Cabins on the edge of the lake at Roy Lake State Park

Cabins on the edge of the lake at Roy Lake State Park. Photo: Park Facebook Page.

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

Park Website
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