Deerfield Reservoir

No matter the time of year, Deerfield Reservoir provides a plethora of fun for an exciting day on the water. In the summer, the reservoir is abuzz with people finding ways to beat the heat; boating, swimming and hiking are just some of the popular warm weather activities at this Black Hills lake. Deerfield remains a hotspot for outdoor recreation during the frigid winter months as well, offering trails for snowmobiling, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, as well as thick ice for skating or ice-fishing. Plan a visit to Deerfield during your next visit, located only 37 minutes west of the Powder House.

General Information

Deerfield Dam

Hill City, SD  57745

Recreation

• Boating – Two boat launches available on site for motorized and non-motorized boats. NOTE: Deerfield Reservoir is a no-wake area where boat travel is limited to five miles per hour.
• Cross-Country Skiing
• Fishing – Brook, splake and rainbow trout available. Ice-fishing accessible during the winter. Castle Creek flows in and out of the reservoir and is a popular destination for fishing, especially for those who enjoy fly-fishing.
• Hiking – The 10 mile Deerfield Lake Loop Trail circles the lake and is a fairly easy trail, while Deerfield Trail #40 provides an 18-mile easy to moderate trail that connects Deerfield to Rapid Creek and Pactola Reservoir. Make sure to pack plenty of water, as drinking water is not provided on the trails.
• Ice-Skating
• Mountain Biking
• Snowmobiling
• Snowshoeing

Amenities Offered

• Camping – Three campgrounds on site offering both RV and tent camping sites.
• Three Picnic Areas:
  • Dutchman Campground – southeast side of lake,
  • Lake Shore Picnic Area – southwest side of lake, along the shore, and
  • Mountain City Picnic Area – near Whitetail Campground, with excellent views of the lake.

Fun Facts

• Deerfield Reservoir was originally built by the United States Bureau of Reclamation from 1942 to 1947. It was built at a height of 171 feet in order to store water for Pennington County.
• The average depth is about 30 feet and deepest portions near the dam face are about 90 feet deep.
• The reservoir has an average depth of 30 feet, with the deepest areas near the dam face reaching 90 feet deep.
• Today, the dam supplements the water supply to Rapid City and Ellsworth Air Force Base.
• Don’t forget your fishing pole! Deerfield has been known to contain record sized brook trout, making for an amazing Black Hills fishing experience.

A visit to this Black Hills lake is a must any time of year for a relaxing day on the water. Add Deerfield Reservoir to your itinerary during your next stay at the Powder House Lodge!