Vermillion River
Turner / Clay Co. · 120 mi · Class I
1.58CFS/ 0.86 ft
Below Optimal→Stable
Optimal: 100–800 CFS · USGS #06478690
Length
Difficulty
Optimal
Avg Flow
Hist. Median
USGS Gauge
Spirit Mound Historic Prairie · Vermillion River corridor
Southeast South Dakota's hidden gem — the Vermillion River winds through rolling prairie past Spirit Mound, where Lewis and Clark hiked in 1804 expecting to find 'little devils.' The river offers gentle paddling through a pastoral landscape of farms, woodlands, and tallgrass remnants near the University of South Dakota.
Trip sections
Parker to Centerville — 40 mi, upper Vermillion, rolling prairie
Centerville to Vermillion — 40 mi, lower river, Spirit Mound area
Outfitters
Vermillion River Outfitters
Seasonal kayak and canoe rentals, local conditions
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPSLoading forecast...
10-Year Flow Patterns
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Your Optimal Range
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Data Quality
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.