Clay County Park sits 4 miles outside Vermillion, South Dakota, about 15 miles northeast of Newcastle, Nebraska. The park spans along the banks of the Missouri River with mature cottonwood trees providing partial shade across the campground. Summer temperatures typically range between 65-85°F with higher humidity near the river, while spring and fall nights can drop into the 40s.
What to do
Fishing spots along Missouri River: Clay County Park offers direct river access with a short trail leading down to prime fishing locations. The area supports multiple fish species including walleye and catfish. "Down the road (not far) is a nice shelter next to the river and a boat ramp," notes Shannon G. about Clay County Park.
Multi-use trail exploration: Several campgrounds connect to extensive trail systems perfect for hiking and mountain biking. "The trail system, which is accessible from campground, is great," shares Marci S., who stayed at Clay County Park. The Lewis and Clark Recreation Area features "beautiful hiking trails with a nice view," according to Natalie B.
Disc golf near water: Cottonwood Campground includes an on-site disc golf course next to Lake Yankton, making it perfect for casual players or families. "The campground contains a disc golf course, playground and restrooms," mentions Max H. in his review of the facility.
What campers like
Spacious sites with privacy: Many visitors appreciate the generous spacing between campsites in the Newcastle area. "The sites are large and paved. No tent platforms, but two sites toward the back of the campground are designated for tents," reports Judy B. about Chief White Crane Recreation Area.
Clean facilities with hot showers: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathroom facilities. "The bathrooms were always clean and the park was great for the kiddos!" shares Jennifer S. about Chief White Crane. Another visitor, Justin R., noted about Cottonwood Campground: "Very clean restrooms. Close to everything on both side of the lake."
River views from campsites: Strategic positioning of campsites provides excellent water views at several locations. "We had a river view, picnic table, and fire ring," says Shannon G. about Scenic Park Campground, adding that "The view from our camper of the Missouri River and the Sioux City skyline was pretty great."
What you should know
Reservation timing requirements: Many parks in this region require advance planning. Clay County Park requires campers to book before arrival: "Camping reservations must be made before setting up on a campsite," with their system accepting "reservations up to 90 days in advance of your arrival at the park."
Seasonal facility limitations: Some amenities vary by season, particularly in winter months. "This last trip was April and they just got the bathrooms/showers turned on," mentions Judy B. about Chief White Crane Recreation Area, indicating facilities may be limited in early spring.
Extended-stay patterns: First-time visitors should be aware that some parks have long-term residents. "A lot of the sites were taken by either people who lived there full time or people who leave their camper there for the whole summer," observes Shannon G. about Clay County Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature kid-friendly play areas. "Our family liked this place so much that we actually changed our itinerary to stay an extra night. The kids and pets especially enjoyed it! There is a huge green space in the middle of the campground, and all around the campground are several fantastic playgrounds," says Elizabeth R. about Chief White Crane Recreation Area.
Swimming options: Beaches and swimming areas provide cooling recreation during summer months. Elizabeth R. also mentions Chief White Crane has "a small beach and a dock" perfect for families. For upscale glamping close to Newcastle, Nebraska, options with water access are particularly appealing to families.
Kid-friendly entertainment: Beyond natural attractions, some campgrounds offer additional activities. Sioux City North KOA, which provides luxury glamping near Newcastle, gets high marks from families: "Awesome place to stay. Lots of activities for the kids. Staff was awesome," reports Dusti H.
Tips from RVers
Pull-through site availability: Scenic Park Campground offers convenient access for larger rigs. "Sites are easy to park in. Plenty of trees and grass," notes Lee's Freelance M., while Pat V. adds, "The pads are in great shape. They offer full hookups."
Electric and water hookup details: For those seeking glamping accommodations near Newcastle, Nebraska, utility connections vary by location. At Cottonwood Campground, "7 electrical sites" are available with nearby "RV dump station located just north of Cottonwood Campground off of Toe Road."
Cable and Wi-Fi access: Some parks provide additional connectivity options. Chris S. mentions Scenic Park offers "Full hook-ups with sewer, water, electric, cable, and wi-if," though notes the quality can be variable with "spotty WiFi" at times.
