Are there park entrance fees?

Yes, entrance fees are required for entry to the park. Licenses are available for purchase in person at the visitor center or the entrance kiosks, as well as online . Daily : $10 for residents $15 for nonresidents Annual : $40 for residents $60 for nonresidents

Yes. Roy Lake features two campgrounds with 101 campsites that accommodate both tent and RV camping. There are also three camping cabins, six modern cabins and six suites. Facilities include comfort stations with showers and flush toilets and a dump station. Campsites (electrical): $30 per night Campsites (non-electrical): $16 per night Camping cabins: $60 per night, sleeps four Modern Cabins : $120-150 per night Includes ovens, stoves, refrigerators, sinks and microwaves. The number of beds/occupants varies by unit. The modern cabins typically close between Nov. 1 and May 15 for winterization. They may remain open longer and open earlier if weather conditions allow. Suites: $120-175 per night. Multiple rental units within one structure. Each unit has its own bathroom. The number of bedrooms, maximum occupants and kitchen facilities varies by unit.

What is the best time of year to visit?

The best time to visit Roy Lake State Park is from June to August for fun warm-weather outdoor activities like swimming and boating, or from May to October to enjoy milder temperatures for hiking and camping before potential cold weather sets in. Summer offers warm temperatures that are ideal for swimming, boating, kayaking and fishing on Roy Lake. However, this is the most popular time to visit, so expect crowds and book your campsites far in advance. Spring provides blooming landscapes and fewer crowds, but the weather may not be warm enough for water activities, and some services may be limited. Fall brings cooler temperatures that make hiking and fishing pleasant, along with fewer crowds, though the weather can be unpredictable and conditions may shift as winter approaches. Winter will also bring fewer crowds, beautiful landscapes and great ice fishing opportunities, but visitors can expect snow and ice on the ground and potentially closed facilities.

Is Roy Lake State Park pet-friendly?

Yes, Roy Lake State Park is a pet-friendly park that welcomes dogs on leashes no longer than six feet. Owners are responsible for keeping pets leashed at all times, cleaning up after them and properly disposing of waste.

Is Roy Lake State Park kid-friendly?

Roy Lake offers kid-friendly amenities, including a playground, short and easy hiking trails, and various water activities such as swimming and fishing. It also has clean facilities, picnic areas, disc golf and lawn games, making it a great park for all ages.

What is the closest airport?

Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD) is approximately 2 hours and 37 minutes (180 miles) from Roy Lake State Park. It’s the largest airport in South Dakota and is located just 3 miles northwest of the state’s largest city .

What are the busiest times of the week to visit?

Like most state parks, Roy Lake is the busiest on weekends. For those seeking solitude, weekdays are the best time to visit. It is important to note that campgrounds and cabins can be booked up months in advance for high-demand weekends, particularly from late spring to early fall.

What other attractions are nearby?

Fort Sisseton Historic State Park : The history of Fort Sisseton stretches back more than 130 years, when a series of forts were established in eastern Dakota Territory under the direction of Maj. Gen. John Pope. While in operation, the soldiers stationed at the fort ensured safe passage for settlers, surveyors and others into the Dakota Territory. In 1959, the fort was designated a State Historical Park. This 1864 frontier army outpost has 14 of the original buildings still intact. Sica Hollow State Park : Sica (pronounced she-cha) Hollow State Park, located 15 miles northwest of Sisseton in the northeastern corner of South Dakota, is a place filled with rugged beauty and ancient mysteries. Part of the Prairie Coteau Hills, the park offers a wide variety of year-round activities and is the source of many eerie Indigenous legends. Hiking, camping and horseback riding are all enjoyed in this scenic park. Nicollet Tower and Interpretive Center : West of Sisseton, climb to the top of Nicollet Tower for a breathtaking view of three states. The observation tower honors Joseph N. Nicollet, the French mapmaker who explored the Coteau Des Prairies in the 1830s. The Nicollett Interpretive Center displays John S. Wilson's artwork and Nicollet's great map. A video presentation illustrates Nicollet's expedition and describes the culture of the Dakota tribes. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m., mid-May to mid-October. Admission is free. Pickerel Lake Recreation Area : Noted for its cool, spring-fed waters, Pickerel Lake is one of the deepest natural lakes in the state. Located in northeastern South Dakota near Grenville, the 955-acre lake bears an Indigenous name meaning “where you spear long fish.” Excursion boats were common until the early 1900s. A fish hatchery was built in 1929 and abandoned in 1979, when a new facility was built at Blue Dog Lake. Pickerel Lake State Recreation Area offers two campgrounds with 69 campsites and seven camping cabins, along with equipment rentals, including fishing poles, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and lawn games.

