Natural swimming hole
Mina Lake Recreation Area swim beach
Lake · South Dakota
About this swimming hole
Mina Lake Recreation Area sits on the horseshoe-shaped, roughly 800-acre Mina Lake about 11-12 miles west of Aberdeen, a lake created in 1934. The official park map marks a swim beach, and Aberdeen Magazine quotes GFP staff naming Mina Lake among the state's best swim beaches, with a protected, buoyed swimming zone. The park also has a campground, fishing pier and the Shake Maza interpretive trail.
Good to know
| Water type | Lake |
|---|---|
| Best season | June-August |
| Fees | Daily park entrance license required ($10 resident, $15 nonresident) |
| Reservations required | No |
| Parking | Parking in recreation area lots near the campground and swim beach, per the official park map |
| Amenities | Swim beach, Campground, Picnic shelter, Boat ramp, Fishing pier, Playground |
| County | Edmunds County |
| Nearest town | Aberdeen |
| Safety notes | No lifeguard on duty. GFP zoned beaches prohibit pets, boats, glass containers and fishing in the swimming area. |
Map
Official information
Official park / agency page ↗ — check current conditions, fees, and reservations here before you go.
Nearby swimming holes
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Mina Lake Recreation Area swim beach?
Yes — Mina Lake Recreation Area swim beach is listed as a natural swimming spot in South Dakota. Heads-up: No lifeguard on duty. GFP zoned beaches prohibit pets, boats, glass containers and fishing in the swimming area.. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — verify conditions locally before you go.
Does Mina Lake Recreation Area swim beach require reservations?
No reservations are required at Mina Lake Recreation Area swim beach based on current information — but verify before you go.
Is there a fee to visit Mina Lake Recreation Area swim beach?
Reported fee info: Daily park entrance license required ($10 resident, $15 nonresident). Fees can change — confirm with the official link.
When is the best time to visit Mina Lake Recreation Area swim beach?
The best season is typically June-August.