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If you're looking for a place to park your RV in South Dakota, look no further. Finding a place to camp in South Dakota with your RV has never been easier. These scenic and easy to access South Dakota campsites are perfect for RV campers.

South Dakota

The Best RV Camping in South Dakota

If you're looking for a place to park your RV near Council House, look no further. RV camping is an adventurous and unique way to experience the city. Search nearby RV campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Council House

The Best RV Camping Near Council House, South Dakota

## Overview

**Left Tailrace Campgound** at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Big Bend Project, sits on the shore of Lake Francis Case on the Missouri River below Big Bend Dam. Just upstream of Left Tailrace, Lake Sharpe, a popular recreation destination in the Great Plains,was created by the completion of Big Bend Dam in 1966.  
  
Today, approximately 80,000 acres of public lands and water provide a variety of benefits to the public including flood control, recreation, conservation of our natural resources, fish and wildlife habitat, irrigation, and hydropower production.  
  
It is possible to view many types of wildlife on the Missouri River at Lake Sharpe. Tribal bison herds can be seen grazing the lake area's grasslands north of the towns of Fort Thompson and Lower Brule. The shoreline areas of the lake also offer excellent waterfowl, upland game birds and big game hunting opportunities. Big game animals include whitetail and mule deer, elk, bison, coyotes and wild turkeys. Waterfowl and upland game birds include ducks, geese, pheasants, prairie chickens, and grouse. Hunting regulations are established and enforced by the State of South Dakota, and the Lower Brule and Crow Creek Tribes.

For more information, visit the Big Bend Project [website](https://www.nwo.usace.army.mil/Missions/Dam-and-Lake-Projects/Missouri-River-Dams/Big-Bend/) .  


## Recreation

Lake Sharpe provides many opportunities for outdoor recreation. Recreation areas vary from primitive to highly developed areas like the Left Tailrace area located below the dam. Facilities at the Left Tailrace include campsites with electrical hookups, comfort stations with showers, a dump station, boat ramp, fish cleaning station, courtesy dock, picnic shelters, tables, grills, drinking water, disc golf, etc.  
Fishing is the main attraction to the area, with walleye being the primary sport fish, although sauger, smallmouth bass, white bass, channel catfish and northern pike also provide great fishing action.  


## Facilities

Left Tailrace Campground offers 81 electrical hookups and 12 non-electrical tent sites. Electrical sites have a 30 and 50 amp pedastal, paved pull-thru and back-in sites. Left Tailrace Campground also offers men's and women's comfort stations with showers and toilet stalls. Each site has a picnic table and most with shelter covering, fire ring and shade nearby. Tents sites have fire rings and picinic tables. The area also offers large day use areas with shelters and grills, play grounds and a nine-hole disc golf range.

## Natural Features

Left Tailrace Campground is located in central South Dakota, three miles from the town of Fort Thompson, 20 miles from Chamberlain and 65 miles from Pierre, which is the state capitol.   
Lake Sharpe was the last of the Missouri River reservoirs completed and follows a serpentine course of 80 miles between Big Bend Dam and Pierre, SD.   


## Nearby Attractions

Big Bend Dam tours offered from Memorial Day to Labor Day at 1:30 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays. For more information, please call (605) 245-2255.

## contact_info

For facility specific information, please call (605) 245-2255.

## Charges & Cancellations

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>.

Left Tailrace

Left Tailrace - Lake Sharpe

West Bend State Recreation Area

Map: https://www.nwo.usace.army.mil/Portals/23/siteimages/recreation/Sharpe.pdf

Lake Sharpe provides many opportunities for outdoor recreation. Recreation areas vary from primitive to highly developed areas like the Left Tailrace area located below the dam. Facilities at the Left Tailrace include campsites with electrical hookups, comfort stations with showers, a dump station, boat ramp, fish cleaning station, courtesy dock, picnic shelters, tables, grills, drinking water and playground.

