Natural swimming hole
Richmond Lake Recreation Area swim beach
Lake · South Dakota
About this swimming hole
Richmond Lake Recreation Area, about 10 miles northwest of Aberdeen, is made up of three distinct units on a roughly 1,000-acre lake. GFP lists the South Unit with campsites, a camping cabin, a swimming beach, picnic areas, a playground and a boat ramp. A separate Forest Drive unit adds trails and a disc golf course through wooded shoreline.
Good to know
| Water type | Lake |
|---|---|
| Best season | June-August |
| Fees | Daily park entrance license required ($10 resident, $15 nonresident) |
| Reservations required | No |
| Hours | Open year-round |
| Parking | Parking in the South Unit and other recreation area units |
| Amenities | Swim beach, Campground, Camping cabin, Picnic areas, Playground, Boat ramp |
| County | Brown County |
| Nearest town | Aberdeen |
| Safety notes | No lifeguard on duty; swim in the designated beach 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 Richmond Lake Recreation Area swim beach?
Yes — Richmond Lake Recreation Area swim beach is listed as a natural swimming spot in South Dakota. Heads-up: No lifeguard on duty; swim in the designated beach area.. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — verify conditions locally before you go.
Does Richmond Lake Recreation Area swim beach require reservations?
No reservations are required at Richmond Lake Recreation Area swim beach based on current information — but verify before you go.
Is there a fee to visit Richmond 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 Richmond Lake Recreation Area swim beach?
The best season is typically June-August.