If you are interested in knowing the best places to take great pictures in South Dakota, then keep reading. This state is replete with natural wonders, unusual terrains and offbeat locations that will add sparkle to your photography.
List of Best Places to Take Pictures in South Dakota
There are many beautiful sceneries in South Dakota ranging from the huge prairies to the big rocks, and all these make it an ideal place for a photographer. Most of these places I have visited and I would like to share some of the best places to take the best photo.
1. The Badlands
The Badlands is one of the most photographed areas in South Dakota. The terrain is something that I have not come across before. You get large areas of rocky terrains, steep cliffs, and vast plains that may cover many acres of land.
The colors are also dynamic, and change depending on the time of the day, thus making every shot different. I suggest that you take your pictures in the msniporning or in the evening when the light is ideal. You will get the best shadows and texture at these times.
Nearby Attractions:
- Mount Rushmore National Memorial
- Black Hills region
- Custer State Park
Nearby Hotels:
- Best Western Plus Rapid City
- Custer State Park Resort
- Hotels in Keystone
Best Time to Visit:
- Spring and fall for mild weather and great light
- Summer for warm temperatures
- Winter for a snowy landscape
Bonus Tip:
- Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and good hiking boots
- Prepare for rugged terrain and changing weather conditions
2. Custer State Park
Photography is one of the activities that one can never get bored of in Custer State Park. No matter if you prefer watching wildlife or stunning landscapes, you will definitely like it here. I enjoy photographing the bison herds especially when they are grazing in the vast grassland.
The lakes, forests, and rolling hills of the park enhance the beauty of every scene shot in the park. You can also get to see other features of rocks that make you appreciate the tranquility of nature and at the same time the hardness of rocks.
Nearby Attractions:
- The Needles Highway
- Mount Rushmore National Memorial
- Jewel Cave National Monument
Nearby Hotels:
- Custer State Park Resort
- Best Western Buffalo Ridge Inn
- The Lodge at Deadwood
Best Time to Visit:
- Spring and fall for optimal weather and fewer crowds
- Summer for vibrant wildlife activity and full park accessibility
- Winter for a serene, snow-covered landscape
Bonus Tip:
- Bring a telephoto lens for wildlife photography and a wide-angle lens for landscapes
- Consider a sunrise or sunset shoot to capture the park’s colors and lighting at their best
3. Needles Highway
Another place that will make your photography even better is Needles Highway. This road twists and turns and takes you through some of the largest granite monoliths that rise steeply to the heavens.
Due to its small dimensions and the numerous turns and curves, it is a rather interesting place to take pictures of.
I recommend that one drives slowly on this road, making several stops to take the best shots. It is perfect for taking shots of the landscape and roads and you can get some great shots regardless of the season.
Nearby Attractions:
- Custer State Park
- Mount Rushmore National Memorial
- The Black Hills
Nearby Hotels:
- The Lodge at Deadwood
- Custer State Park Resort
- Best Western Buffalo Ridge Inn
Best Time to Visit:
- Spring and fall for pleasant weather and clear views
- Summer for vibrant scenery and full access
- Winter for a serene, less crowded experience
Bonus Tip:
- Use a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive views and dramatic rock formations
- Be prepared for sudden weather changes and road conditions, especially in winter
4. Palisades State Park
Palisades State Park is one of the places that I like to visit but it is not very popular among tourists. It is not as busy as other parks, so you can spend time arranging the perfect shot that you want to take. The park has steep quartzite cliffs, water and green vegetation.
I have captured some of my beautiful river and cliffside shots here. This park offers you the chance to take close-up shots of rocks and equally, take shots of the large expanses of land.
