Lewis and Clark Recreation Area spans multiple sections including Yankton and East Midway areas along the Missouri River. The region offers water recreation on Lewis and Clark Lake, which forms a 35-mile reservoir with 90 miles of shoreline and a maximum depth of 45 feet. Campers have access to concrete pads and electric hookups at most campgrounds, with some sites offering cabins and yurt camping options near Royal, Nebraska and surrounding communities.
What to do
Biking and hiking trails: The Lewis And Clark Recreation Area features an extensive network of trails connecting beaches and camping areas. "This beautiful 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 course: Cottonwood Campground provides a full disc golf course among the cottonwood trees. The campground sits "about 100 yards from the Gavins Point Dam and right next to Lake Yankton," according to Max H., who adds that "campers are close to gas stations, mini golf, rental facilities, and restaurants."
Fishing access: Several access points for fishing are available around the lake and river. "Easy access. Pretty. Great fishing and boating, and sailing. Clean. Campsites are not sitting on top of each other. Cabins available to rent," explains Kathryn P., highlighting the multiple fishing opportunities in the area.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: The Chief White Crane Recreation Area offers well-spaced sites with paved surfaces. "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)," James P. reports.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the well-maintained bathroom and shower facilities in the area. "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," shares Jen K.
Waterfront views: Many sites offer direct access to water. "Nice area with park for children with good water accessible," writes Isaac E. about Cottonwood Campground, while another camper notes that yurt camping near Royal, Nebraska provides excellent lake views.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular sites fill quickly during peak season. "The sites are electric only and sites get booked fast. If it is during peak season, you want to reserve a site 90 days in advance," advises Courtney G.
Construction impacts: Road construction can sometimes affect access to campgrounds. At Carney Park, one visitor noted, "They are doing road construction and they have road completely torn up and one way section of road into campground. Quiet for one night."
Seasonal availability: While some campgrounds operate year-round, others have limited seasons. Cottonwood Campground typically operates from "mid April to mid October," with specific facilities like showers and restrooms sometimes closing earlier in the season.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and open spaces: East Midway — Lewis And Clark Recreation Area provides ample recreation space for children. "There's plenty of space, a nice lake, and some little beaches nearby," mentions Molly K., making it ideal for family outings.
Cabin options: For families seeking alternative accommodations to tent or yurt camping near Royal, Nebraska, cabin rentals provide convenience. "The small cabins near the water was perfect for our small group! The bathrooms were close to our cabin and were very clean," shares Molly K.
Family-friendly activities: Multiple recreation options keep children entertained. Elizabeth R. explains, "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."
Tips from RVers
Electric-only hookups: Most sites offer electric but not full hookups. "This is actually on Lake Yankton not Lewis and Clark Lake but it is a nice peaceful place with nice grass, benches and parks, the lake has good fishing for all species would recommend going has nice bathrooms as well as good bike trails," notes Isaac E.
Dump stations: RV dump stations are available near but not at most campsites. James P. mentions a "nice dump station" at Chief White Crane Recreation Area, which complements the "level blacktop sites" for easy RV setup.
Self-registration options: Some parks offer simple payment systems. At Veterans Memorial RV Park, visitors can "make a free will donation at the city office 2 blocks south," according to Carolyn M., who adds that the park offers "lots of shade" and "cement pads."
