South Dakota River Map (PDF) | Major Rivers & Lakes in South Dakota

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: April 03, 2026 | 15:05 ET

South Dakota River Map showing major rivers in South Dakota, River start and end point, county boundaries.

River Map of South Dakota State

Rivers and Waterways in South Dakota

South Dakota’s river systems are shaped by plains, rolling hills, and the Black Hills region, with most waterways draining into the Missouri River and ultimately the Mississippi River. The Missouri River runs through the center of the state, forming a series of large reservoirs. Eastern rivers flow through flatter farmland, while western rivers are often influenced by seasonal rainfall and snowmelt. Lakes and reservoirs play a major role in water storage, flood control, irrigation, and recreation across the state.

Major Rivers in South Dakota

RiverLength (Approx.)RegionFlows Into
Missouri River2,341 miCentralMississippi River
James River710 miEastMissouri River
Big Sioux River419 miEastMissouri River
Cheyenne River295 miWestMissouri River
White River580 miSouthMissouri River
Bad River96 miCentralMissouri River
Moreau River540 miNorthMissouri River
Grand River110 miNorthMissouri River
Belle Fourche River290 miWestCheyenne River
Little White River200 miSouthWhite River
Little Missouri River560 miNorthwestMissouri River
Vermillion River96 miEastBig Sioux River
Medicine Creek80 miSouthMissouri River
Elm River70 miNorthJames River
Keya Paha River127 miSouthNiobrara River
Yellow Bank River96 miEastBig Stone Lake
Whetstone River93 miEastMinnesota River
Boxelder Creek70 miWestCheyenne River

Major Lakes in South Dakota

LakeTypeRegion
Lake OaheReservoirCentral
Lake SharpeReservoirCentral
Lake Francis CaseReservoirCentral
Lewis and Clark LakeReservoirSouth
Angostura ReservoirReservoirSouthwest
Waubay LakeNatural lakeNortheast
Enemy Swim LakeNatural lakeNortheast
Lake ThompsonNatural lakeEast
Pickerel LakeNatural lakeNortheast
Big Stone LakeNatural lakeEast

Major River Basins in South Dakota

South Dakota’s river basins are largely part of the Missouri River system, with most water eventually flowing into the Mississippi River. These basins are critical for agriculture, water supply, and flood control throughout the state.

  • Missouri River Basin
  • James River Basin
  • Big Sioux River Basin
  • Cheyenne River Basin
  • White River Basin
  • Moreau River Basin
  • Belle Fourche River Basin
  • Grand River Basin
  • Bad River Basin

South Dakota Rivers Facts

StateSouth Dakota
Total Rivers & Streams56,000+ miles of streams
Major RiversMissouri, James, Big Sioux, Cheyenne
Total Waterway Length60,000+ miles
Main DrainageMissouri River System
Longest RiverMissouri River
Shortest RiverElm River
Major River Basins9 Primary Basins
Primary OutletMississippi River
Key UsesIrrigation, water supply, recreation, flood control
Longest River Within StateJames River
Number of River Basins8–10 Basins
Major ReservoirsLake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, Lake Francis Case
Primary Water SourceSurface water and reservoirs