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Lake Sharpe - COE/Left Tailrace Campground
Overview
Located along the Missouri River in central South Dakota, the Left Tailrace Campground offers a peaceful retreat for RVers looking to experience the beauty of the Lake Sharpe reservoir. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this park sits just below the massive Big Bend Dam. It is known for its wide-open spaces and direct access to some of the best water-based recreation in the region, providing a relaxing atmosphere that highlights the natural prairie landscape.
Location & Surroundings
Situated in Fort Thompson, this campground is tucked away in the heart of the Crow Creek Indian Reservation. The surrounding area is characterized by rolling hills and the expansive waters of the Missouri River. Travelers will appreciate the scenic vistas where the river bends, offering sunrise views that reflect off the water. The landscape is primarily open grassland, providing a sense of secluded tranquility while remaining easily accessible via Highway 34 and Highway 47.
Amenities & Park Features
This campground caters to RVers with well-maintained electric hookups, offering both 30 and 50-amp service at most sites. While the park maintains a rustic charm, it includes essential facilities such as vault toilets, potable water access, and a convenient on-site dump station. Each site features a picnic table and fire ring for evening gatherings. Boaters will find the nearby concrete ramps highly accessible, making it easy to launch for a day on the reservoir.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw for visitors is the exceptional walleye fishing found in the tailwaters of the dam. Beyond the water, history buffs can take a short drive to Chamberlain to visit the Akta Lakota Museum and Cultural Center, which offers deep insights into Northern Plains Indian heritage. The nearby Big Bend Dam itself is an engineering marvel worth observing, while the surrounding wildlife management areas provide ample opportunities for birdwatching and photography along the riverbanks.
Who This Park Is Best For
Left Tailrace is an ideal destination for avid anglers and boaters who want to be steps away from the water. It is also a perfect fit for travelers seeking a quiet stopover with scenic views without the noise and bustle of a commercial resort. If you appreciate the simplicity of a government-run park and the rugged beauty of the South Dakota plains, this location offers a high-value experience for nature lovers and self-contained RVers alike.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
B
Had site 24. Good pull through site. Pretty level. The one complaint would not happen all the time but had an oil spill right at the edge of the patio and driveway. If in the middle could have parked over it but it wasn’t. Right where you would want to line your camper door up to use the patio. I asked for some oil dry but was told the didn’t have any and that it had been cleaned up. It had not. I have two dogs and didn’t want oil tracked into camper. I used dirt and gravel from around the site and made it usable barely. Someone did come by and offer another site but I was set up so didn’t move. Later on a maintenance guy came by with oil dry I was told they didn’t have but whatever. I will say they did mostly what they could and were nice to deal with but it should have been taken care of before I got there as I was told it had happened last week. Throw some oil dry down for the next guy as it had soaked through the dirt and gravel in spots by morning. Nice overnight though. Would stay again if passing through the area. I’m sure 5 stars next time with a cleaner site.
Dr water
Great camping site. Very clean. Well managed. Friendly staff.
Mark Schrimpf
Nice campground, very well kept. Lots of room between site. Interior roads are easy to navigate. There are several playgrounds for the kids. Each RV site has a picnic table under a shade. There is a boat ramp with two piers. There are several shower buildings. The dump is a little tough to find on the map provided at check-in, best to ask where it is when you check in. It’s on the lower road that leads back out to the highway.
Peter Hill
Great campground. Friendly hosts. Showers!
Terri Hatfield
We were there 6-8 thru 6-10-24. Site 29. We are in a 42 ft fifth wheel. We had an extra vehicle but was able to fit the car in the site as well Nice long pull thru. Sites are a good distance apart. Water and electric a very nice concrete picnic table and sun shade. Also a fire pit. This coe is on a dam and has a nice marina. Quiet nights and bathrooms were clean. The grounds were very well kept. Check in was easy and check in people very friendly.
Diane Lind
Love this park. Level, paved sites with full Verizon and dish satellite service. Water spickets are around the park. Easy to walk around and most camp hosts we're very nice. The price is good for seniors! Enjoyed visiting the area. We would stay here again.
Denise Hamel
Great sites, lots of pull thrus with shade, plenty without if you don't want trees near your rig. Plenty of playground areas for the kiddos. The nearest grocery store is 18 miles away but there's a Family Dollar and a couple of gas station type quick stops around the corner. There is also a casino around the corner on the Reservation. Lovely views.
Richard Shong
Quiet. Well-maintained. Very reasonable fee, particularly if you have a Senior Park Pass. We'd stay here again!
Paula Roe
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit, and sincerely appreciated the help of the staff, especially Howard. He, and his lady coworker, not only helped us find a beautiful spot, but also reminded us of a discount price because we have the senior pass for national campgrounds. The site was perfect, the facilities were the best that we saw on our travels over the last 3 weeks, and we will definitely make every effort to find ACE campgrounds for future travels. A special thanks to Howard and staff, who were so helpful. Chip and Paula Roe
Scott Payne
It's a nice campground. No water near the tent area and the out house is a walk. Was told told to lock things up at night. People have been losing things at 2 am! Overall it was ok.