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Lewis & Clark Lake - COE/Cottonwood
Overview
Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Cottonwood Campground offers a lush, shaded escape nestled just below the Gavins Point Dam. This park is a hidden gem for travelers who value the historical significance of the Lewis and Clark Trail combined with modern outdoor recreation. Known for its namesake mature trees, the park provides a refreshing canopy that protects campers from the South Dakota sun. It serves as a peaceful, natural gateway for those looking to explore the expansive waters and rugged bluffs of the Missouri River region.
Location & Surroundings
Located just a few miles west of Yankton, SD, the campground is uniquely positioned between the Missouri River and the southern shores of Lewis and Clark Lake. The surrounding landscape is a vibrant mix of dense forest, chalk rock bluffs, and open water. Unlike the more exposed prairies nearby, the heavy tree cover at Cottonwood creates an intimate, secluded atmosphere. The proximity to the dam and the spillway means guests can enjoy the calming sounds of moving water and frequent sightings of bald eagles and other local wildlife.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground is well-equipped for modern RVers, offering spacious sites with 50-amp electric hookups. While individual sewer connections are not available, the park provides a high-capacity dump station and multiple potable water fill-up points. Most sites feature paved pads that are level and wide enough to accommodate larger rigs and tow vehicles. Guests have access to well-maintained comfort stations including flush toilets and hot showers. Additional amenities include a playground for children, picnic shelters for group gatherings, and fire rings for evening campfires.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts will find no shortage of activities nearby. The Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium is a short walk away, offering an educational look at local aquatic species. For those with boats, multiple ramps provide quick access to the lake for world-class walleye fishing or leisurely sailing. Hikers and cyclists can explore the Meridian Bridge in nearby Yankton, a unique double-decker pedestrian bridge that spans the river. The adjacent state recreation area also offers sandy beaches and additional miles of scenic multi-use trails.
Who This Park Is Best For
Cottonwood is ideal for families and nature lovers who prefer a quiet, rustic atmosphere over the bustle of a commercial resort. It is a top choice for birdwatchers and anglers who want to be steps away from the water. Because of the ample shade and generous site spacing, it is perfect for long-term travelers looking for a comfortable base camp to explore the history of the Great Plains. RVers who appreciate the reliability and affordability of federal campgrounds will find this park to be an exceptional value.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Silvereyes5 Drnak
Very clean bathrooms and located on the Missouri River. I rented a cabin for $60/night that had access to a beach area on the river. It was quiet in early October and a great value as we were there for paddlefishing. The cabin had electrical outlets, AC and heat but we needed to just bring bedding and pillows. It was pretty hassle free.
Jordan Taylor
Excellent facilities. Very well maintained. The bathroom/shower houses are excellent, with hot water. They offer same day reservation sites specifically on the website. It’s well thought out. They have separate fill and dump stations which isn’t something we see often.
Jaki Thoms
Favorite place to camp w RV. Relaxing, beautiful views, sunsets, and sunrise. Lots of trees with large amounts of space between sites. Great for fishing, sailing, waterskiing, etc
Sheila Czapla
Amazing Campgrounds, some of the best in the area. Only reason for the 3 star review is the Safety Concern. During most recent stay (have traveled her yearly since I was 2, the park rangers driving after dark through the campsites were driving at an unsafe/high rate of speed putting little ones walking back and forth between the fire/campers at risk. Very disappointed when we brought this up and were not taken seriously. This is the first complaint that I've had in 45 years of staying here.
Amy VanDyne
Amazing place! Our family rented out the lodge for a weekend family reunion, we had 2 different families come into the lodge to use the bathrooms. There are NO signs saying not open to the public, for private use only. The doors are SO loud. You can hear every single door open and close all night long. When 27 people are sharing a space, there are lots of bathroom usage. Quiet door knobs, different hinges would be the best upgrade. Handicapped bars by the toilets would be beneficial as well.
Marc Zweber
Disc golf course is nice!
kevin millikan
Camping in the spring here is awesome. May is pretty nice too.
Todd Berke
Wonderful camping experience. The campsites were clean and well spread out. The bathrooms were clean and the showers were hot and well pressurized. I recommend the campground and we will definitely be back
Beth Torres
Probably one of my all-time favorite spots. Such a beautiful location right on the lake with amazing sunsets and sunrises. The wildlife (pelicans, ducks, etc) are fun. The lot is huge and beautiful. The bathroom was probably the cleanest I've ever seen at a campground. The showers were amazing, warm, and had good pressure. The cell service is great so we used a hot spot and were able to work from our camper. The large and beautiful trees offer shade and just an overall beautiful atmosphere.
Toni Hogan
We absolutely loved this campground! On the lake, nice large lots, bath house was super clean and well maintained. Lots of animals to see around the grounds! I did think you could rent kayaks and bikes from the website. But unfortunately that was not an option. But if you bring your own there is lots of space for those activities. The only downside side was there was no physical address on the site. You don't know if it's Nebraska or South Dakota. When I called they weren't the most knowledgeable about directions. Luckily we found a stranger to help! The walk to the dam was worth it!