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Burke Lake (SRA)
Overview
Burke Lake State Recreation Area offers a tranquil escape in the heart of south-central South Dakota. This hidden gem, managed by the state's Game, Fish and Parks department, centers around a 25-acre lake surrounded by lush greenery and diverse wildlife. It provides a peaceful prairie setting for RV travelers who want to escape the hustle of busier highways and enjoy a more intimate connection with the South Dakota outdoors.
Location & Surroundings
Located just east of the town of Burke, this park sits within the rolling plains and agricultural heartland of Gregory County. The landscape is characterized by its sheltered shoreline and mature trees that offer a stark, welcome contrast to the wide-open South Dakota sky. The surrounding area is famous for its scenic vistas and rural charm, making the park feel like a private oasis for those exploring the region.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground is designed for simplicity and comfort, featuring several electric hookup sites that accommodate various RV sizes. The park provides several essential features for a comfortable and relaxing stay:
- Level pads with 30-amp electrical service
- A convenient gravel boat ramp and accessible fishing dock
- Picnic shelters and a playground for families
- A scenic one-mile lakeside hiking trail for nature walks
While the park maintains a rustic vibe with vault toilets and a water station, the well-maintained grounds ensure a pleasant experience for every visitor.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw at Burke Lake is the water, where anglers frequently catch largemouth bass and northern pike. Because the lake is a designated no-wake zone, it is perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, or canoeing in still, glassy waters. Beyond the park boundaries, the nearby community of Burke offers local charm, groceries, and essential services. The region is also globally recognized as a premier destination for upland bird hunting during the fall.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for RVers who prioritize quiet solitude and natural beauty over the bells and whistles of resort-style amenities. It is a fantastic choice for fishing enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and photographers looking for a low-traffic environment. If you are a traveler seeking a scenic overnight stop or a small-town atmosphere where you can relax by the campfire under a clear sky, Burke Lake SRA is an excellent fit for your journey.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Craig Mann
Wonderful quiet place. Water is available but not at the camp sites. Bathroom was very clean. We had the place to ourselves except for the ocassional fisherman coming to the lake. My daughter caught a northern pike in it fairly quickly and enjoyed swimming by the boat dock. Plenty of shade trees and a nice walking trail. It's a perfect private getaway to relax.
Donald Busack
For a rather small area, it has a lot of substance! Bird watching is great, wonderful lake, and a ton of shade trees. The camp site and bathrooms are rather primitive, but still very well maintained. Don't know how good the fishing is, but I rarely go there when some is not trying their luck. Would be a fantastic place to go kayaking! The shape of the lake means there is almost always a sheltered area to get out of the wind. Lastly, since it is only a couple miles from Burke and roughly 10 miles from Gregory, there are numerous stores to get anything you forgot. Head out and enjoy!
Alan Kortmeyer
Thankfully some members of the Burke community got together and cleaned up the area. Because it's painfully obvious that the state does nothing out here. The roads are horrible, if nothing else, they could fill in the deep cracks in the road to make driving through somewhat tolerable. We were there over memorial day weekend, not one camper was there. Fix the roads and get electricity to some of the camp sites. It's a nice place, but needs to be usable. Build it and they will come.
Bibs Outdoors
Hiking trail is easy and .75 of a mile long. Most of it is level and flat.
G. D.
Burke Lake is a wonderful place to go, whether you want to enjoy nature or fish, or just have some quiet time. It is very clean and peaceful. The only down side is the blacktop road is not the best, but it is definitely worth the drive. We usually enjoy a picnic lunch of fried chicken and a pop on our way home from shopping.. We have great family memories here and plan to make more.