Nearby Attractions:
- Sioux Falls
- Big Sioux River Recreation Area
- Sertoma Butterfly House & Marine Cove
Nearby Hotels:
- The Holiday Inn Sioux Falls-City Centre
- Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Sioux Falls
- Super 8 by Wyndham Sioux Falls
Best Time to Visit:
- Spring and fall for mild weather and vibrant colors
- Summer for full access to park amenities and greenery
- Winter for a quieter, serene atmosphere and potential snow-capped cliffs
Bonus Tip:
- Bring a macro lens for detailed close-ups of the rock textures and a tripod for stable shots, especially in low light
- Explore different angles and perspectives to capture the unique formations and expanses of the park
5. On a Farm
South Dakota is one of the states that is characterized by large fields and farms. If you are in search of something quiet and uncomplicated, I recommend you go look for a farm to shoot. The barns, old equipment as well as vast rows of crops are some of the most beautiful sites that can be captured in country-style photography.
I like to capture the golden fields with my camera, especially during the sunset. You can also trap farm animals if that is what you fancy doing.
Nearby Attractions:
- Badlands National Park
- Custer State Park
- Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Nearby Hotels:
- The Lodge at Deadwood
- Custer State Park Resort
- Best Western Plus Rapid City
Best Time to Visit:
- Late summer and early fall for golden crop fields and harvest scenes
- Sunset hours for the best lighting and dramatic colors
- Spring for lush greenery and blooming plants
Bonus Tip:
- Use a telephoto lens to capture farm animals from a distance without disturbing them
- Experiment with different angles and compositions to highlight the textures and colors of the farm environment
6. Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park is one of the most beautiful places on the earth for photographers. The cliffs and the valleys are steep and the eroded surface of the land gives the place a dramatic look that is different at different times of the day. What I especially enjoy is painting the spectrum of colors that can be seen in the morning or evening.
There is a variety of layered rocks which are perfect for taking wide shots all over the park. It is a place that one should not miss especially if one is interested in landscape photography.
Nearby Attractions:
- Pinnacles Overlook
- Wall Drug Store
- Badlands Loop Road
Nearby Hotels:
- Cedar Pass Lodge
- Best Western Plains Motel
- Frontier Cabins
Best Time to Visit:
- Sunrise and sunset for the most dramatic lighting and color
- Spring and fall for milder temperatures and fewer crowds
- Summer for full access and vibrant landscape views
Bonus Tip:
- Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive vistas and layered rock formations
- Consider a sunrise or sunset shoot to make the most of the park’s dynamic colors and textures
7. Spearfish Canyon
Spearfish Canyon is ideal for photography especially if you have a passion for taking pictures of water and forests. The canyon is full of waterfalls, rivers and greenery.
Here I have been taking photos of the water as it moves over the rocks for hours. It becomes even more interesting when one can consider the changes in the seasons. In the autumn the trees are painted in the most beautiful colors and in winter the waterfalls are frozen.
Nearby Attractions:
- Roughlock Falls
- Bridal Veil Falls
- Spearfish Falls
Nearby Hotels:
- Spearfish Canyon Lodge
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Spearfish
- The Lodge at Deadwood
Best Time to Visit:
- Autumn for colorful foliage and picturesque landscapes
- Winter for frozen waterfalls and a serene atmosphere
- Spring and summer for lush greenery and full-flowing waterfalls
Bonus Tip:
- Use a tripod to capture long-exposure shots of flowing water for a smooth, silky effect
- Explore different vantage points to find unique angles and compositions of the waterfalls and forest scenery
8. Sunflower Fields
If you want to have bright and cheerful photos then you have to visit the sunflower fields in South Dakota. There are fields here that go on for as far as the eye can see and the sunflowers are as far as you can see too.
The clothes are bright yellow against the blue sky making it a perfect shot for the summer. It is also possible to take clear shots of the flowers or even take shots of the whole field.
Nearby Attractions:
- Badlands National Park
- Wall Drug Store
- Black Hills National Forest
Nearby Hotels:
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Rapid City
- Best Western Plains Motel
- Custer State Park Resort
Best Time to Visit:
- Late summer when sunflowers are in full bloom (July–August)
- Early morning or late afternoon for soft, natural lighting
- Summer for the best weather and bright skies
Bonus Tip:
- Use a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the sunflower fields
- Try shooting during golden hour to enhance the colors and add warmth to your photos
9. Black Hills National Forest
The Black Hills National Forest is perfect if you are in need of variety in the pictures to be taken. It is possible to photograph forests, mountains, lakes, and wildlife in a single location. I like to walk on the trails and make some photo stops at different locations.
