Join the fun near Niobrara. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
$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.__
For facility specific information, please call (402) 667-2546.
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 .
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
With its 146 campsites and ten camping cabins, Chief White Crane is a great place for groups to gather to spend the weekend. Combined with its own facilities and the features of the other two state parks nearby, Lewis & Clark and Pierson Ranch, visitors can take advantage of a wide variety of recreation opportunities.
Chief White Crane is one of the South Dakota state parks that offers the opportunity for visitors to see the majestic bald eagle.
$8 - $55 / night
Located along U.S. Highway 281, Armour’s Lions Park features many amenities perfect for a weekend getaway or family reunion. The park has two picnic shelters, 10 camping pads, two cabins and a bathhouse. There’s also plenty of green space, a sand volleyball court and playground facilities for the kids. The park’s restroom and shower facilities also include a dump station for campers and RVs.
There is no set fee for short camping stays at the park. Visitors who camp or use the facilities are asked to leave a donation in the drop box located near the bathhouse. For stays of five days or longer, campers are asked to call 605-724-2245, for a daily rate.
There are two cabins available at the park for camping. Rental rates are $40 per couple and $20 for each additional adult over age 18. Kids stay free! Each cabin has two queen beds and two twin beds along with a small table. Guests must furnish their own bedding. The cabins are climate controlled with heat and air conditioning. A bathhouse is nearby with toilet and shower facilities. If you are interested in staying in one of the cabins, please call Krull’s Market at 605-724-2459.
Level blacktop sites. Flat campground. Fishing, playground, nice dump station. High tree canopy, large old growth trees. Aluminum picnic tables. Commercial fire rings (not an old truck wheel). Very nice, would camp here again.
Cabins are super cute and fit the price. $55/night gives you AC, electricity, and a bed (2 twins, 1 full). Great view from the cabin deck. Verizon works good. Close to the swimming beach and vault toilet.
Perfect place to unwind. Large, well spaced out campsites. Beach, walking paths, fishing and golf nearby.
Quiet and well manicured.
We love coming to Lewis and Clark Recreation Area because it's clean and perfect for families! Clean beach, spacious spots for our 35' camper, and nice bathrooms and parks! Hiking options, clean water for swimming, beautiful dark skies with lots of stars. What's better?
 there are some full hook ups hear the area around here is all torn up the road in is cobblestone so it’s real bumpy. The campground is really a mess. There’s nothing here except your hook ups and he’s used to having construction workers at 600 a month so he wants to charge me 40 bucks for absolutely no amenities. This used to be a city park but now it’s private ownership. I’ve stayed here before a year or so ago and it’s kind of a big mess but the hook ups work. 
The electrical boxes are so buggy and cobwebby and dusty that it's hard to find a properly grounded working electric box.
The women's bathroom is designed to be a single stall bathroom with shower, but the lock doesn't even hold the door shut properly bc the wood of the door frame is gouged out where the sliding bolt goes for the door. Had to prop my cane up under the door. An employee barged right in and acted offended when I mentioned someone was in there ... ??
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 as well as a small beach and a dock. The sites didn't have full hookups but that worked fine for us because we snagged two sites right next to the water and bathroom/showers (and the playground!) The showers were much nicer than we expected for a state park. Lots of kids and families around, everyone was friendly and considerate. The sites were on the small side but since the price was reasonable for the amenities we didn't mind reserving two.
We stayed in a pull off the road spot. Next time I would choose a more secluded spot. There were bison and wild horses in the campground. It had nice views.
Good cell service with T-Mobile and ATT. Spacious park with lots of shade and some sites have waterfront views
This park has many campgrounds located throughout the park, cabins, boat docks, beaches, showers and large campsites. Well groomed green space, playgrounds and bike trails.
This is one of the most beautiful campgrounds I've been to! Clean, amazing water views, fun disc golf course. Hoping to visit again next summer and check out the beach.
Loved the location and very quiet. We had been told the pads weren't level, but ours was fine.
Large black walnut trees, beware in autumn of falling walnuts. Woke up several times to loud thuds as walnuts hit roof.
