Map showing campground location near Fort Pierre, South Dakota

Camper submitted image from Campground 3 — Oahe Downstream Recreation Area

Campground 3 — Oahe Downstream Recreation Area

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Sitting just below the Oahe Dam on the Missouri River, Campground 3 in the Oahe Downstream Recreation Area draws anglers, paddlers, and birders to one of South Dakota's more activity-rich state park settings. The campground is about 5 miles north of Fort Pierre via Highway 180, accessible by both vehicle and boat. With more than 200 sites spread across the area, the campground accommodates large RVs on pull-through, level pads as well as tent campers, and eight cabins round out the lodging options.

Sites are gravel-surfaced and spacious, each with a picnic table and fire ring. The row of sites numbered in the 190s sits closest to the river, giving campers direct sightlines over the water and easy access for fishing from the bank. Bald eagles are a documented presence, particularly in winter, though the park limits access from mid-November through late March to avoid disturbing roosting birds. Flies can be a nuisance in warmer months; reviewers recommend bringing fly traps or tape.

Electric hookups (30/50 amp) and water fill stations are available, and the bathhouse draws consistent praise. "Showers and bathrooms are sparkling clean and warm," notes Shari G. Reservations are handled online or by phone; walk-in arrivals may face limited availability and an additional booking fee. Nearby, Campground 2 — Oahe Downstream Recreation Area and Campground 1 — Oahe Downstream Recreation Area provide additional options within the same park. Campers who appreciate riverfront access with full amenities will find Campground 3 worth booking well in advance.

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Map & DirectionsCampground 3 is located in South Dakota near Fort Pierre

Public Campground

Address

20439 Marina Loop Rd
Fort Pierre, SD 57532

Coordinates

44.42475684 N
100.39039575 W

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Connectivity

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Cabins

Features

For Campers

Market
ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Water Hookups
Pull-Through Sites
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations

+18007102267

Drive Time

2 hrs 29 min from Rapid City, SD
3 hrs 8 min from Sioux Falls, SD
3 hrs 18 min from Bismarck, ND
4 hrs 59 min from Fargo, ND

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Reviews7 Camper Reviews - Campground 3

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the spacious waterfront sites with mature trees and excellent recreational amenities including swimming beach and marina. Clean facilities and peaceful atmosphere were frequently highlighted, though some noted extra reservation fees.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

soft A.

Scout

Reviewed Sep. 14, 2024

Very Nice

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Month of VisitOctober

Shannon G.

Legend

Reviewed Sep. 14, 2023

My favorite campground

This is one of my favorite campgrounds. The best spots are 194-196. They are back in sites and we have a large window on the back of our camper and get to look at the beautiful river. Great bird watching and lots of bald eagles. The sites are electric only but you can fill water before you come in. Sites are spacious with gravel. There is a picnic bench and fire ring at each site. This campground offers 8 cabins and tent sites also. The grounds and restrooms are kept up well. We came in September so there was hardly anyone around. Very peaceful

Site194

Month of VisitSeptember

(7) View All

Liz

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 13, 2023

Fantastic state park!

We are on an east/west/east trip. We were looking for a state park on the water that was on our route. We were so lucky to pick this one. A beautiful state park on Lake Oahe. We lucked out and had a site right on the water. Campsites were big with plenty of room to tie out both of our big dogs. Hubby could walk out of the camper and fish. Campground 3 would be my choice overall as it has a row of sites right along the river. Bathhouse immaculate. Showers great. Good walking paths for humans and dogs and saw many folks cycling. Only downside which couldn’t be helped are all the flies. Take a fly swatter and fly traps/ tape. Days later and down the road we are still finding flies in our camper!

Site205

Month of VisitSeptember

Shannon G.

Legend

Reviewed Jul. 18, 2022

One of my favorite places to camp

This is one of my favorite campgrounds. I look forward going to. We always get a waterfront campground and since we camp during the week when school is still going there’s hardly anyone there and it is truly a very peaceful place. Love watching the bald eagles. There’s lots of trees and shade.

Site126

Month of VisitMay

(8) View All

N I.

Legend

Reviewed Sep. 30, 2021

Beautiful

Reservations: 800-710-2267 or oahe@state.sd.us

Fee: Daily $8.00 Annual $36.00 Purchase on line

Campsites Electrical $23.00 (30-50)

Camping cabins $55.00

Modern cabins $120.00 - $150.00

Group lodge $125.00

This campground is open year round but the campgrounds are close to camping November 15 through the last Friday in March. Bald eagles are winter roosting and can be easily disturbed.