North Shore Recreation Area Army COE CG

Kennebec KOA

Oasis Campground 

West Chamberlain

Oacoma Flatts

Roads open seasonally - call in advance if season is questionable

Dude Ranch

American Creek Campground

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Sioux Falls. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Sioux Falls, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Sioux Falls, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Sioux Falls

The Best Camping Near Sioux Falls, South Dakota

East of the Black Hills, South Dakota has a lot to offer. Near Rapid City, SD, and not too far from Mount Rushmore, you can take in the historic monument before heading off to camp and explore. Nearby Black Hills National Forest, Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park have plenty of adventures to offer. Spend the day exploring trails or rock climbing. It’s hard to beat exploring the Black Hills on horseback and there are several campgrounds that accommodate equestrians. Whether you stay in a tent or a spacious, multi-level cabin, Rapid City has some of the best camping spots in the area. There are also RV campsite options with half and full hookups.

Rapid City

The Best Camping Near Rapid City, South Dakota

Aberdeen is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Aberdeen campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Aberdeen, SD. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Aberdeen

The Best Camping Near Aberdeen, South Dakota

Brookings is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Brookings is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Brookings camping trip.

Brookings

The Best Camping Near Brookings, South Dakota

Are you in need of a campground near Watertown, SD? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Watertown campgrounds just for you. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Watertown. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Watertown

The Best Camping Near Watertown, South Dakota

Looking for the best campgrounds near Mitchell, SD? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that South Dakota camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Mitchell, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Mitchell

The Best Camping Near Mitchell, South Dakota

Looking for the best campgrounds near Yankton, SD? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Yankton is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your South Dakota camping adventure.

Yankton

The Best Camping Near Yankton, South Dakota

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Pierre. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Pierre, SD. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Pierre

The Best Pierre, SD Camping | South Dakota Campgrounds

Looking for the best campgrounds near Huron, SD? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Huron. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Huron

The Best Camping Near Huron, South Dakota

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Vermillion, SD is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Vermillion. Discover great camping spots near Vermillion, reviewed by campers like you.

Vermillion

The Best Camping Near Vermillion, South Dakota

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Custer National Forest, SD is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Custer National Forest. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Custer National Forest

The Best Camping Near Custer National Forest, South Dakota

Like all of South Dakota, Badlands National Park enjoys sunny summers and harsh winters. While you can go at any time, this park, like most, is crowded during the summer. While getting campsites in peak season isn’t impossible, it isn’t always easy.

With only one reservable campground, getting a camping spot in Badlands is tricky. That being said, with large amounts of federal land surrounding it, free camping is abundant. However, RV campers will appreciate the availability of sites in the park that can accommodate them. Buffalo Gap National Grassland offers the best camping near Badlands National Park if you can’t snag a camp spot. For campers and roadtrippers alike, a stop (or stay) in Wall, SD, is a must.

Badlands National Park

Are you in need of a campground near Badlands National Park, SD? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Badlands National Park, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Discover great camping spots near Badlands National Park, reviewed by campers like you.

The Best Camping Near Badlands National Park, South Dakota

With views of the Black Hills, open prairies, and pine forests, some of the best camping spots are in Wind Cave National Park. Near Hot Springs, SD, campers can stock up on camping supplies before pitching their tents. Campgrounds around the South Dakota park accommodate RV drivers, and also offer cabins and yurts as additional sleeping options. Backpack through the park watching birds perch calmly on the backs of bison. Elk and pronghorn antelopes also roam the prairies and forests. Campsites by the cave are a prime opportunity to discover the underground marvels that include the famous Wind Cave, and the subterranean chambers known as the Post Office and Elk’s Room.

Wind Cave National Park

The Best Camping Near Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Black Hills National Forest, SD has a lot to offer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Black Hills National Forest and user-submitted reviews.

Black Hills National Forest

The Best Camping Near Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota

Searching for the best camping near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, SD? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. Find the best campgrounds near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

The Best Camping Near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, South Dakota

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Jamestown Reservoir. Jamestown Reservoir is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Jamestown Reservoir

The Best Camping Near Jamestown Reservoir, South Dakota

Pipestem Lake, SD is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Pipestem Lake is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Pipestem Lake, SD. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Pipestem Lake

The Best Camping Near Pipestem Lake, South Dakota

Conestoga Lake is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that South Dakota camping has to offer. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Conestoga Lake and user-submitted reviews.

THE BEST RV CAMPING NEARCouncil House, South Dakota

About Council House RV Camping

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