Great place to camp!!! South Dakota has it right with making reservations! Nebraska is HORRIBLE!!! We quit the Nebraska State parks years ago! Putting in coins to take a shower?! Really?! South Dakota doesn’t do that!!! South Dakota State Parks ROCK!!!!!
lovely, large, spacious and shaded! absolutely love this campground and plan to make this our new favorite getaway. Very large, clear and clean lake with many beaches and shady spots for relaxing and playing with kids and dogs
ADA Accessible Firing range Lawn games Biking Swimming Flush toilets Pit toilets Showers Boating Volley ball Camping cabins Birding Disc golf Fishing cleaning station Electric Drinking water Water sites Shore Fishing
Fees $8.00 Per vehicle Day use $36.00 Annual
Campsite $26.00 Electric (115 campsites) Camping Cabin $55.00 (7 camping cabins)
Reservations: 800-710-2267 or travil.campsd.com
Open year round but Oct 1– April 30 water sourced amenities may be shut off
This is a beautiful park but a bit confusing to get to. Once you turn off the highway you will pass a couple of boat ramps and then a private campground on the right side. Continue on and the campground will be at the end of the road. There are several water sites and I don’t think you will find a bad site. When you are making reservations check site size because there are different lengths. Campground is well maintained
Trails: North Shore Path is a 1.2 mile loop and is good for all levels mainly used for hiking.
Directions: 1 mile northwest of Pickstown off US Hwy 281
ALERT: AIS Aquatic Invasive Species is spreading in the US. If you put a vessel of any type into the water please CDD. Clean, Drain, Dry for prevention. Please google and help to be the cure not the cause.
LNT
Better than when you found it
Stay safe Happy travels
Dates: April 15, 2021- October 17, 2021 October 17 2021– April 21, 2022
Fees:$16.00$18.00
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.
•• Latitude• 42° 51' 31.0000" N • Longitude• 97° 28' 57.0000" W••
From U.S. Hwy 81 in Yankton, South Dakota, drive four miles west on South Dakota Highway 52, then south on Dam Toe Road and follow signs
.• Check-In Time is 4:00 P.M./ Check-Out Time is 2:00 P.M.
All-Terrain Vehicles(ATVs/UTVs) and golf carts are not permitted.
Quiet hours are 10:00 P.M. to 6:00 A.M.
Fireworks are prohibited.
All pets must be on a leash of 6 feet in length or less. Pet waste must be picked up and properly disposed of promptly.
Firewood Alert: Don't Move Firewood!• Due to the spread of invasive insects(such as Emerald Ash Borer(EAB)) firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Help protect your forests by purchasing near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Firewood is not available for sale on-site, however several local businesses sell firewood a short distance away, see the campground host or attendant for more information.• Visit DontMoveFirewood.org for more information.
For questions or to contact park staff, please call: 402-667-2546 or email: gavinspoint.nwo@usace.army.mil. U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS GAVINS POINT PROJECT OFFICE P.O. BOX 710 YANKTON, SD 57078
Physical Address U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND 198 TOE RD YANKTON, SD 57078 Phone Number
For facility specific information, please call (402) 667-2546
Trails: There are at least 9 hiking trails on AllTrails that you will find around Lewis and Clark Recreation Area. Lewis and Clark has the best of both worlds since the lake borders South Dakota and Nebraska. That makes it easy to stay in your preferred state and location. In Yankton SD a great trail is the Chalk Bluffs Multi-Use Trail which is a 3.7 mile loop where you will find a lake and it is rated as moderate. Dogs are allowed but must be on leash. This trail is used for hiking, horses, mountain biking and birding and is accessible through out the year. There is a 3.8 mile lightly used round trip or one way out and back called Yankton South Shore Trail. Great for wildlife viewing and it is great for walking, hiking and just enjoying nature.
Fishing: Lewis & Clark offers many types of fish for all anglers out there, walleye, sauger, large and small mouth bass, crappie, catfish and bluegill. It depends on the season and temperature of the water as to what is biting.
