Royal is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Royal. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Royal. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
$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
This city park has eight or nine spots available some have full hook ups and some have just water and some have just sewer and some have just electric. We stayed on spot nine, which had all three. Only downside to this little place was since it is the city park and there is a playground here, quite a bit of local traffic bringing the kids in. Nice walking trail around part of the golf course. When we were there, there was no place to pay, but I called the city clerk and she said just to put the money in a dropbox at City Hall, which is $20 now.pretty close to the road that goes through town so a little bit of traffic noise.
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.
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. 
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
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.
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!
Wonderful location right by a creek, huge park with playground equipment, big swimming pool and golf course. Full hookups (electric, water, sewer) for only $10 per night! Cute town with all the amenities!
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.
Loved it!
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
Nice area with park for children with good water accessible
Its a first come first serve/ same day reservation
Was nice and clean with friendly rangers
Camping near Royal, Nebraska, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different needs.
Camping near Royal, Nebraska, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Royal, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Royal, 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 Royal, NE?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 glamping camping locations near Royal, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.
