South Dakota kayak and canoe launch sites

16 public launch sites in South Dakota from U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Boat Ramps. 16 are trailer ramps.

Search and sort all South Dakota launches by distance

Launches A to Z

• Angostura Marina Boat Ramp · Map
  Getting to the water

  Launch surface

  Concrete or paved

  • Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
  • Shared trailer ramp: get your boat and gear ready off to the side, then launch promptly so trailered boats can use the ramp. (American Canoe Association)

  Official fields: U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Boat Ramps. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.

• Baileys Boat Ramp · Map
  Getting to the water

  Access details not published; check before you go.
• Gadens Point Boat Ramp · Map
  Getting to the water

  Launch surface

  Concrete or paved

  • Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
  • Shared trailer ramp: get your boat and gear ready off to the side, then launch promptly so trailered boats can use the ramp. (American Canoe Association)

  Official fields: U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Boat Ramps. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.

• Horsehead Boat Ramp · Map
  Getting to the water

  Launch surface

  Concrete or paved

  • Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
  • Shared trailer ramp: get your boat and gear ready off to the side, then launch promptly so trailered boats can use the ramp. (American Canoe Association)

  Official fields: U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Boat Ramps. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.

• Hugh Glass Boat Ramp · Map
  Getting to the water

  Launch surface

  Natural (dirt, sand or mud)

  • Natural bank (dirt, sand or mud): wear sandals or water shoes with grippy soles that stay on in mud. (REI Expert Advice)
  • Shared trailer ramp: get your boat and gear ready off to the side, then launch promptly so trailered boats can use the ramp. (American Canoe Association)

  Official fields: U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Boat Ramps. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.

• James River Diversion Access North Boat Ramp · Map
  Getting to the water

  Launch surface

  Natural (dirt, sand or mud)

  • Natural bank (dirt, sand or mud): wear sandals or water shoes with grippy soles that stay on in mud. (REI Expert Advice)
  • Shared trailer ramp: get your boat and gear ready off to the side, then launch promptly so trailered boats can use the ramp. (American Canoe Association)

  Official fields: U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Boat Ramps. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.

• James River Diversion Access South Boat Ramp · Map
  Getting to the water

  Launch surface

  Natural (dirt, sand or mud)

  • Natural bank (dirt, sand or mud): wear sandals or water shoes with grippy soles that stay on in mud. (REI Expert Advice)
  • Shared trailer ramp: get your boat and gear ready off to the side, then launch promptly so trailered boats can use the ramp. (American Canoe Association)

  Official fields: U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Boat Ramps. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.

• Ketterlings Point Boat Ramp · Map
  Getting to the water

  Launch surface

  Concrete or paved

  • Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
  • Shared trailer ramp: get your boat and gear ready off to the side, then launch promptly so trailered boats can use the ramp. (American Canoe Association)

  Official fields: U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Boat Ramps. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.

• North Boat Ramp · Map
  Getting to the water

  Access details not published; check before you go.
• Rocky Point Boat Ramp · Map
  Getting to the water

  Launch surface

  Concrete or paved

  • Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
  • Shared trailer ramp: get your boat and gear ready off to the side, then launch promptly so trailered boats can use the ramp. (American Canoe Association)

  Official fields: U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Boat Ramps. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.

• Rocky Point Main Boat Ramp · Map
  Getting to the water

  Launch surface

  Concrete or paved

  • Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
  • Shared trailer ramp: get your boat and gear ready off to the side, then launch promptly so trailered boats can use the ramp. (American Canoe Association)

  Official fields: U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Boat Ramps. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.

• Sheps Canyon North Boat Ramp · Map
  Getting to the water

  Launch surface

  Natural (dirt, sand or mud)

  • Natural bank (dirt, sand or mud): wear sandals or water shoes with grippy soles that stay on in mud. (REI Expert Advice)
  • Shared trailer ramp: get your boat and gear ready off to the side, then launch promptly so trailered boats can use the ramp. (American Canoe Association)

  Official fields: U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Boat Ramps. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.

• Sheps Canyon South Boat Ramp · Map
  Getting to the water

  Launch surface

  Natural (dirt, sand or mud)

  • Natural bank (dirt, sand or mud): wear sandals or water shoes with grippy soles that stay on in mud. (REI Expert Advice)
  • Shared trailer ramp: get your boat and gear ready off to the side, then launch promptly so trailered boats can use the ramp. (American Canoe Association)

  Official fields: U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Boat Ramps. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.

• South Marina Boat Ramp · Map
  Getting to the water

  Launch surface

  Concrete or paved

  • Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
  • Shared trailer ramp: get your boat and gear ready off to the side, then launch promptly so trailered boats can use the ramp. (American Canoe Association)

  Official fields: U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Boat Ramps. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.

• Swim Beach Boat Ramp · Map
  Getting to the water

  Launch surface

  Concrete or paved

  • Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
  • Shared trailer ramp: get your boat and gear ready off to the side, then launch promptly so trailered boats can use the ramp. (American Canoe Association)

  Official fields: U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Boat Ramps. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.

• West Cabin Boat Ramp · Map
  Getting to the water

  Launch surface

  Concrete or paved

  • Concrete ramps can be slick with algae below the waterline: wear water shoes with grip. (REI Expert Advice)
  • Shared trailer ramp: get your boat and gear ready off to the side, then launch promptly so trailered boats can use the ramp. (American Canoe Association)

  Official fields: U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Boat Ramps. Check current conditions; water levels change the walk to the water.

South Dakota paddling rules
Registration, permits, life jackets and AIS stickers

Data shown as published by the agency; check the official source before you go.