Boating: Boating goes hand in hand with fishing and as with all things there are rules and regulations. You will find all types of boats, speedboats, pontoon, kayaks and personal watercraft. Make sure and wear your life jacket anytime you are on the water– Stay Safe and Alive. Make sure you are aware of the rules and regulations for boating around a dam area.
Another issue that has become an increasing problem is Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) which is spreading in the United States. There are different types of AIS and they are being spread by several methods. Boaters, of all types, help spread or help stop the spread by taking care of their watercraft. Before leaving a boat launch practice the CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY technique. Many states require an AIS permit before you place watercraft in the water.
Birding: Birding at Lewis & Clark is great for watching bald eagles. You can get a list from Niobrara State Park for birds found around the lake.
Hunting: In season, of course, begins the Tuesday after Labor Day. White tailed deer, mourning dove, waterfowl and wild turkey, cottontail rabbits and squirrel. Make sure you follow all the regulations in the recreation area.
Winter sports: Adds a completely new option for recreation. When ice is thick enough the lake is open for ice fishing, skating and snowmobiles. Cross country skiing is also very popular.
Lewis & Clark Lake is formed from the Missouri and Niabrara Rivers. The lake travels for about 35 miles at a maximum pool 90 miles of shoreline. Maximum depth is 45 feet. It was named after the Lewis& Clark Expedition that camped nearby.
LNT
Better than when you found it
Stay safe– Happy Travels
We had a wonderfull Campside with view of the Lake .The campground is very big and Quiet. Very clean Bathhouses .Lot of Beaches and Playgrounds for Kids. We come back .
This Campground is very nice . I Was the first time here but I will come back. Nice bike trails around the big Campground.
This is a nice, quiet campground. We enjoyed river fishing while we were here. There is a swimming beach just a short drive away too. Some lots are nice sized. Others seemed a little tight. They are electric only.
This campground is very spacious with nice trails to walk/bike. The lots are electric only, but are nicely spaced. There are fishing docks, and a swim beach. It has a basketball court, a soccer area, and some playground equipment for the kids. We camped at site 63, West Midway.
This is a beautiful campground to visit. Nice size lots, and lovely scenery. We enjoy fishing, walking the trails, and seeing the wildlife.
This was a very pleasant surprise. I normally do not go to campsites (that is put in for context) but was passing through on a business trip and needed a place with electric hookups. After a Harvest Host disaster I found this. Like I said, very pleasantly surprised. While there were a lot of campers who seemed to be setting up elaborate sites with everything you would need to live there for a year (laundry lines, flag poles, pens for their dog), I was able to get a spot that backed right up to the beautiful river and had plenty of space on all sides. The campsite was surprisingly quiet for how large it was. The sunset paddle boarding on the river was a real treat. Kinda cool to say you SUP'd from South Dakota to Nebraska with a beer on the board.
Bathrooms were clean and had showers. Garbage and recycling on premises. AT&T signal was strong.
Leave no trace.
We were impressed with how full the camp ground was in mid October yet how quiet and peaceful it was too. Lots of space between sites. Very clean restrooms. Close to everything on both side of the lake.
We just got our pop up and took it out to Chief White Crane. The spots were pretty large and very clean. We have two small children and the open space was great for them. The bathrooms were always clean and the park was great for the kiddos!
Great camping and fishing. Located below Gavins Point Dam with easy access to Missouri River and Lake Yankton. The bathrooms are always clean and camping spaces are far apart.
The small cabins near the water was perfect for our small group! The bathrooms were close to our cabin and were very clean. There’s plenty of space, a nice lake, and some little beaches nearby.
Beautiful and peaceful setting on the Missouri River. If you pick a site on the water (as we did) you can enjoy a beautiful sunset over the Missouri River and the rolling hills of the southern shore. Most sites have some shade as well, which was a pleasant surprise for the area. Although the park was full when we visited (July) we had plenty of space on either side of us and it was surprisingly quiet given that the camp was full. The grounds and facilities were clean. Plenty to do: Boating, fishing, swimming. Lovely campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Niobrara, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Niobrara, NE is Yankton — Lewis And Clark Recreation Area with a 4.9-star rating from 18 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Niobrara, NE?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 glamping camping locations near Niobrara, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.
