Cottonwood Springs Lake
RV Guide
Introduction
Ready to head out on your next South Dakota adventure? Plan a trip to Cottonwood Springs Lake. It's a fantastic spot to visit on your next RV getaway.
Cottonwood Springs Lake sits in Fall River Basin just outside Hot Springs, South Dakota. This manmade body of water was built to act as a flood control measure. Cottonwood Springs Lake rests amid rolling hills and lush evergreen growth in the region known as the Black Hills. For those who love reconnecting with nature, there is no better spot to visit. From primitive style camping to hiking, fishing, picnicking, and more, Cottonwood Springs Lake has something for every member of the family to enjoy.
The lake was built in 1969 and encompasses 36 acres in total. Visitors flock to the region year-round for its abundance of recreational activities and serene beauty.
Cottonwood Springs Lake is situated near to many popular attractions for families to visit. Among the most beloved spots are the Wind Caves National Park, the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary, and the Mammoth Site.
For a relaxing vacation in the heart of rural South Dakota, plan to take your next RV trip at Cottonwood Springs Lake. It's a wonderful place for your next holiday getaway.
RV Rentals in Cottonwood Springs Lake
Transportation
Driving
Travel to Cottonwood Springs Lake proceeds along two-lane highways kept in good condition. The route is well-marked with each of the roads free from snow in the winter months to permit year-round travel. Traffic moves at a moderate pace with road construction seen only occasionally. An extremely rural locale, wildlife sometimes makes an appearance on the road. Remain alert to avoid any accidents.
Parking
Parking is located throughout the grounds at Cottonwood Springs Lake.
Public Transportation
There is no public transportation to Cottonwood Springs Lake.
Campgrounds and parking in Cottonwood Springs Lake
Campsites in Cottonwood Springs Lake
Reservations camping
Cottonwood Springs Campground
Cottonwood Springs Campground offers RV and tent camping by reservation from May 15th through September 14th yearly. This campground is known for its tranquil air and offers 17 primitive campsites with no hookups.
Found on the grounds for RV and tent campers to use are drinking water, flush toilets, and a playground. Tall pine trees offer shade at many sites, but they also crowd out the undergrowth, so privacy isn't what it could be.
There is a boat ramp found at the lake as well as picnic shelters and barbecues.
Pets are permitted on the grounds so long as they are leashed. Generator use is allowed.
Seasonal activities in Cottonwood Springs Lake
In-Season
Swimming
Swimming is always a popular summertime activity at Cottonwood Springs Lake. The lake waters are both cool and inviting, making them a great place to take a quick dip when the temperatures start to soar. Lifeguard service is not provided, so do exercise caution when entering the water.
There is a large expanse of coast for families to explore at their leisure. You can enjoy doing some beachcombing in search of seaside treasures or even just recline in the sand to catch up on the latest bestseller.
Dogs are not permitted at this beach.
Picnicking
With such beauty surrounding you, you'll find it hard to resist the opportunity to enjoy a picnic at Cottonwood Springs Lake. Pack a picnic basket and grab your best walking shoes and head out in search of the perfect spot to enjoy your lunch. Several picnic areas with tables are on the grounds. Fancy something with a lake view? Why not enjoy your meal right from the banks of the lake?
Bring a camera, as you'll want to capture some photos of your picnic adventure to carry with you as mementos of your great South Dakota vacation.
Spring
Boating
With a boat launch located directly on the premises, Cottonwood Springs Lake is the perfect place to take your boat onto the water. Whether you choose to cast out in your powerboat or to paddle away in your canoe or kayak, you're sure to have a ball.
Fishing is plentiful at Cottonwood Springs Lake, so bring along your tackle box and some bait and have a shot at catching your supper. Check with beach officials to see if filleting along the shore is permitted.
Off-Season
The Mammoth Site
No trip to Cottonwood Springs Lake is complete without a visit to the Mammoth Site. In 1974, Mr. George Hanson discovered a seven-foot-long tusk in conjunction with several other unusual bones. Further study revealed that the bone was taken from a popular area where mammoths were once hunted then killed. An excavation unfolded, which yielded sufficient remains to conclude that the bones of four to six mammoths were uncovered on the grounds.
With over 14 acres of land ripe for excavation, the decision was made to donate the land as a national historic site to preserve the remains and provide educational opportunities for the public at large.
The Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary
The Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary was established in 1988 by Mr. Dayton Hyde. This region is considered wilderness, and great efforts have been made to preserve its natural state. The property is owned by the Institute of Range and the American Mustang and is a haven for wild horses to live out their days in peace and comfort.
A visit to this site is a wonder to behold. You will be treated to the rare opportunity to enjoy a herd of wild mustangs enjoying over 10,000 acres of ground they call home.
Tours are available by reservation.
Hiking
If you're looking for your next great hiking adventure, you will find what you seek at Cottonwood Springs Lake. There are many different nature trails to enjoy here. With such diverse terrain, you will be sure to get in an excellent workout combing through the rich prairieland and climbing through the rolling hills and densely forested areas.
Bring along a camera to capture some of the wildlife that makes this region their home.
