Sheridan Lake North Beach is the largest swimming beach in the Black Hills National Forest, providing a gently sloping sandy to silty bottom. This freshwater site is suitable for beginners, with depths ranging from 1 to 27 metres and an average depth of 9 metres. Snorkellers can explore the shallow weed beds located near the buoy lines. Access is via a shore entry. Facilities at the site include parking, toilets, showers, changing rooms, and a rinse station. Divers and snorkellers should be aware that water temperatures vary significantly, ranging from 0 to 4 degrees Celsius in winter to 20 to 29 degrees Celsius in summer, with cold water posing a potential hazard.

Sheridan Lake Dam offers a freshwater snorkelling experience focused on the site's engineering and rocky rip-rap substrate. The site features depths ranging from 2 to 29 metres, with an average depth of 10 metres. Entry is via the shore. Conditions include moderate currents, and snorkelers should remain aware of boat traffic in the area. Facilities at the location include parking, toilets, showers, changing rooms, a rinse station, and a dive shop providing air fills and equipment rental. Guided tours and boat charters are also available for those exploring the Black Hills Lakes region.

Pactola Point Swim Beach offers a accessible freshwater snorkeling experience within the Black Hills Lakes. The site features a sandy shore entry leading into a designated swimming area. Depths at this location range from 1 to 15 metres, with an average depth of 7 metres. Conditions are generally mild, though water temperatures remain cold year-round due to the lake's elevation and spring-fed inputs. Summer surface temperatures typically reach 16 to 22 degrees Celsius, while deeper waters stay significantly colder. Visibility at the site fluctuates between 3 and 7 metres. The area is suitable for beginners and provides facilities including parking, toilets, and showers.

Pactola Lake in the Black Hills offers freshwater diving with depths ranging from 8 to 61 metres, averaging 17 metres. The site features an artificial reef and is accessible by both shore and boat. Divers should be prepared for cold water conditions year-round, with a distinct thermocline typically occurring at 12 metres. Visibility generally ranges between 6 and 8 metres. Due to the significant depths and cold temperatures, this site is suited for intermediate divers. Hazards include boat traffic, cold water, and the risks associated with deep diving such as decompression and nitrogen narcosis. Guided tours and boat charters are available to assist with site access.

Visitor Center Trail Entry at Pactola Lake offers a shore-based snorkelling experience with depths ranging from 3 to 18 metres, averaging 17 metres. The underwater topography is characterised by large boulders and submerged timber. Divers and snorkellers should be prepared for a steep entry path from the National Forest Visitor Center. Conditions at this site include mild currents and visibility typically between 6 and 8 metres. This site is suited for intermediate snorkellers looking to explore the submerged structure of the lakebed.

The Pontiac Wagon is a freshwater wreck located in the Black Hills Lakes, resting at a constant depth of 29 metres. Serving as an artificial reef, the site offers both shore and boat entry options. Divers should anticipate visibility of approximately 6 metres, necessitating careful buoyancy control and close monitoring of the structure. A torch is recommended to assist with navigation and to illuminate details on the wreck. Given the depth and the low visibility conditions, this site is suited for intermediate divers. Typical dive times are around 45 minutes, and it is advisable to check locally for current facility availability before planning a visit.

Pactola Townsite is an artificial reef and wreck site located beneath the waters of the Pactola Reservoir. This site features the remains of an 1870s mining town, including building foundations and a CCC dynamite bunker. Divers can explore depths ranging from 5 to 29 metres, with an average depth of 15 metres. Conditions include mild currents and visibility between 5 and 8 metres. Due to the depth and potential for overhead environments, this site is suited for advanced divers. The reservoir experiences significant thermoclines, with temperatures dropping markedly below 18 metres. Shore access is available, and the site is supported by local facilities including air fills and equipment rental.

Alcatraz Rock is a prominent rock formation located near the dam in Pactola Lake. This site features vertical topography that attracts divers and snorkellers, with depths ranging from 3 to 46 metres and an average depth of 17 metres. Divers should be prepared for a thermocline around 12 metres, where temperatures drop significantly. Conditions include mild currents and visibility between 4 and 7 metres. The site is accessible by both shore and boat, though boat access is recommended. Hazards include boat traffic, cold water, and low visibility. Facilities at the location include parking, toilets, showers, changing rooms, air fills, equipment rental, a cafe, a dive shop, and boat charter services.