Pactola Lake

Pactola Lake is a reservoir located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, about 15 miles west of Rapid City. It was created in 1956 as a result of the construction of the Pactola Dam, which was originally built to provide water for the city of Rapid City. The lake covers over 1,300 acres and has a maximum depth of 150 feet. It is a popular destination for fishing, boating, swimming, and camping. The lake is home to several species of fish, including rainbow and brown trout, walleye, and smallmouth bass. There are several campgrounds located around the lake, including the Pactola Campground and the Horsethief Lake Campground. Both offer camping facilities and access to the lake's recreational activities. There are also several hiking trails in the area, including the popular Black Elk Peak trail. In addition to recreational activities, Pactola Lake also serves as a source of water for the city of Rapid City and several smaller towns in the area. The lake is managed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and is part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.