What is Richmond Lake State Rec. Area like?
Richmond Lake State Rec. Area is one of 77 PDGA-listed courses in South Dakota, and one of 3 in Aberdeen itself. Across 5,868 ft the course fits 18 holes at par 54, which works out to around 326 feet per hole. That is long enough that you will want a driver you can actually control off the tee.
The terrain is prairie/open — wide open prairie fairways, which puts the emphasis on big arms and wind management. Exposed prairie layouts let you throw everything you have, but a crosswind will move a disc thirty feet off line before it lands.
ThrowSpot rates the course moderately demanding overall, making it players who have their form mostly sorted. Expect a genuine test without being punished for every miss. This is the level most recreational players score best on. Most groups finish in about 110 minutes, though a busy weekend morning can add half an hour of waiting on the tee.
What discs should you bring to Richmond Lake State Rec. Area?
For a course like this, a full bag, including distance drivers and something overstable for wind covers the majority of shots. Open ground means wind is the real hazard. An overstable disc you trust into a headwind is worth more here than an extra ten feet of distance.
If you are not sure what matches your arm speed, the disc selector converts your throwing distance into a speed ceiling and specific mold recommendations. Because the fairways are open here, it is also worth checking the wind calculator before you play on a breezy day.
Cost and access
Richmond Lake State Rec. Area charges $5 to play. Pay-to-play courses are the minority in disc golf, and the fee usually reflects better maintenance, dedicated staff, or private land. Check the course signage or the local club for how payment is collected. Most park courses are open dawn to dusk; hours can change seasonally, so it is worth checking locally before a very early or late round.
Amenities at Richmond Lake State Rec. Area
Amenity information comes from PDGA course records and may not reflect recent changes. If something here is out of date, the local club is usually the fastest way to confirm.
Getting to Richmond Lake State Rec. Area
Aberdeen, SD — free parking is listed for this course.
Other disc golf courses near Richmond Lake State Rec. Area
More disc golf in Aberdeen
Aberdeen has 3 PDGA-listed courses. Others worth a round:
| Course | Holes | Difficulty | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melgaard Park | 9 | Beginner | $5 |
| Presentation College Disc Golf Course | 9 | Intermediate | Free |
Frequently asked questions
How many holes is Richmond Lake State Rec. Area?
Richmond Lake State Rec. Area has 18 holes with a total par of 54. The course measures 5,868 ft, averaging about 326 feet per hole.
Is Richmond Lake State Rec. Area free to play?
No. Richmond Lake State Rec. Area charges $5 to play. Check course signage or the local club for how the fee is collected.
Is Richmond Lake State Rec. Area good for beginners?
It is rated intermediate difficulty, so newer players should expect a challenging round. Expect a genuine test without being punished for every miss. This is the level most recreational players score best on.
How long does it take to play Richmond Lake State Rec. Area?
About 110 minutes for a typical group on 18 holes. Solo players move faster; busy weekend mornings can add 20 to 30 minutes of waiting.
Where is Richmond Lake State Rec. Area located?
Richmond Lake State Rec. Area is in Aberdeen, South Dakota, at coordinates 45.54030, -98.61656. Directions are linked on this page.
What discs should I bring to Richmond Lake State Rec. Area?
For this layout, a full bag, including distance drivers and something overstable for wind covers most shots. Open ground means wind is the real hazard. An overstable disc you trust into a headwind is worth more here than an extra ten feet of distance.