Dakota Point Trailhead & Picnic Area

Perched on the eastern edge of Sheridan Lake, the Dakota Point Picnic Area is a secluded local favorite that offers some of the most dramatic vistas in the central Black Hills. Located about 15 miles west of Rapid City, this day-use area provides a rugged, more intimate alternative to the larger swim beaches. The picnic grounds feature ten shaded sites nestled among towering ponderosa pines. What truly sets this location apart is its proximity to Dakota Point itself. A short, roughly one-mile hike along a scenic segment of the Centennial Trail leads visitors to the "Point," a series of massive granite cliffs and rock formations that overlook the Sheridan Lake Dam. The Dakota Point Trailhead also connects to the Centennial Trail, a 111-mile route through the Black Hills. From this trailhead, northbound travel is open to hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and bicycling, while southbound travel permits motorized use.