We're here to help you find where to go horse camping in Yankton. Whether you own a horse or are joining a tour group, equestrian camping is an adventurous and unique way to experience the city. You're sure to find the perfect site for your South Dakota horse camping excursion.
Yankton's Lewis and Clark Recreation Area in South Dakota is a gem for campers looking for a mix of relaxation and adventure. Nestled near Yankton, this campground offers a fantastic escape with plenty of amenities to keep everyone happy.
The campground is open year-round and boasts a high rating from visitors, who rave about its cleanliness and family-friendly atmosphere. The spacious sites can accommodate big rigs, and there are cabins and glamping options for those who prefer a bit more comfort. Electric and sewer hookups, drinking water, and clean restrooms with showers are available, making it a convenient spot for extended stays.
One of the standout features is the beautiful beach area, perfect for swimming and soaking up the sun. The water is clean, and the beach is well-maintained, providing a great spot for families to relax. There are also several playgrounds and bike trails, ensuring that kids have plenty to do. If you're into hiking, there are trails that offer stunning views and a chance to explore the local flora and fauna.
For those who enjoy water activities, the campground has boat docks and fishing spots. The lake is large and clear, ideal for boating, fishing, or just enjoying the serene water views. Some visitors have mentioned the fun disc golf course and the opportunity to stargaze under the dark skies, which are filled with stars on clear nights.
Pets are welcome, so feel free to bring your furry friends along. There's also a market on-site for any essentials you might need. Whether you're planning a family trip or a quiet getaway, Lewis and Clark Recreation Area has something to offer everyone.
$26 - $34 / night
Cottonwood Recreation Area is located just downstream of Gavins Point Dam and Lewis & Clark Lake along the western shore of Lake Yankton. The numerous outdoor recreational opportunities attract more than 2 million visitors annually to the Lewis & Clark Lake area, making it one of the most popular recreation destinations in the Upper Great Plains.__Lewis & Clark Lake is 31,400-acres in size with more than 90 miles of shoreline is impounded by Gavins Point Dam, which was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1944, commonly called the Pick-Sloan Plan.____ For more information about Lewis and Clark Lake, please visit the Gavins Point Project website .__
Cottonwood Recreation Area is conveniently located between Lewis and Clark Lake and Lake Yankton. Lewis and Clark Lake is known for great boating, sailing, swimming and other water-based recreation activities. Lake Yankton is popular with families as a popular fishing spot along with the excellent kayaking, canoeing and paddling opportunities. Numerous paved, multi-use trails connect the area with the additional numerous recreation areas located along Lewis and Clark Lake, Lake Yankton and the Missouri River.__Lewis and Clark Lake attracts more than 2 million visitors each year to its shores. Recreation opportunities around the lake include camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, boating, sailing, swimming, bird-watching, and photography.__ For the biking and hiking enthusiasts, three trails are available in the area. They include a paved trail that runs from Yankton to the Gavins Point area, a multi-use trail in the Gavins Point area and the Calumet Bluff hiking trail located near the visitor center. Wintertime activities include ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and sledding.__ Developed public parks and recreation areas surround the lake above and below Gavins Point Dam. Camping facilities provided by the Corps and the States of South Dakota and Nebraska include marinas, boat ramps, trails, campsites with electricity, modern restrooms, playground equipment and trailer dump stations.
Cottonwood Recreation Area is conveniently located between Lewis and Clark Lake and Lake Yankton. Lewis and Clark Lake is known for great boating, sailing, swimming and other water-based recreation activities. Lake Yankton is popular with families as a popular fishing spot along with the excellent kayaking, canoeing and paddling opportunities. Numerous paved, multi-use trails connect the area with the additional numerous recreation areas located along Lewis and Clark Lake, Lake Yankton and the Missouri River.__Lewis and Clark Lake attracts more than 2 million visitors each year to its shores. Recreation opportunities around the lake include camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, boating, sailing, swimming, bird-watching, and photography.__ For the biking and hiking enthusiasts, three trails are available in the area. They include a paved trail that runs from Yankton to the Gavins Point area, a multi-use trail in the Gavins Point area and the Calumet Bluff hiking trail located near the visitor center. Wintertime activities include ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and sledding.__ Developed public parks and recreation areas surround the lake above and below Gavins Point Dam. Camping facilities provided by the Corps and the States of South Dakota and Nebraska include marinas, boat ramps, trails, campsites with electricity, modern restrooms, playground equipment and trailer dump stations.
