One of my favorite places in all of the Black Hills is Iron Creek Lake.
A Little About “The Lake”
Created through a WPA project to create jobs in the mid-1930s as well as a recreational spot in Lawrence County, Iron Creek Lake is a small, clear lake with a convenient store and campground. It is the perfect family escape and a favorite among locals. Whether you want to stay for a weekend or are looking for a fun day trip, there’s no shortage of things to do.
The store carries essentials, including snacks, beverages, and candy in an antique cigar case, and has a kitchen that provides three meals a day. It also sells Sleep Beef, postcards, souvenir-worthy apparel, beach necessities, and more. You can also rent kayaks, paddle boards, and paddle boats at the store.
The rustic campground features 12 small cabins in addition to tent and RV spots. Electricity is available for RV spots and outhouses are located throughout the campground. While reservations are highly encouraged via their website, especially for cabins, you are able to try your luck with same day reservations at the store.
The lake itself is only one mile around and features a beautiful trail for walks, runs, or fishing. Since the lake is on the smaller side, no boats that make a wake are allowed – that means there are no high-speed boats to disturb your swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, or fishing experience.
Our Top 6 Favorite Things To Do
- Swim and play at the beach
Especially with little kids, taking some time in the sand and shallow waters (there’s a great, zero-entry beach) is always a good idea! Growing up, my mom wouldn’t let us get in the water until after Father’s Day weekend, so unless the weather is exceptionally nice before that, I would recommend heading this rule since the water is very very cold! Bring floaties, sand toys, blankets, towels, and chairs to enjoy this area.
- Get out on the lake
While you can always bring your own small boat, kayak, paddle board, etc., there are many options available for rent from the store, as well. There’s a convenient boat launching area not too far from the beach, and the lake is calm and easy to explore. Just be sure to steer clear of the swimming area!
- Take a walk around the lake
As I mentioned above, the trail around the lake is exactly one mile. It isn’t strenuous, but there are a couple of places that would be difficult for someone with mobility limitations to traverse. It’s not too bad for kids or moms wearing a baby carrier, though! We also recommend stopping at shallow spots to lift a few rocks and look for tiny crawdads. Usually you can find a few hiding if you are slow and careful. To catch one, you will need to use both hands, one in front and one in back, as they will move backwards.
- Hike for a view
Heading up the hills to either the northeast (a shorter hike) or southeast (a much longer hike) of the lake will give you great views. There aren’t necessarily marked trails, so these are a more rugged hiking experience. However, they are worth it!
- Have a campfire
If you’re staying the night, or want to rent a site for the day, a campfire is a must (as long as conditions permit it and you use an approved fire ring). Bring some smores supplies or hot dogs for roasting – or stop by the store for anything you may need – and enjoy the beautiful outdoors with your family.
- Venture down to the dam’s spillway
The lake was created through a damming project and is maintained by the Black Hills Forest Service. Side Note: It is well stocked twice a summer with local rainbow trout, so the fishing is also great! To see the spillway, if you are leaving the store and heading northeast, cross the bridge on the northeast side of the lake and immediately turn left to follow the water flowing out of the lake. After a short walk, the rocky path will get very steep. Head (carefully) down to the bottom for a great view of the spillway, which is really a pretty, man-made waterfall. The water flows more strongly earlier in the summer.
Can You Give Me Directions?
While Iron Creek Lake is off the beaten path in the Northern Hills, it is only about 20 minutes south of Spearfish on a well-maintained gravel road. First, take Exit 8 off Interstate 90 on the west edge of Spearfish and head south on McGuigan Road. McGuigan Road turns into Tinton Road (134). After traveling about 13 miles south, a wooden sign will indicate where to turn right (west) onto Beaver Creek Road. Just a half mile or so down this road and another wooden sign marks a left-hand turn (south) onto Iron Creek Road. This leads you directly to the lake.
A Very Special Place
I’ve spent seven summers helping my family run the store and campground at Iron Creek Lake, so it holds a very special place in my heart and childhood memories. I’ve also taken my own children up there from the time they were babies. If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to reach out, and if you do make it here yourself, please share pictures!
