Pactola Reservoir, South Dakota

Pactola Reservoir in west South Dakota covers 860 acres (344 hectares) and is part of the Black Hills National Forest. After construction ended in 1956, it became the deepest reservoir in the Black Hills. In the late spring a thermocline forms at 25 feet (8 m); by August it reaches 50 feet (15 m). Rumors that the bottom of the reservoir holds a town still intact are just that, rumors. The remains of foundations and some leftover objects are all that you'll see of the old town.

Depths to: 158 feet (48 m)

Visibility: 5-30 feet (1.5 to 9 m)

Water temperature: 40-60 degrees Fahrenheit (4-15 degrees Celsius)

Aquatic life: Brown trout, rainbow trout, Kokanee salmon, largemouth bass, perch,
rock bass.

Fees: Daily parking fees for swimming, boat launching, and some picnic sites and trailheads are $3 per day per vehicle. A $20 seasonal vehicle pass is available starting in April. Fees are charged May through September.

On-site amenities: Camping units, family picnic units, concrete boat ramps, swimming beach, and a visitors center. A marine concession serves the lake, providing boat docks, gas, boat rental, and miscellaneous supplies.

More info: The Black Hills National Forest Visitors Center is on Pactola Dam along U.S. 385 and is open from mid-May to mid-September from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Also, call the Rapid City Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 487-3223.

Open: Year-round.