"Visitation has been good so far this summer. Camping numbers are up 40 percent from last year, partially due to two new cabins we have out here and also, we've had some good weather."  Rocky Point was established as a state regulated recreation area back in 2005.  Since then it's been steadily growing in popularity among outdoor enthusiasts, boaters, as well as fishermen.  Manager Brad Nelson says, "The Belle Fourche Reservoir is one of the few large bodies of water that holds walleye, so it's a popular walleye fishery. We have walleye, crappie, smallmouth bass, some tiger musky too."  Nelson says Rocky Point was taken over as a state recreation area after a big push from the Belle Fourche community.  Nelson says, "This was just a day use area with a boat ramp, and local citizens wanted to see a state recreation area put in place, and we worked with the Bureau of Reclamation and we were able to establish this as a state recreation area."  And with the state regulation also comes many benefits for the area surrounding the reservoir.  Nelson says, "It brings a modern campground into the area with electricity, water, reservation system and a lot more maintenance. It's a safe place to recreate."  Nelson says he expects a busy 4th of July weekend at the reservoir and as word of mouth spreads he says the recreation area will continue to see higher visitation.

Brendyn Medina