Paddling near Aberdeen, SD
Aberdeen anchors Brown County in northeastern South Dakota's Glacial Lakes and Prairies region, where prairie pothole lakes and the slow James River give paddlers both still-water and flatwater options close to town. The marquee destination, Richmond Lake, lies roughly 12 miles northwest and covers over 1,000 acres with on-site kayak and paddleboard rentals.
Top waters to paddle near Aberdeen
James River
North Dakota, South Dakota
Richmond Lake
South Dakota
Lake Parmley
South Dakota
Willow Creek Lake
South Dakota
Elm River
North Dakota, South Dakota
North Scatterwood Lake
South Dakota
Amsden Lake
South Dakota
Elm Lake
North Dakota, South Dakota
South Scatterwood Lake
South Dakota
Pierpont Lake
South Dakota
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South Dakota licenses and regulations
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