Cottonwood Campground
Sites
Water front sites seem to be smaller than the other sites. No fireworks allowed
Lewis and Clark Recreation Area provides upscale glamping accommodations along the Missouri River near Pierce. Both East Midway and Yankton sections feature distinctive glamping options with comfortable bedding and climate-controlled environments. Visitors appreciate the spacious safari-style accommodations and waterfront views that elevate the outdoor experience beyond traditional camping. One reviewer noted, "The small cabins near the water was perfect for our small group! The bathrooms were close to our cabin and were very clean." The glamping sites include electricity, proper bedding, and proximity to modern restroom facilities with hot showers. These luxury camping options are strategically positioned to maximize lake views while providing shade from mature cottonwood trees.
Outdoor enthusiasts visiting these glamping accommodations gain direct access to Lewis and Clark Lake's extensive shoreline and recreational opportunities. Hiking trails wind through the recreation area, with at least nine different routes catering to various difficulty levels. Guests can fish for walleye, bass, crappie and catfish directly from the shoreline near their glamping units. A recent visitor mentioned, "Lovely, large, spacious and shaded! Absolutely love this campground and plan to make this our new favorite getaway." The glamping sites remain accessible year-round, with winter offering entirely different experiences including ice fishing, skating, cross-country skiing and snowmobile access when conditions permit. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with bald eagles frequently spotted soaring above the water.
"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 ."
"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!!!!!"
from $15 / night
"* 2 modern Bath house/toilets
- Trash
- Water sites
- Cell phone service
- Drinking water
- Flush toilets
- Grills/fire rings
- Lake access
- Paved roads
- Paved sites
- Pets allowed"
"Every site had electric hookups. There is access to water and restrooms in each loop. Some of the sites are right near Lake Yankton. There was decent fishing but nothing too special."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $24 - $26 / night
"The kids and pets especially enjoyed it!"
"Located south of Yankton, SD and part of the South Dakota State Park system, this is a nice place to camp in a beautiful grove of cottonwood trees (I think)."
from $8 - $55 / night
"Paved and not paved trails, equestrian area, basketball, hidden beaches, water access for boats and fishing, etc. Nice restaurant across the street in walking distance. Pretty amazing parks."
"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."
"The whole area was thoroughly cleaned, trees trimmed, trails groomed, restrooms spiffed, etc. Guest feedback on these changes was overwhelmingly positive and we expect further growth this season. "
"Electric, water, and dump station available here. In the trees, shaded, and a short walk along a pleasant trail to the Missouri River. The trail system, which is accessible from campground, is great."
"This park has so much to offer, it is located where the Niobrara and the Missouri River meet. Many amazing views beautiful clean water and miles of hiking trails."
"Designed for families, there is a playground and lots of open space for the kids to run around. Pets are welcome."
from $170 - $180 / night
from $28 / night
"Trees, grass, bike path. Lots to do here. We camped at #116. This part seemed less crowded. We had no neighbors. Very pleasant. Clean bathrooms and warm showers!"
"This park is absolutely beautiful... plenty of space between each site, huge trees with lots of shade... a bike/walking path throughout all the connected parks... gets very busy on the weekends... they"
Water front sites seem to be smaller than the other sites. No fireworks allowed
Enjoyed it has hot showers
This place is very large and loads of options from camping right on the water to hiding back under trees for shade and wind breaks. Paved and not paved trails, equestrian area, basketball, hidden beaches, water access for boats and fishing, etc. Nice restaurant across the street in walking distance. Pretty amazing parks.
Park is very new and does not have fully grown trees yet, however does appear to be very clean and well-maintained. While exploring on a Sunday, I found the camp entrance to be gated off. There was no sign as to when the gates would open again I assume it would be in the spring. The NRD should have posted the dates on the fence. I can’t find the dates on the website either. It is a Nebraska reservoir, so it does lack trails and natural features that would appeal to hikers. My two star rating is given due to the fact most of the park was closed at the time I visited. I will come back in the summer and make another review. Thanks for reading.