Roy Lake State Park

Established in 1946, Roy Lake State Park is a state park located in the northeastern region of South Dakota, southwest of Lake City.

The park is divided into two sections: Roy Lake West and Roy Lake East. Together, they make the park a popular destination for water activities, beautiful sandy beaches, hiking and excellent camping. For many years, the park operated alongside a privately owned concessionaire called the Roy Lake Resort, which offered rental cabins, a lodge, a convenience store and other amenities. In 2020, the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) purchased the resort and took over its management. Since then, the GFP has renovated the cabins and suites, transforming them into modern lodging spaces for visitors.

Father and son fishing at Roy Lake State Park in South Dakota. — Reeling in a catch at Roy Lake State Park

History

The earliest known inhabitants of the Roy Lake area were members of the Woodland culture. They built large burial mounds, and artifacts from this culture dating back between A.D. 900 and 1300 have been found near the park. The name “Roy” is said to have originated from local Indigenous tribes who called the crops planted along the lakeshore “the Roy Planting.” Another account suggests Roy Lake was named for the Roy (Roi) family, who established the first white settlement in the area.

Things to Do: Activities & Amenities

Swimming: Enjoy swimming, floating and relaxing on the beach along the crystal-clear waters of Roy Lake. Please note that there may not be lifeguards at either beach, so swimming is at your own risk.
Fishing: The deep waters of Roy Lake are perfect for catching walleye, northern pike, yellow perch and black bass from a canoe, the fishing pier or along the shoreline. It’s also a fantastic spot for ice fishing during winter. Be sure to apply for/purchase a South Dakota fishing license ahead of time.
Boating: Whether you bring your own boat or rent a canoe, paddleboard or kayak, you can enjoy a fun day on the lake. Several conveniently located boat ramps allow easy access to the water.
Hiking: The Roy Island Trail is an easy walk that crosses a bridge to the island, where you can observe the local ecosystem, including water plants, painted turtles, fish and birds. You can also explore the surrounding lush woodlands and walk along Roy Lake via the trail.
Disc Golf: The park’s nature trail features a 9-hole disc golf course that’s perfect for families. Discs are available to rent.
Picnicking: The park offers numerous picnic areas for visitors to enjoy, with designated picnic and group picnic shelters.
Birding: Along the Glacial Lakes and Prairies Birding Trail, Roy Lake State Park is one of 38 prime birding sites. Its numerous lakes and wetlands make the area a popular spot for native and migratory birds.

Equipment Rental Fees

Fishing boat (3 passengers): $75 for four hours; $150 for eight hours.
Kayak/canoe (1-3 passengers): $15 for four hours; $30 for all day.
Paddleboat/paddleboard/lily pad: $15 for four hours; $30 for all day.
Pontoon boat (10 passengers): $175 for four hours; $350 for eight hours.

Accessibility

Roy Lake State Park includes ADA-accessible campsites, restrooms, fish cleaning stations, group picnic shelters, showers and playgrounds.

Seasonal Information

Entrance: The park entrance remains open all year. However, it is essential to note that winter weather may result in unexpected road closures.

Weather Conditions: Roy Lake freezes during winter, creating great opportunities for ice fishing. Keep in mind that freezing temperatures can impact trail and road conditions.

Check weather conditions and forecasts before you go.
Consult the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks website or call the park directly for any specific advisories or temporary closures due to weather or maintenance.

Facilities: Year-round. Between Oct. 1 and April 30, showers, flush toilets and other water systems may be closed. Please contact the park directly for the most up-to-date information. Vault toilets usually remain open.

Where to Stay

While camping in the park or staying in a cabin is a popular choice, other lodging options are available in nearby towns. In Webster, some of the lodging options include The Galley Hotel Bar and Grill, Boomers Outback MOTEL, Stonefire Motel & Lodge and Four Seasons Lodge. In Sisseton, you can find reliable chain hotels and motels like Super 8 by Wyndham Sisseton. Additionally, there are various vacation rentals and cabins surrounding the state park.

Dining Nearby

The dining options near Roy Lake State Park are available in nearby towns, including Sisseton and Webster. In Sisseton, Rosalie's is a popular spot that is a restaurant, bakery and lounge. Other options include The Crossroads Restaurant, located in the Dakota Connection Casino, and chains like Pizza Hut and Subway. In Webster, there are several highly-rated options, including The New Frontier Steakhouse and Lounge (known for its prime rib), Pereboom's Cafe (known for its homemade food), Roots Kitchen & Taphouse and The Decoy Bar and Grill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Address, Hours & Contact Info

Address:
11547 Northside Dr.
Lake City, SD 57247

Phone:
605.910.4521

Email:
[email protected]

Park Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily