Explore the Big Sioux River Access Points

This map highlights official kayak and canoe launch sites along the Big Sioux River in South Dakota and northwest Iowa. From Sioux Falls to Fairview, find your perfect spot to hit the water. Note key safety zones and portage areas marked for your convenience!

Map includes: Big Sioux Recreation Area, Madison Street, Klondike, Newton Hills State Park, and more.

Jay Heath Canoe & Kayak Trail – Big Sioux River
This official map highlights over 150 miles of the Big Sioux River Trail, showing public kayak and canoe access points, camping areas, rock crossings, and diversion channels. Popular locations include Falls Park, Klondike, Canton, Newton Hills, and Akron. For a smooth paddling experience, the river should be at least 1.5 to 2 feet deep.

Distances between launch points are listed for planning multi-day paddles or short river floats. Ideal for paddlers exploring northwest Iowa and eastern South Dakota.

Map source: South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks — gfp.sd.gov

Split Rock Creek Garretson SD

Points of Access
0. Split Rock Creek – Split Rock Park (From HWY 11 Turn East on 5^th Street)(Above Dam Access to do nice leisure paddles)
    Flow good most of the year since it is in the dam reservoir

1. Split Rock Creek – Split Rock Park (From HWY 11 Turn East on 5^th Street)(There is a canoe and   kayak ramp on the north end of the park downstream of dam)
    Flow good at 4.5 feet and up SRC Flow or SRC Estimated Future Flow
    2.8 miles to point 2

2. Split Rock Creek – Palisades State Park (From HWY 11 turn east on 485^th Avenue and turn west on 255^th Street into State Park)(Must have state park permit)
      Flow good at 4.5 feet and up SRC Flow or SRC Estimated Future Flow Surfing wave forms at the parks beach over 8 feet
    2.8 miles to point 3

3. Split Rock Creek – 257^th Street (from HWY 11 turn east on 257th) (Ditch Entry upstream of bridge)
    Flow good at 4.5 feet and up SRC Flow or SRC Estimated Future Flow

This is a fun Class I-II section of the river at the right depth, but please watch for barbwire and electric fences! Always wear a life jacket and go with a buddy. A good plus is a helmet, throw bag, and first aid kit.

Okoboji Acess Points

Canals of Wahpeton Little Spirit Center Lake Diamond Lake North

West Hottes, East Hottes and Marble Lake Hales Slough Area Upper, Lower Gar and Minnewashta

Lake/ Ponds

• Clear Lake North of Humboldt SD
• Beaver Lake Humboldt SD
• Family Park Pond Sioux Falls SD
• Grass Lake Humboldt SD
• Covell Lake Sioux Falls SD
• Island Lake Buffalo Trading Post
• Lake Alvin Harrisburg SD
• Lake Lakota Newton Hills State Park SD
• Lake Pahoja South Larchwood IA
• Lost Lake Humboldt SD
• Shoeman Park Luverne MN
• Scotts Slough Hartford SD
• Split Rock Creek Park Garretson SD
• Split Rock Creek State Park Ihlen MN
• Lake Vermillion Canistota SD
• Wall Lake West of Sioux Falls SD
• Creamery Pond Luverne MN
• Ashton Pits
• Bruce Shomaker Recreation Area
• Sandy Hollow Sioux Center IA
• Rivers Bend CampGround Rock Valley IA

Information sourced in part from SiouxEmpirePaddlers.org, a helpful guide to kayak-accessible lakes and ponds throughout the Sioux Empire region. siouxempirepaddlers.org/lakes-and-ponds/

Check River Depth Before You Paddle!
For the safest and smoothest kayaking experience, we recommend the river be at least 1.5 to 2 feet deep. You can check current water levels here: waterwatch.usgs.gov

Mother Nature’s in charge. Check the forecast before your trip!

https://www.keloland.com/weather/

Looking for a Local Paddlers Club? Check out https://siouxempirepaddlers.org/

For Paddling Convenience

Looking for inlets and outlets? Download Paddleways