Disc golf archery biking birding boating fishing gocatching horseshoes lawn games swimming with sand beach

Campground is well maintained, pads are pull through level with mature trees. Nice showers and toilets. This is a beautiful wooded site that can handle large RV's including pull throughs and double sites.

Directions: 5 miles north of Fort Pierre on highway 180 located on the south side of dam.

Month of VisitSeptember

(23) View All

Shannon G.

Legend

Reviewed Sep. 1, 2018

So Relaxing We Come Back Every Year

Every year in May, we return to Oahe Downstream and usually get site 196 facing the River. The bird watching is wonderful here and the Bald Eagles will put on a show for you. The area is picture perfect. This area is very popular. There is a swimming beach, a nice playground, hiking trails, and great fishing spots. In this campground they also offer cute cabins. The bathrooms/showers are clean as is the campgrounds.

Oahe also offers an archery range, shooting range, disc golf and horseshoe pits, a marina and bike rentals.

Our site is $19/day for Electric and we usually get good cell service here.

Site196

Month of VisitMay

Shari G.

Legend

Reviewed May. 28, 2017

Beautiful family campground

This campground lies just below the Oahe Dam on the Missouri River and offers lots of opportunities for boating activities of all kinds. With over 200 sites there are plenty of options for everyone, from large trailers to small tents. Showers (cost included in campground fee) and bathrooms are sparkling clean and warm. Water spigots are scattered throughout the campground and nearby.

All reservations must be done through their online system (http://travel.campsd.com/Reserve-A-Campsite) or over the phone, although there is a campground office open during the day. We arrived late without a reservation and found the smartphone app non-functional and needed to call in order to make one, which cost us another $2.

In the prime campgrounds (flush toilets & showers), electric sites are $21; in the preferred campgrounds, electric sites are $19; and non-electric sites are $15. The $5 per day entrance fee is not included in the reservation.

Month of VisitMay

(9) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the Oahe Downstream Campground laid out and what are the different camping areas?

Oahe Downstream Recreation Area features over 200 campsites spread throughout the property, offering diverse camping experiences. The most sought-after sites are the waterfront spots (particularly sites 194-196), which provide beautiful views of the Missouri River. These back-in sites are excellent for wildlife viewing, especially birds and bald eagles. The campground accommodates various camping styles with areas designated for everything from large trailers to small tents. Multiple camping loops provide different experiences, with some areas offering more shade and privacy than others. The layout allows for easy access to amenities while maintaining a natural setting along the river below Oahe Dam.

What do visitors say about their experience at Oahe Downstream Recreation Area?

Visitors consistently rate Oahe Downstream Recreation Area highly for its scenic beauty, particularly the waterfront sites overlooking the Missouri River. Many highlight the exceptional bird watching opportunities, with bald eagles being a special attraction. The peaceful atmosphere, especially during weekdays and shoulder seasons, receives frequent praise. Campers appreciate the spacious sites that accommodate large RVs and provide room for pets. The natural setting with plentiful trees and shade enhances the camping experience. Many visitors return annually, particularly in May, suggesting strong satisfaction with the recreation area's overall quality and amenities.

What are the camping options around Lake Oahe beyond the Downstream Recreation Area?

Lake Oahe offers numerous camping alternatives beyond the Downstream Recreation Area. The greater Pierre, SD area features several developed campgrounds with various amenities and proximity to the lake. Options range from basic sites with minimal facilities to full-service campgrounds with hookups and modern conveniences. Many locations provide direct water access for boating and fishing enthusiasts. For those seeking more remote experiences, dispersed camping may be available in certain areas. Visitors should check with South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks for complete information on additional camping opportunities around this massive reservoir formed by Oahe Dam on the Missouri River.

What camping facilities are available at Oahe Downstream Recreation Area?

Oahe Downstream Recreation Area offers comprehensive facilities including electrical campsites ($23 per night) with 30-50 amp service. Water fill stations are available, though sites are electric-only. The campground features clean showers (included in camping fees) and bathrooms. For those seeking alternative accommodations, camping cabins ($55/night) and modern cabins ($120-$150/night) are available, as well as a group lodge. Recreation amenities include a swimming beach, playground, hiking trails, and boat launch facilities. Daily entrance fees are $8, with annual passes available for $36. The campground provides good accessibility and ample shade throughout most sites. Reservations can be made by phone or email.

Keep Exploring

- Pierre, SD (3 miles)
- Fort Pierre, SD (0.0 miles)