South Dakota / Big Sioux River /
McKee PWA
Boat ramp · on Big Sioux River · near Canton · South Dakota
South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks lists this water as infested with zebra mussels. Clean, drain and dry your boat, trailer and gear before you leave, and do not move water, plants or live bait to another water.
South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks · checked October 18, 2026
Status not reported No closure has been posted for this launch, but its agency does not publish open or closed status. Check with the managing agency before you tow.
At the launch
- Type
- Boat ramp
- Fee
- Free
- Ramp lanes
- 1
- Ramp surface
- Concrete Plank - 1'
- Managed by
- South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks
- Coordinates
- 43.23471, -96.56996
Conditions
- Weather forecast for this launch · National Weather Service
- Water level, flow at the BIG SIOUX RIVER NEAR HAWARDEN, IA gauge · USGS, 13.3 mi away on Big Sioux River
Water level
Latest reading loads here; without it, see the USGS page below.
USGS gauge BIG SIOUX RIVER NEAR HAWARDEN, IA, 13.3 mi from this launch on Big Sioux River: water level, flow, a reading every 15 minutes. Readings and history at USGS.
On the river
River mile 101.8 on Big Sioux River · Iowa DNR River Programs mile markers on paddling routes, placed between its mile markers
Low-head dams drown people every year: the current below the drop circles back and holds a swimmer or a boat at the face. Portage around them; stay well clear above and below.
- Low-head dam, 7.7 mi upstream: Canton Dam (rubble), 4 ft. · Iowa DNR River Programs dam hazards
- Rapids, 7.7 mi upstream: Canton Dam (rubble), 4 ft. · Iowa DNR River Programs constructed rapids
Up to 10 river miles each way, from the agencies' inventories; not every hazard is listed and rivers change. Scout before you go.
Sources: Iowa DNR River Programs mile markers on paddling routes, Iowa DNR River Programs dam hazards, Iowa DNR River Programs constructed rapids.
On Big Sioux River
River in South Dakota. All launches on Big Sioux River.
Community
Where people who use Big Sioux River talk about it.
Nearby launches
- Lake Lakota Kayak/Canoe Launch · 1.7 mi · Lake Lakota
- Newton Hills SP - Lake Lakota · 1.7 mi · Lake Lakota
- Canton City Park Kayak Ramp · 4.3 mi · Big Sioux River
- Fairview Area · 4.3 mi
- Oakridge PWA · 6.8 mi · Big Sioux River
- Rolling Boat Ramp · 9.1 mi
Sources
- South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Boat Ramps (Environmental Review Tool service) record {08A74F73-446A-4F47-BBFC-8D3FB838CCF4} · State of South Dakota disclaimer: a public service, no warranty; credit South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks
- OpenStreetMap n80263560 © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL
Why it is listed as public: listed by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Boat Ramps (Environmental Review Tool service). Something wrong, or is this launch private? Send a correction; it goes to a person.