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Oahe Dam – a large brick building sitting on the side of a river📷 Photo by Wolfgang Weiser on Unsplash

Oahe Dam

Pierre, SD

Views

A huge rolled-earth dam holding back Lake Oahe, one of the largest reservoirs in the country. The visitor center and overlook show the scale.

Nearest town
Pierre, SD
Category
Scenic viewpoints
GPS
44.4509, -100.3940

Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.

Good to know

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

Featured in these trip guides

Up the Missouri River through South Dakota – Corn Palace summer 2016 02© Runner1928 · CC BY-SA 4.0
34
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Campsites nearby

All campsites in South Dakota · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026

FAQs

Where is Oahe Dam?

Oahe Dam is in Pierre, SD, at GPS 44.4509, -100.3940. It is about 69 mi from Chamberlain.

Can you camp near Oahe Dam?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Campground 1, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 4 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

Which road trips pass Oahe Dam?

Oahe Dam is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Up the Missouri River through South Dakota.

What is there to see near Oahe Dam?

Places worth a stop nearby: Dignity (70 mi), Sitting Bull Monument (74 mi), Cedar Pass Campground (91 mi) and Wall Drug (97 mi).

When is the best time to visit Oahe Dam?

The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)