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LakeQuality
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Best Lakes Near Sioux Falls, SD

2 lakes within 50 miles of Sioux Falls, ranked on agency water-quality readings.

2 lakes within 50 miles of Sioux Falls have nutrient and algae readings on record. Lake Pahoja in Lyon County leads the set on measured water quality, with about 1.7 ft of clarity. 2 of the 2 have a recorded public access point.

Sioux Falls is not lake-dense: only 2 measured lakes are within easy reach. The cleanest of those measured is Lake Pahoja.

The lakes below are sorted on measured water quality. If you have a specific activity in mind, swimming, kayaking, ice-fishing, family-fishing, the activity-specific sub-pages will filter further.

2
Lakes Within 50 mi
2
With Clarity Readings
1
With Fish Data
2
Public Access
LakeDistanceCountyClarityDepthFish
Lake Pahoja17.2 miLyon1.7 ft-0
Split Rock Reservoir30.4 miPipestone1.3 ft16 ft12

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New clarity and algae readings for lakes within driving distance. Unsubscribe anytime.

Cleanest Lakes Near Sioux Falls

Lake Pahoja

17.2 mi · Lyon County · 1.7 ft clarity

Split Rock Reservoir

30.4 mi · Pipestone County · 1.3 ft clarity

Lakes Near Other Cities

Minneapolis, MNSt. Paul, MNDuluth, MNRochester, MNBrainerd, MNSt. Cloud, MNMankato, MNBemidji, MNGrand Rapids, MNAlexandria, MNMoorhead, MNWillmar, MNPark Rapids, MNDetroit Lakes, MNEly, MNMilwaukee, WIMadison, WIGreen Bay, WIEau Claire, WIWausau, WILa Crosse, WIAppleton, WIOshkosh, WIStevens Point, WIRhinelander, WIMinocqua, WIHayward, WIEagle River, WIWisconsin Dells, WIChicago, ILRockford, ILDetroit, MIGrand Rapids, MITraverse City, MIDes Moines, IACedar Rapids, IAColumbus, OHCleveland, OHPittsburgh, PAErie, PASyracuse, NYRochester, NYAlbany, NYSt. Louis, MOKansas City, MOSpringfield, MOIndianapolis, INFort Wayne, INFargo, NDBismarck, NDDevils Lake, ND

Plan a lake trip in South Dakota

The State of South Dakota's Lakes

South Dakota's cleanest lakes, ranked on agency measurements

Lake Fishing Forecast

Species activity outlook by water temperature and season

South Dakota Lake Trips

Where to stay at South Dakota's top lakes, each with its readings

Frequently Asked Questions

How many lakes are near Sioux Falls?

There are 2 lakes with water-quality readings on record within 50 miles of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. 2 of them have a recorded public access point and 2 have a clarity reading.

What are the best lakes near Sioux Falls for fishing?

1 lakes near Sioux Falls have documented fish species data. The best fishing lakes combine favourable water-quality readings with diverse fish populations. 1 lakes within 50 miles have 5 or more documented fish species.

Where to stay near Sioux Falls

Compare lakeside cabins, hotels, and vacation rentals near Sioux Falls — book a place close to the cleanest lakes in the area.

Top-rated places to stay near Sioux Falls

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Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.