South Dakota whitewater, Rapid Creek Pennington county, Johnson Siding to Big Bend section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS II+     3 miles   The Johnson Siding to Big Bend stretch of Rapid Creek in Pennington County is 3 miles long and has been determined by American Whitewater to be a class II+ section. If you're coming from Rapid City it's not a long drive at all to the put-in location. Getting a good workout and a chance to spend some time outdoors will have you coming back for more. This is a pretty short section so better bring some good walking shoes. For all you camping     people there are campgrounds nearby. The nature scenery of Pennington County and the playfulness of the water attract people from near and far. There are some good hotels near the river, and if you make reservations in advance you're all set. The average South Dakota whitewater rafting or kayaking river tends to be easier to run than those in other states, so keep in mind that quite a few of the sections in this state are pretty easy. Some people prefer whitewater rafting and some kayaking, either way this area has a pretty small number of paddling spots. Briefly about the general area: This is a popular site for folks from Rapid City, and if you haven’t   been to Mount Rushmore National Memorial, you must schedule some time for it since you're here. At Rapid Creek you don’t see much rain. June is the month that gets the most rain, and the driest of the months is January. For the duration of the summertime months here at Rapid Creek, high temperatures generally get into the 80's. For the duration of the dark hours of summer temperatures dip down into the 50's. The winter comes with highs in the 30's while Rapid Creek night low temperatures throughout the winter are in the 10's.     Stats Stats for this river stretch Weather Local weather forecast These outdoors activities are available near Rapid Creek.   Whitewater Near Rapid Creek: Rapid Creek, Pennington County, 0 miles away       Class II - -blank- miles long (Pactola spillway to Johnson Siding) Rapid Creek, Pennington County, 0 miles away       Class III - 8 miles long (Heisga to Dark Canyon) Rapid Creek, Pennington County, 0 miles away       Class II(III) - 3 miles long (Big Bend to Hiesga) Battle Creek, Pennington County, 15 miles away       Class III-IV(V) - 4 miles long (Harney to Hayward)   Ski Areas Near Rapid Creek: Terry Peak, South Dakota , 48 miles away, 1100 foot drop, 6 lifts, 24 runs   Hotels Near Rapid Creek: MainStay Suites Rapid City, Rapid City , 1 miles away Cambria Hotel & Suites Rapid City, Rapid City , 2 miles away Comfort Suites Rapid City, Rapid City , 2 miles away Fairfield Inn & Suites Rapid City, Rapid City , 2 miles away Sleep Inn & Suites Rapid City, Rapid City , 2 miles away   Campgrounds Near Rapid Creek: Berry Patch RV Campground, Rapid City, 1 miles away Pactola and Sheridan Lake, Rapid City, 3 miles away Lazy J RV Park and Kampground, Rapid City, 5 miles away   Trails Near Rapid Creek: Flume Trail, Pennington , 17 miles away   Public Lands Near Rapid Creek: Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Keystone - SD , 15 miles away Jewel Cave National Monument, Custer - SD , 33 miles away Custer State Park, South Dakota , 17 miles away Bear Butte State Park, South Dakota , 26 miles away Angostura Recreation Area, South Dakota , 38 miles away   Golf Courses Near Rapid Creek: Lacroix Links YMCA Golf Course, Rapid City , 3 miles away Arrowhead Country club, Rapid City , 3 miles away Executive Golf Course, Rapid City , 4 miles away   Lakes Near Rapid Creek Sheridan Lake, Pennington , 20 miles away