Cottonwood Recreation Area is located in the in the lush golden chalkstone-lined Missouri River Valley. Many visitors to the lake area prefer to stay at Cottonwood because of the calmer, quieter waters of Lake Yankton, a much smaller lake of approximately 250-acres in size - versus the much larger Lewis and Clark Lake upstream of the dam.__Lake Yankton provides excellent habitat for a variety of waterfowl and other bird species. The area abounds with wildlife including Whitetail Deer, turkeys, and other game species. Bald Eagles and other birds of prey are spotted by visitors regularly due to the great fishing opportunities available year-round.__
The Lewis and Clark Visitor Center: Contains exhibits on the Missouri River and area history including the Lewis and Clark Expedition with stunning views of Lewis and Clark Lake along with the Missouri River. Powerhouse Tours are available on weekends. Please contact the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center at (402) 667-2546 for more information. The Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium__ Visit nearby Yankton, South Dakota - the historic capitol of the Dakota Territory. Located both upstream and downstream of Lewis and Clark Lake, visit the Missouri National Recreational River .
For facility specific information, please call (402) 667-2546.
Reservation changes and cancellations can be made on Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.____ For more information on rules and policies regarding reservation cancellations and changes, please visit: https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies.______
$20 / night
Welcome to Niobrara State Park Campground, nestled near the charming town of Niobrara, Nebraska. This spot is a favorite among campers for its clean, well-maintained grounds and beautiful scenery. Whether you're pitching a tent, parking your RV, or staying in one of the cozy cabins, you'll find plenty to enjoy here.
The campground offers electric hookups, and while there's no water hookup at the sites, drinking water is available. You'll also find a sanitary dump station nearby. Pets are welcome, so feel free to bring your furry friends along for the adventure. The park is big rig friendly, making it a great choice for RV travelers.
For those who love outdoor activities, Niobrara State Park has a lot to offer. There are hiking trails that provide stunning views of where the Niobrara River meets the Missouri River. The park also features a playground for kids, horseshoe pits, and a sand volleyball court. If you're into fishing, there's a small pond stocked right in the middle of the tent camping area.
Visitors have praised the campground for its peaceful atmosphere and the abundance of trees providing shade. The bathrooms are cleaned daily, and there's even a market nearby for any essentials you might need. Just a heads-up, though—ticks can be plentiful, so take precautions if you're bringing pets or planning to hike.
In the off-season, some amenities like showers and restrooms may be limited, but the park's natural beauty and tranquility make it worth the visit any time of year. Whether you're here for a weekend getaway or an extended stay, Niobrara State Park Campground is a fantastic place to relax and enjoy the great outdoors.
Union Grove State Park Campground, near Beresford, SD, is a solid spot for both tent and RV camping. This place is open year-round, so you can enjoy it no matter the season. The campground is split into two sections: the lower area caters to horse campers, while the upper area is for everyone else.
The upper campground is well-maintained, though the sites are a bit close together. But hey, the friendly hosts and clean facilities make up for it. The bathrooms and showers are kept in top-notch condition, which is always a plus when you're out in the wild.
One of the standout features here is the network of trails. Whether you're into hiking or just want to stretch your legs, the trails offer a great way to explore the area. The park also has a playground, making it a good choice for families with kids.
Pets are welcome, so feel free to bring your furry friends along. And if you enjoy a campfire, you're in luck—fires are allowed, and you can even buy firewood on-site. Just be aware that there are no sewer or water hookups, but there are electric hookups and a sanitary dump station.
Overall, Union Grove State Park Campground offers a clean, convenient, and friendly camping experience. Whether you're stopping by for a night or planning a longer stay, it's a great place to set up camp.
$22 - $26 / night
Newton Hills State Park's unique dark forest, amidst a vast open prairie, has prompted many legends, including buried gold, robbers' hideouts and horse thieves. But visitors today recognize it as a great place to camp, swim, hike and fish. The park also plays host to folk music concerts and the popular FestiFall in October. The Newton Hills Lodge, built in 1915, served as the historic caretaker's home in Canton, SD, and played an important role in serving the healthcare needs of a variety of patients before being opened to guests. It can sleep up to 12 people and has four bedrooms and two baths. Like the lodge, camping cabins are open year-round. Each cabin accommodates 4 people with a set of bunk beds and a double bed. Both RV and tent sites are available, as well as horse camp sites. A boat ramp, beach and fishing dock let you enjoy water activities at Newton Hills State Park.
Niobrara State Park offers 120 acres of free range riding as opposed to designated trails. The equestrian campground provides Basic Equestrian camping with one corral that will hold several horses. The corral works well for horses that are accustomed to each other. Campground is first-come, first served and includes non-modern restroom, picnic table and grill. Water will need to be bucketed to this area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Yankton, SD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Yankton, SD is Yankton — Lewis And Clark Recreation Area with a 4.9-star rating from 18 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Yankton, SD?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Yankton, SD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