Located south of Yankton, SD and part of the South Dakota State Park system, this is a nice place to camp in a beautiful grove of cottonwood trees (I think). There are many campgrounds in the vicinity. This campground has 146 camping sites and 10 cabins. Bike/hike trails run through the woods and also along the water to Pierson Campground. There is a bandstand and 3 areas with playground equipment. Bathrooms have flush toilets and hot showers. There is a dump station along the road by the water. Individual sites have electricity but not water hookups. Hydrants are scattered throughout the campground. Wildlife in the area includes geese, ducks, turkeys, eagles, and beavers that I have seen. The sites are large and paved. No tent platforms, but two sites toward the back of the campground are designated for tents. I have visited 3 or 4 times and always in the Spring or Fall. This last trip was April and they just got the bathrooms/showers turned on. Other things to do: fishing, kayak or paddleboard, biking, and walking.
https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/chief-white-crane-recreation-area/
Big campground along river. Sites spaced nicely apart. Some riverfront sites with view. Trees, grass, bike path. Lots to do here. We camped at #116. This part seemed less crowded. We had no neighbors. Very pleasant. Clean bathrooms and warm showers!
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.
Electric, water, and dump station available here. In the trees, shaded, and a short walk along a pleasant trail to the Missouri River. The trail system, which is accessible from campground, is great. We were in site 18, which is near the playground. In busier months, that part of the campground could get loud.
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?
Lewis and Clark Recreation Area and nearby campgrounds provide diverse camping options near Pierce, Nebraska, including cabins, tent sites, and RV facilities. The area sits along the Missouri River at an elevation around 1,200 feet with moderate summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F. Camping facilities typically open from April through October, with some campgrounds offering year-round access depending on weather conditions.
Biking trails: At Yankton — Lewis And Clark Recreation Area, visitors can access extensive bike paths along the water. "This campground has a bike trail that connects all the beaches. It has hiking trails, parks, and a georgous lake for swimming or boating," notes Courtney G.
Disc golf: Cottonwood Campground offers a disc golf course among its recreational amenities. One visitor mentions the campground contains "a disc golf course, playground and restrooms. The campground is named for the large amount of cottonwood trees, so be prepared to get cotton all over."
Fishing spots: Multiple fish species are available in the area lakes. "Easy access. Pretty. Great fishing and boating, and sailing. Clean. Campsites are not sitting on top of each other. Cabins available to rent," shares Kathryn P. about Lewis and Clark Recreation Area.
Large campsites: Chief White Crane Recreation Area offers spacious sites with paved pads. According to James P., there are "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)."
Yurt camping options: For those interested in yurt camping near Pierce, Nebraska, Cottonwood Campground offers yurt accommodations alongside traditional camping options. The campground features electrical sites with nearby restrooms, making it convenient for those seeking alternative lodging.
Wildlife viewing: The area provides opportunities to spot local wildlife. One visitor to Clay County Park noted the short trail system "is accessible from campground, is great" and leads to the Missouri River where various bird species can be spotted.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds in the area require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. As Isaac E. notes about Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, "Its a first come first serve/same day reservation."
Water access: Most campgrounds offer direct water access. At Clay County Park, "There was a few trails, 1 leading to the Missouri River. Down the road (not far) is a nice shelter next to the river and a boat ramp," according to Shannon G.
Campsite hookups: Electrical hookups are standard at most campgrounds, but water connections vary. "They are Electric only and there is drinking water and sewage dump close by," explains one reviewer about Clay County Park.
Playground facilities: Multiple campgrounds feature playground equipment for children. At Chief White Crane Recreation Area, Elizabeth R. reports, "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."
Swimming beaches: Several areas offer designated swimming spots. "There is a swimming beach just a short drive away too," notes Angela W. about Chief White Crane Recreation Area.
Family-friendly yurt options: For families seeking alternatives to tent camping near Pierce, Nebraska, yurt camping provides a comfortable middle ground. Cottonwood offers yurts with nearby facilities that are particularly suitable for families with small children.
RV pad types: East Midway — Lewis And Clark Recreation Area features well-maintained sites. "This is a decent campground for those with trailers and campers. They're well paved but a little out in the open so there's not much privacy," explains Jason S.
Dump station locations: Most campgrounds provide sanitary dump facilities. At Cottonwood Campground, "RV dump station is located just north of Cottonwood Campground off of Toe Road," according to one detailed review.
Seasonal RV considerations: Winter camping is possible at some locations. The Lewis and Clark area remains accessible year-round, with winter offering completely different experiences including ice fishing and snowmobile access when conditions permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Pierce, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Pierce, NE is Veterans Memorial RV Park with a 2.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Pierce, NE?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 glamping camping locations near Pierce, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring