Access to recreational facilities at Pactola Reservoir will be impacted during Highway 385 construction. With the first phase of construction beginning soon, and expected to last through mid-July, visitors should be aware that Highway 385 will have hard closures in effect, limiting access to recreation facilities.
North Boat Ramp – from May 20-June 7, 2024, access will only be possible on weekends beginning Fridays at noon, through Sunday. Access to the North Boat Ramp will only be possible by coming from the north on Highway 385. Beginning June 8, the North Boat Ramp will be always accessible by coming from north Highway 385. Beginning July 13, the North Boat Ramp will be accessible by coming from the north and south on Highway 385. The North Boat Ramp will only be accessible from the north, on Highway 385, over Memorial Day weekend from Friday, May 24 at 12:00 p.m., through Tuesday, May 28 at 6 a.m.
Veteran’s Point – from May 20 through July 12, the facility will only be accessible by coming from the south on Highway 385. Beginning July 13, the facility will be accessible by coming from the north and south on Highway 385. Access to Veteran’s Point may be closed for short periods during road blasting in the area.
Rapid Creek Trailhead – from May 20 through July 12, the facility will only be accessible by coming from the south on Highway 385. Beginning July 13, the facility will be accessible by coming from the north and south on Highway 385. This recreation site is located on the east side of the dam and is a popular location for fly fishing.
Centennial Trail – a short re-route (see Map) is in place for users of the Centennial Trail near Veteran’s Point. During construction, the re-route at Veteran’s Point will keep users on the west side of Highway 385 to avoid construction activities and blasting. Access to Centennial Trail may be closed for short periods during road blasting in the area.
Visitor Center / Campgrounds / South Boat Lauch / Marina – from May 20 through July 12, access to these facilities on the south side of Pactola Reservoir will only be possible by coming from the south on Highway 385. Beginning July 13, these facilities will be accessible by coming from the north and south on Highway 385.
For information on Highway 385 construction, please visit https://us-385.com/. For the latest updates on the Highway 385 project, text “US385” to 605-566-4041.
For more information on the Black Hills National Forest, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/blackhills.