Some nice shots were captured here; the green trees against the backdrop of rocks make for a good view. It is possible to go around the area for a whole day and still discover new perspectives of viewing.
Nearby Attractions:
- Mount Rushmore National Memorial
- Custer State Park
- Crazy Horse Memorial
Nearby Hotels:
- Sylvan Lake Lodge
- The Lodge at Deadwood
- Best Western Black Hills Lodge
Best Time to Visit:
- Spring and summer for lush greenery and vibrant wildlife
- Fall for colorful foliage and crisp air
- Winter for snow-covered landscapes and a peaceful atmosphere
Bonus Tip:
- Bring a variety of lenses (telephoto for wildlife and wide-angle for landscapes)
- Explore different trails to find unique compositions and varied scenery throughout the forest
10. Wind Cave National Park
While Wind Cave National Park is famous for the caves and their formations, the outside environment should also be photographed. The vast flat land and the free-ranging bison provide you with some good shots of wildlife and the terrain.
I always like to have some shots of the open sky here. It is very vast and serene and the light during the golden hour always enhances the beauty of the unreal place.
Nearby Attractions:
- Custer State Park
- Jewel Cave National Monument
- Black Hills National Forest
Nearby Hotels:
- Elk Mountain Campground (inside the park)
- Best Western Buffalo Ridge Inn
- The Lodge at Deadwood
Best Time to Visit:
- Golden hour (sunrise or sunset) for the best lighting and dramatic skies
- Spring and summer for bison and wildlife activity
- Fall for beautiful colors and fewer crowds
Bonus Tip:
- Bring a zoom lens for wildlife photography and a wide-angle lens to capture the open landscapes
- Don’t miss the opportunity to photograph both the caves and the serene outdoor environment
11. Jewel Cave National Monument
Another cave that is worth visiting is the Jewel Cave National Monument. If you like taking pictures of caves and other complex structures in rocks then this is where you should be. The cave formations are something you will not find anywhere else if you are a lover of above-ground formations.
Photographing inside can be a bit difficult because of the poor lighting, although with the right settings, one will be able to take some stunning shots of the glistening walls and the dark corridors of the cave.
Nearby Attractions:
- Wind Cave National Park
- Custer State Park
- Black Hills National Forest
Nearby Hotels:
- Super 8 by Wyndham Custer/Crazy Horse Area
- Best Western Buffalo Ridge Inn
- The Lodge at Deadwood
Best Time to Visit:
- Year-round, though spring and fall offer more comfortable outdoor temperatures
- Plan tours during off-peak hours for less crowded photography opportunities inside the cave
Bonus Tip:
- Bring a tripod and set your camera to long exposure for better low-light shots inside the cave
- Explore different angles and close-ups to capture the intricate details of the formations
12. Buffalo Roundup
If you happen to be in South Dakota during the annual Buffalo Roundup at Custer State Park, you’re in for a treat. Watching hundreds of buffalo thundering across the plains is an experience like no other, and it makes for amazing action shots.
I love photographing the energy and movement of the herd as they run. It’s one of the most thrilling photography opportunities in the state.
Nearby Attractions:
- Custer State Park
- Black Hills National Forest
- Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Nearby Hotels:
- Custer State Park Resort
- Sylvan Lake Lodge
- The Lodge at Deadwood
Best Time to Visit:
- The annual Buffalo Roundup usually takes place in late September
- Early morning for the best light and fewer crowds
- Sunset hours for dramatic lighting and action shots
Bonus Tip:
- Use a telephoto lens to capture close-up shots of the buffalo in action from a safe distance
- Position yourself early to secure a great vantage point for photographing the roundup
13. Lake Herman
Lake Herman offers a peaceful setting for landscape photography. The calm waters reflect the sky, and you can capture some stunning sunset shots here.
