Jenney Gulch Picnic Area is a rugged lakeside escape near Pactola Reservoir, ideal for picnics, paddling, cliff views and fresh-air adventure in the Black Hills.
Jenney Gulch Picnic Area is a scenic and spirited day-use spot tucked along the shores of Pactola Reservoir near Rapid City, South Dakota. Unlike heavily developed recreation areas, Jenney Gulch keeps much of its wild character: rocky cliffs, clear blue water, forested slopes and a shoreline that invites both relaxation and exploration. It’s a favorite for people who enjoy lakeside picnics, paddling, and a bit of adrenaline from cliff-side viewpoints and popular jumping spots.
This is not a highly commercialized, fully equipped picnic complex. Instead, it offers just enough infrastructure—picnic tables, restrooms, hand-launch access and a boat ramp—while leaving the rest to nature. The result is a place that feels adventurous yet manageable for families, couples and small groups who are comfortable planning ahead and packing their own gear.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | Rapid City, SD 57701 |
| Phone | (605) 673-9200 |
| Opening Hours | Daily: 06:00 – 22:00 |
| Facilities | Picnic Tables, Hand Launch, Boat Ramp, Restrooms |
| Important Notes | No potable water; “pack in, pack out” trash policy |
Jenney Gulch Picnic Area is best suited to visitors who appreciate raw scenery and active outdoor fun. The clear water of Pactola Reservoir, the rocks lining the shore and the cliffs overlooking the lake all contribute to a sense of adventure. On summer days you’ll often see kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and small boats gliding across the surface, along with brave souls enjoying supervised cliff-jumping in designated areas.
Because it retains a very natural feel, you won’t find large shelters, concession stands or manicured lawns here. Instead, you get a handful of picnic tables, simple restrooms and direct water access. If you value scenery and activity over amenities, this balance of basic infrastructure and rugged landscape is part of the charm.
A trip to Jenney Gulch Picnic Area comes with a few key responsibilities and safety considerations:
For a family weekend or small group outing, arriving in a Tara Roadster 2+2 can make the entire day smoother. The four-seat layout is ideal for parents and kids or a couple of friends with gear, while the cooling system keeps drinks and picnic food fresh until lunchtime. A spacious storage area offers room for life jackets, inflatable gear, fishing equipment, picnic supplies and extra clothing.
By organizing everything neatly in your vehicle, you can step out at the Jenney Gulch parking area with food, water and equipment ready to go—no last-minute scrambling or warm drinks on a hot day.
Start early by driving your Tara Roadster 2+2 to the Jenney Gulch parking lot around 8:00 a.m. Early arrival helps you secure parking, avoid crowds and enjoy calmer water conditions. After parking, double-check that you have your water, food, life jackets and trash bags ready for the day.
Around 8:30 a.m., follow the paths and small trails that climb above the shoreline. As you move uphill, views open out over Pactola Reservoir, with rock formations and clear water stretching into the distance. If you like exploring, you can continue onto Trail 40 to see more of the area and find higher vantage points. This is also where you’ll notice some of the popular cliff-jumping spots—great for photos, even if you decide not to jump.
By about 11:00 a.m., head back to the official Jenney Gulch Picnic Area. Choose one of the available picnic tables and unpack simple, portable foods: sandwiches, fruit, snacks and cold drinks straight from the cooled storage of your Tara Roadster 2+2. This is a day-use area, open from 6:00 to 22:00, but remember that there is no potable water on-site, so rely on the supply you brought.
After lunch, take time to rest in the shade, watch boats move across the reservoir and listen to the sounds of the shoreline.
Early afternoon is perfect for getting onto or into the water:
Around 3:00 p.m., leave the immediate picnic area and walk the Osprey Trail. This loop and spur route provides elevated views over the reservoir and opportunities to watch birds, especially ospreys hunting over the water. Stop at overlooks to rest, take photos and enjoy a broader perspective on the lake you’ve been exploring.
By about 5:00 p.m., it’s time to wrap up your visit. Return to the picnic area and parking lot, making sure you follow the “pack in, pack out” rule: collect every piece of trash, leftover packaging and gear so nothing is left behind. Load everything back into your Tara Roadster 2+2, take one last look at the water and drive away knowing you’ve enjoyed a full, responsible day at Jenney Gulch Picnic Area.
