Dakota Point Picnic Area
Dakota Point Picnic Area is in a beautiful setting surrounded by pine trees and next to Sheridan Lake. It has 10 picnic sites and a restroom. The picnic area is near the Centennial Trail, a 111-mile trail that provides hiking and backpacking opportunities. One can hike near the lake (lots of trees down) or take the Centennial Trail to Dakota Point which is a favorite spot for locals. The trail to Dakota Point is one mile from Dakota Point Road to Dakota Point. Dakota Point is next to the Sheridan Lake Dam and plenty of people go to that location to fish, sight see, and enjoy the view.
Dakota Point Picnic Area is off of Sheridan Lake Rd near Sheridan Lake. To get there take Sheridan Lake Road out of Rapid City or Highway 385 to Sheridan Lake Road from Hill City or Deadwood. Turn onto Dakota Point Road and go about 2 miles on a dirt road to hit the picnic area. The Centennial Trailhead is about 1 mile before the picnic area.
Sign off Sheridan Lake Rd.
Entrance to the picnic area.
View of the picnic area to the south.
Walk around/near the lake.
Interesting things you find near the lake.
Centennial Trailhead close to the picnic area. Can hike this to Dakota Point or beyond.
Place to sit or fish.
View of picnic area to the west.
Restroom
View from the road going down to the picnic grounds - beautiful.
Dakota Point - need to hike around 1 mile one way to reach this point depending on where you start. Most start from the Centennial Trailhead off Dakota Point Road. The trail veers to the right at one point leading to a bridge. This goes to Dakota Point and Sheridan Lake dam.
To learn more about other hikes near Sheridan Lake, click the links below.