I’ve found that this lake is perfect for serene, quiet photos. Whether you like photographing the water, the surrounding trees, or the wildlife that frequents the area, Lake Herman gives you plenty of options.
Nearby Attractions:
- Custer State Park
- Black Hills National Forest
- Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Nearby Hotels:
- Custer State Park Resort
- Sylvan Lake Lodge
- The Lodge at Deadwood
Best Time to Visit:
- The annual Buffalo Roundup usually takes place in late September
- Early morning for the best light and fewer crowds
- Sunset hours for dramatic lighting and action shots
Bonus Tip:
- Use a telephoto lens to capture close-up shots of the buffalo in action from a safe distance
- Position yourself early to secure a great vantage point for photographing the roundup
14. Roughlock Falls
Roughlock Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in South Dakota. The cascading water and surrounding greenery make it a perfect spot for nature photography. I’ve spent hours here capturing the flow of the water from different angles.
Nearby Attractions:
- Spearfish Canyon
- Bridal Veil Falls
- Spearfish Falls
Nearby Hotels:
- Spearfish Canyon Lodge
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Spearfish
- The Lodge at Deadwood
Best Time to Visit:
- Spring and summer for lush greenery and full-flowing waterfalls
- Fall for vibrant foliage around the falls
- Early morning or late afternoon for soft, natural lighting
Bonus Tip:
- Use a slow shutter speed to create a smooth, silky effect on the flowing water
- Explore different vantage points to capture the falls from unique angles
15. Spirit Mound Historic Prairie
Spirit Mound Historic Prairie is a place full of history and beautiful views. This prairie offers wide, open spaces that allow you to capture the rolling hills and endless sky.
I love coming here for sunset photos. The light hits the grass just right, creating a golden glow that stretches across the landscape.
Nearby Attractions:
- Lewis and Clark Recreation Area
- Vermillion River
- Missouri National Recreational River
Nearby Hotels:
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Vermillion
- Red Roof Inn Vermillion
- Prairie Inn
Best Time to Visit:
- Late afternoon or sunset for golden hour photography
- Spring and summer for lush, green landscapes
- Fall for warm tones and crisp air
Bonus Tip:
- Use a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the prairie and sky
- Visit during sunset for the best lighting and colors in your landscape shots
Visit and Photography: Guidelines and Instructions
Pack the Right Gear
Bring essential photography equipment like your camera, lenses, and tripod. For longer trips, you may want to pack extra batteries and memory cards. If you’re planning to carry snacks or food, consider storing them in vacuum packaging bags to keep everything fresh and protected. These bags are durable and prevent spills inside your backpack.
Plan Your Photography Timing
Light plays a crucial role in photography. If you can, plan to visit the location during the golden hours early morning or late afternoon. This is when natural lighting is soft and enhances the look of your photos. Avoid midday shoots, as harsh sunlight can create unflattering shadows.
Use Mylar Vacuum Seal Bags for Equipment Protection
Unfamiliar areas can be unpredictable, and weather changes can affect your gear. Store smaller items like camera accessories in mylar vacuum seal bags. These are excellent for protecting equipment from moisture, dust, and other environmental factors, ensuring your gear stays in good condition throughout your trip.
Respect Nature and Local Customs
Be mindful of the environment around you. Avoid disturbing wildlife, and do not leave any litter behind. Always follow local customs and respect any rules or guidelines specific to the area. This includes staying on designated paths and refraining from taking items or artifacts from nature.
Bottom Line
South Dakota offers some of the most diverse and breathtaking places to take photos I’ve ever seen. From dramatic landscapes to peaceful prairies, there is something for every photographer.
Whether you’re into wildlife, landscapes, or unique geological formations, you will find the perfect place to capture stunning photos. I hope you find these spots as inspiring as I do.
