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Lewis & Clark Recreation Area
Overview
Lewis & Clark Recreation Area is a premier destination for RV travelers visiting the Great Plains. Situated along the expansive northern shores of its namesake lake, this park offers a perfect blend of high-energy water adventure and peaceful prairie landscapes. It serves as a primary hub for outdoor recreation in South Dakota, providing a well-maintained environment where the historic legacy of the Corps of Discovery meets modern camping convenience for travelers of all types.
Location & Surroundings
Located just west of Yankton, the park sits on the edge of a massive reservoir formed by the Gavins Point Dam. The surrounding landscape is defined by striking chalkstone cliffs and miles of sandy shoreline. Its proximity to the Missouri River provides a lush, green backdrop that feels distinct from the open plains, offering plenty of shade, rolling hills, and scenic vistas for campsite relaxation throughout the spring and summer months.
Amenities & Park Features
The park is divided into three distinct campgrounds: Yankton, Midwest, and Gavins Point. RVers will find spacious paved pads and a variety of 30 and 50-amp electrical service options. The facilities are notably modern, featuring clean heated shower houses and multiple conveniently located dump stations. Families often appreciate the variety of well-placed playgrounds, disc golf courses, and the full-service marina which provides easy access to the water for motorized boating and sailing.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Beyond the water, visitors can explore the Meridian Bridge, a unique double-decker pedestrian bridge connecting South Dakota and Nebraska. The nearby Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium offers fascinating educational tours, while the park’s own paved multi-use trails stretch for miles along the shoreline. Anglers frequently visit the area for its excellent walleye and smallmouth bass fishing, making it a premier spot for sportsmen and nature photographers alike.
Who This Park Is Best For
This recreation area is ideal for active families and boating enthusiasts who want a resort-like atmosphere within a state park setting. Because of the wide, paved sites and easy navigation, it is also a top choice for big-rig travelers looking for a reliable and scenic stopover. Whether you are staying for a weekend of water skiing or a week of quiet birdwatching, the park accommodates diverse travel styles with ease.
Amenities
- Tenting
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Rentals
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Internet
- 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.