Map showing campground location near Pierre, South Dakota

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West Bend Recreation Area

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Reservations are available by phone or email for this state-managed campground along the Missouri River in Harrold, South Dakota. West Bend Recreation Area runs open year-round, though water systems may be shut down between October and April. The 120 sites accommodate tents, small trailers, and RVs with electric, water, and sewer hookups available; larger rigs may find maneuvering tighter on the side of the park with more mature tree cover. Bathrooms and pit toilets have drawn consistent praise for cleanliness. Flies can be a notable nuisance during warmer months. Anglers, hunters in fall, and families with kids all use the area regularly. Iron Nation is another option roughly five miles south for campers who want a different setup.

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Map & DirectionsWest Bend Recreation Area is located in South Dakota near Pierre

Public Campground

Coordinates

44.17074874 N
99.71914828 W

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Connectivity

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

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

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups
Pull-Through Sites

Contact

General Info

Reservations

+16057732885

Drive Time

3 hrs 9 min from Sioux Falls, SD
3 hrs 21 min from Rapid City, SD
3 hrs 59 min from Bismarck, ND
4 hrs 12 min from Sioux City, IA

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Reviews3 Camper Reviews - West Bend Recreation Area

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

3.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned well-maintained sites with clean facilities and friendly staff. Many visitors reported excellent lake access and family activities. Some campers noted fly issues during certain seasons.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

N I.

Legend

Reviewed Sep. 5, 2021

Peace on the Lake

Reservations 800-710-2267 or westbend@state.sd.us
GPS 44.17075 -99.72102
Sites 120 campsites 4 camping cabins
Fees Daily $8.00 entrance Annual $36.00 entrance
$23.00 electrical campsites (50 avail)
$19.00 non electrical
Open year round Between Oct 1– Apr 30 water systems may be shut down Boat ramp

Camping Electric Drinking water Showers Flush toilets Pit toilets Picnic shelter Picnic table Grill Swim beach Playground Dump station Fish cleaning station Telephone Camp host Birding Fishing Pull thru Firewood Biking

This campground is mainly used by hunters in the fall. Sites are mostly for small RV’s, trailers, or tents. The park has a lot of mature trees which causes problems with overhanging limbs in the road. One side of the park has younger trees and it is easier for larger rigs to maneuver and there is more of an open feeling. Pads are fairly level. Bathrooms and even the pit toilets are very clean and did not smell, even had hand sanitizer.

Site was well maintained. There are several water sites for great views. There are hiking trails in the park. Camp is set amid the rolling hills showcasing the beautiful crops and ranches of SD.

35 miles southeast of Pierre off SD Highway 34. Nearest town is Harrold, SD

LNT

Better than when you found it

Stay safe Happy travels

Month of VisitAugust

Janet A.

Guide

Reviewed May. 22, 2021

Great campsite at West Bend Recreation Area

West Bend is a really lovely campground. We only spent one night there so we did not get to enjoy the beautiful lake and surrounding area. Our campsite was great as it was right on the lake and we could wade in and swim if we liked. Kids were everywhere having fun on the lake, on the playground and riding bikes. Facilities were clean and lots of space between campsites. We would go back and hopefully spend more time there.

Site#59E

Month of VisitAugust

Ev R.

Scout

Reviewed Sep. 13, 2018

Clean, quiet, well-maintained

Super helpful and friendly staff, clean bathrooms, well-maintained sites. Gorgeous views of the Missouri River. The only negative was the amazing number of flies. It was hard to cook with the flies diving into our pots and pans and biting us. It was my first trip to South Dakota. Maybe flies are a thing there??

Month of VisitAugust

Frequently Asked Questions

What facilities and amenities are available at West Bend Recreation Area?

West Bend Recreation Area offers 120 campsites and 4 camping cabins with both electrical ($23) and non-electrical ($19) options. The campground features clean, well-maintained bathrooms and helpful staff. Entrance fees are $8 daily or $36 for an annual pass. The campground is open year-round, though services are limited from October through April. Reservations can be made by phone (800-710-2267) or email (westbend@state.sd.us). The campground's facilities are well-maintained, creating a comfortable environment for campers of all types.

Where is West Bend Recreation Area located in South Dakota?

West Bend Recreation Area is located along the scenic Missouri River in South Dakota. Its GPS coordinates are 44.17075, -99.72102. The recreation area provides beautiful views of the river and surrounding landscape, making it a picturesque destination in South Dakota's natural environment. The area's location on the Missouri River creates opportunities for water activities and scenic vistas that highlight South Dakota's diverse terrain.

What recreational activities can visitors enjoy at West Bend Recreation Area?

West Bend Recreation Area offers numerous recreational opportunities centered around the Missouri River and lake. Water activities dominate, with swimming, wading, and various boating options available directly from lakeside campsites. Children enjoy the playground facilities scattered throughout the area. The shoreline provides space for fishing, while the surrounding landscape is ideal for hiking and wildlife observation. Families particularly appreciate the kid-friendly water access and open spaces for outdoor play. The combination of water and land activities makes West Bend an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking diverse recreational options.

What do West Bend Recreation Area campgrounds look like?

West Bend Recreation Area features well-maintained campsites, some situated right on the lake with direct water access for wading and swimming. The campground offers gorgeous views of the Missouri River, creating a scenic backdrop for camping experiences. Sites are clean and properly maintained, contributing to the overall pleasant atmosphere. The campground has a family-friendly layout with easy access to the water and playground areas. The natural setting combines lakeside vistas with open spaces, though visitors should be prepared for flies during certain times of the year.

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