birding at Roy Lake State Park
Roy Lake State Park is one of 38 prime birding sites along the Glacial Lakes & Prairies Birding Trail. With so many lakes and wetlands this area is popular for both native and migratory species.
Remember to grab your binoculars, you may get a chance to observe a Black-capped Chickadee, American White Pelican, Blue Jay, Song Sparrow, Canvasback, Bufflehead, House Finch, American Robin, Mourning Dove, European Starling, Prairie Falcon, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Merganser, Franklin’s Gull, Western Meadowlark, Eastern Kingbird, Dark-eyed Junco, American Goldfinch, Indigo Bunting, or a Red-headed Woodpecker.
Nature and Wildlife at Roy Lake State Park
Nestled within the woodlands, wetlands, and wildflower prairies of northeastern South Dakota, Roy Lake State Park offers guests a chance to view a variety of wildlife. During your visit to this peaceful area you may see deer, squirrels, chipmunks, birds, raccoons, prairie dogs, rabbits, and opossum.
Pets
Pets are allowed most everywhere inside Roy Lake State Park, except for the beach area and inside park buildings. Pets should be supervised, leashed, and cleaned up after.
Camping
Serene Roy Lake State Park features 98 campsites, 3 camping cabins, 8 modern cabins, and 5 suites, all nestled within the surrounding woodlands, many with beautiful views of the lake. Each of the campsites and camping cabins has a picnic table and fire ring and is conveniently located near flush toilets, showers, and drinking water. The Camp Store carries snacks, ice, fishing supplies, boat rentals and more.
The rustic camping cabins have one large room with bunk beds, electricity, heat, and air conditioning. Each of the modern cabins and suites have 1 or 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, fully equipped kitchen, electricity, heat, and air conditioning.
For overnight guests visiting the park off-season: water may be turned off between Oct 1 and April 30, but vault toilets are still accessible during that time.
Park Location
Roy Lake State Park 11547 Northside Drive Lake City, SD 57247 Phone: 605.448.5701
Map
Explore More South Dakota State Parks
Roy Lake State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in South Dakota. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in South Dakota guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Fort Sisseton Historic State Park (a short drive away) and Fort Sisseton State Historic Park (a short drive away).
⛺ Camping at Roy Lake State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 101 sites — 101 campsites across 2 campgrounds: electrical sites $30/night, non-electrical sites $16/night. Flush toilets and showers (may close Oct. 1-April 30); vault toilets remain open year-round. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 3 camping cabins at $60/night: heat, A/C, electricity, bunk bed plus double bed, table and benches, fire grate, picnic table, porch; no restroom, running water, linens or kitchen. 6 modern cabins (Cabins 4-5: 2 bedroom, sleeps 8, $150/night; Cabins 6-7: 1 bedroom, sleeps 4, $120/night; Cabins 8-9: 2 bedroom, sleeps 6, $150/night). 6 suites (Suites 12-15: 2 bedroom, sleeps 10, $175/night; Suite 16: 1 bedroom, sleeps 4, $120/night). All modern cabins/suites include full kitchens with stove, oven, refrigerator, sink and microwave. |
| Pets | No pets allowed inside modern cabins/suites; service animals permitted with advance notice to the park. Statewide SD GFP campground rule also applies: April 1-Sept. 30 pets must be under immediate control on a leash no longer than 10 ft; Oct. 1-March 31 leash not mandatory but pet must be under immediate control. Pets (except service animals) prohibited on swimming beaches and in park buildings. |
| Reservations | Book online at reservations.gooutdoorssouthdakota.com (campsd.com) or call 1.800.710.2267. Reservation window opens 90 days before arrival. South Dakota park entry license required per vehicle: residents $10/day or $40/year, nonresidents $15/day or $60/year. |
| Special sites | Sandy beaches, boat ramps, boat rentals, island trail. ADA-accessible facilities including campsites, cabins and showers. Dump station on site. |
| Season notes | Open year-round. Between Oct. 1 and April 30, showers, flush toilets and other water systems may be closed. |
Camping questions about Roy Lake State Park
Can you camp at Roy Lake State Park?
Yes. Roy Lake State Park has 101 campsites. 101 campsites across 2 campgrounds: electrical sites $30/night, non-electrical sites $16/night. Flush toilets and showers (may close Oct. 1-April 30); vault toilets remain open year-round.
How do you reserve a campsite at Roy Lake State Park?
Book online at reservations.gooutdoorssouthdakota.com (campsd.com) or call 1.800.710.2267. Reservation window opens 90 days before arrival. South Dakota park entry license required per vehicle: residents $10/day or $40/year, nonresidents $15/day or $60/year.
Are there cabins at Roy Lake State Park?
3 camping cabins at $60/night: heat, A/C, electricity, bunk bed plus double bed, table and benches, fire grate, picnic table, porch; no restroom, running water, linens or kitchen. 6 modern cabins (Cabins 4-5: 2 bedroom, sleeps 8, $150/night; Cabins 6-7: 1 bedroom, sleeps 4, $120/night; Cabins 8-9: 2 bedroom, sleeps 6, $150/night). 6 suites (Suites 12-15: 2 bedroom, sleeps 10, $175/night; Suite 16: 1 bedroom, sleeps 4, $120/night). All modern cabins/suites include full kitchens with stove, oven, refrigerator, sink and microwave.
Are pets allowed at the Roy Lake State Park campground?
No pets allowed inside modern cabins/suites; service animals permitted with advance notice to the park. Statewide SD GFP campground rule also applies: April 1-Sept. 30 pets must be under immediate control on a leash no longer than 10 ft; Oct. 1-March 31 leash not mandatory but pet must be under immediate control. Pets (except service animals) prohibited on swimming beaches and in park buildings.
Source: gfp.sd.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Roy Lake State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in South Dakota state parks and recreation areas, including campgrounds and most trails, but not in park buildings or on designated swim beaches.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- April 1 - September 30: leash no longer than 10 ft required at all times; October 1 - March 31: leash optional but pets must be under immediate control
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets (except service animals) are not allowed on designated swimming beaches
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Dogs and cats allowed in pet-designated lodges, cabins and suites (roughly 40 parks/recreation areas have designated pet-friendly cabins) with payment of a pet accommodation fee
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use or camping pet fee; a pet accommodation fee is charged for pet-designated lodging
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets prohibited in all park buildings and on the Summit Trail at Bear Butte State Park
Are dogs allowed at Roy Lake State Park?
Pets are allowed in South Dakota state parks and recreation areas, including campgrounds and most trails, but not in park buildings or on designated swim beaches. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via gfp.sd.gov. More: South Dakota state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Roy Lake State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
