The Rapid Valley Unit of the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program consists of Pactola Dam and Reservoir located on Rapid Creek about 15 miles west of Rapid City, South Dakota. The Dam is a zoned earthfill structure, 230 feet high, 40 feet wide at the crest, and 1,255 feet long. Numerous facilities associated with outdoor
Maybe — confirm before you go.
Reclamation honors the pass at only a handful of sites — confirm before you rely on it here.
- Fee type Fee unknown — The fee structure here is unconfirmed.
- Source Find on Recreation.gov ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Check
- Official pagewww.recreation.gov ↗
- Contact 605- 343-1567
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Pactola Reservoir — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
Depends Does the America the Beautiful pass work here?
Maybe — Reclamation honors the pass at only a handful of sites — confirm before you rely on it here. Check with the managing agency before you go.
Yes Can you fish at Pactola Reservoir?
Yes — fishing is one of the listed activities here. You’ll need a valid state fishing license.
Yes Can you kayak, paddle, or boat here?
Yes — there’s water for boating and paddling at Pactola Reservoir. Hand-launched craft usually need no permit; motorized boats may need registration or a launch fee.
Yes Can you camp at Pactola Reservoir?
Yes — camping is available. Reserve ahead where required; you can check availability on Recreation.gov.
Depends Can you have a campfire?
Sometimes — campfires are subject to seasonal fire restrictions and bans. Always check current fire conditions first.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include Forest Service 156, Power House Gulch Road, Brush Creek Road, and more. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Depends Is hunting allowed?
Yes — hunting is permitted here in season, with the required state license and tags. Check seasons and unit rules.
Yes Can you bring a dog?
Generally yes — dogs are welcome when kept under control (usually leashed). Confirm any local rules.
Depends Are drones allowed?
Sometimes — often allowed away from wilderness and developed or crowded areas, with rules. Check locally before you fly.
Nearby sites
Jake DeGroot / CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Forest Service Black Hills National Forest
CheckThis Forest Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
NPS Photo National Park Service Mount Rushmore National Memorial
ConfirmedFree entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
