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Pelican Lake Recreation Area
Overview
Pelican Lake Recreation Area offers a quiet, nature-focused retreat just south of Watertown. Unlike busy commercial resorts, this state-managed area provides a peaceful backdrop of native tallgrass prairie and the expansive Pelican Lake. It serves as an excellent home base for travelers seeking a slower pace and scenic water views without sacrificing basic comfort or accessibility to city services.
Location & Surroundings
Situated in the glacial lake region of northeastern South Dakota, the park sits on the eastern shore of its namesake lake. The landscape is characterized by sweeping prairie vistas and lush wetlands that attract diverse wildlife. Its proximity to Highway 81 makes it easily accessible for large rigs, while the surrounding hills maintain a sense of seclusion from the bustle of the city.
Amenities & Park Features
The park features well-maintained campsites with 30 and 50-amp electrical hookups and level gravel pads. Visitors have access to modern bathhouses with heated showers, a dump station, and convenient potable water spigots. For recreation, the park includes a fishing pier and boat ramp, providing easy access to the water. There are also several miles of multi-use trails and a popular observation tower for panoramic views.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Watertown offers several cultural highlights within a ten-minute drive of the campground. The Redlin Art Center showcases the famous wildlife works of Terry Redlin, while the Bramble Park Zoo is a fantastic destination for families. Outdoor enthusiasts can also explore nearby Lake Kampeska for more boating or spend the day fishing for walleye and northern pike right from the park shores.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for nature photographers and birdwatchers who will appreciate the seasonal migration of American white pelicans. It is also perfect for families looking for a quiet camping experience and fishing enthusiasts wanting direct lake access. If you prefer natural prairie beauty and open spaces over crowded commercial RV parks, this location fits your travel style perfectly.
Amenities
- Tenting
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Rentals
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Nikki Rohde (OutThisDoor)
Awesome park, we came from AZ and are already thinking about a future visit. This is a huge park. We stayed several days to go hunting in the area, since it was off-season, the park was pretty much empty. After Oct 1st, dogs can be off-leash in voice command. Roads in the park are wide enough for full sized RVs, there are many camp site options. The pads are packed dirt and gravel, back-in. Every site is very spacious with enough room between sites for the kids to play. They are not private but the grass is well kept. Trash service and dump station. Two cabins to rent, looks like bunk house inside with table, grill and seating outside and pretty beach. One cabin is ADA accessible (the other has one step to enter). Amenities include multiple playgrounds, a swimming beach, a boat launch and a canoe/kayak/paddleboard launch, fishing pier, lakeside access, and lots of walking paths in the prairie. They are also building a new visitor's center. There's also an archery range and horse-shoe pits! There are showers and bathrooms but they were closed for the season. Vault toilets are open year-round. Staff was very attentive with answering our questions over email. Arriving at the site was easy! Very clean, handsome park with beautiful sunset/sunrise.
Sawyer Fiedler
This is a cool place to go and camp. Would go again. One bad thing is planning. Sometimes the weather is crappy and they usually do it same time every year.
Scott Freburg
First time here and we'll be back. Spacious sites, beautiful lake, nice restrooms w/showers, a large beach and kids play area. Buy the annual SD camping pass and get a 2nd for 1/2 price. It seems this is a gem in the rough. Most people seem to like Lake Kampeska and the 3 campgrounds that are on it more than here. Sites 51-53 are very nice. Right by the lake.
alice schadewald
West of Sisseton and beautiful....one rec area is for camping and this beach is free....much mossy coverage on the shore....American white Pelicans enjoy the shores
Kathy Otten
Beautiful SD State Park for camping, hiking, fishing and just relaxing. Some sites are large and have trees for shade. Comfort stations are clean and modern.