Lake Francis Case provides the backdrop for glamping close to Geddes, South Dakota. This reservoir along the Missouri River stretches 107 miles and maintains summer water temperatures warm enough for comfortable swimming throughout the season. The surrounding recreation areas sit at approximately 1,350 feet elevation with mixed-grass prairie and cottonwood groves creating natural windbreaks at many campsites.
What to do
Water activities on Lake Francis Case: At North Point Recreation Area, visitors can enjoy boating, swimming, and shore fishing. "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," shares Sarah S. The park includes a fishing dock, swimming beach, and boat launch facilities.
Hiking opportunities: North Point Recreation Area offers a 1.2-mile loop trail called North Shore Path suitable for all hiking levels. "We enjoy fishing, walking the trails, and seeing the wildlife," notes Angela W. The trail provides scenic views of the lake and opportunities for wildlife spotting, particularly during morning hours.
Disc golf and lawn games: Recreation opportunities beyond water activities include disc golf courses and open spaces for lawn games. According to one reviewer at North Point, amenities include "Lawn games, Biking, Swimming, Volley ball, Birding, Disc golf." These activities make the area suitable for extended stays beyond just overnight camping.
What campers like
Shaded campsites: Buryanek Recreation Area offers sites with natural shade. "Most sites have some shade as well, which was a pleasant surprise for the area," writes Sarah S. about North Point. The cottonwood trees provide welcome relief during hot summer days, though campers should note seasonal seed shedding can be an issue.
Beach access: Many visitors appreciate private beach access at waterfront sites. At Buryanek Recreation Area, Leslie B. notes, "There were stairs down from our campsite to a gravel beach. Water was warm in Lake Francis Case on the Missouri River." These semi-private beach areas allow for swimming and water activities directly from your campsite.
Spacious site layouts: Hills RV Park and other area campgrounds offer well-spaced sites. James P. comments on Buryanek: "Big sites. A lot of room between sites. Well maintained dirt road to access recreation area. Spacious campground." This spacing creates a more private camping experience even when parks are at full capacity.
What you should know
Access roads: Some recreation areas require travel on unpaved roads. For Buryanek Recreation Area, Scott P. advises: "Access to this area is off highway 44 but be prepared for several miles of minimally maintained dirt road (with some big hills) to get there." During wet conditions, these roads may become challenging for larger vehicles or trailers.
Cottonwood trees: While providing welcome shade, cottonwood trees can create seasonal challenges. "This is a great campground on the west bank of the Missouri River. Very nice and well kept facilities but beware there are lots of cottonwoods and at times during our stay it looked like it was snowing," notes Scott P. The cottonwood seed release typically occurs in early summer.
Aquatic invasive species: When boating on Lake Francis Case, visitors must follow Clean, Drain, Dry protocols to prevent spreading invasive species. One reviewer at Lake Mitchell Campground warns about seasonal algae: "Had nice showers and bathrooms. Also had coin laundry on site. Playground for kids and swimming area in lake. There was hazardous algae in the water when we went, so couldn't swim."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and beaches: North Point Recreation Area features a playground near camping areas. "Camp site was near beach, fishing dock and playground for the kids!" notes Rebekah M. This proximity allows parents to supervise children easily while enjoying campsite amenities.
Educational opportunities: Lakota Youth Development offers cultural experiences through tipi stays that provide educational value for families. While modern amenities like showers and toilets are available, these accommodations offer a more immersive experience than standard camping cabins.
Quiet camping environments: Despite full occupancy during peak season, many campgrounds maintain quiet environments suitable for families. Sarah S. observed at North Point: "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."
Tips from RVers
Electric site availability: Armour Lions Park offers concrete pads at several sites. "I know 5 were concrete slabs, the rest gravel," reports Ila R. These level sites accommodate larger RVs with less setup time needed for stabilization.
Electrical capacity issues: Some older campgrounds may have maintenance challenges with electrical connections. One reviewer noted at Armour Lions Park: "The electrical boxes are so buggy and cobwebby and dusty that it's hard to find a properly grounded working electric box." RVers should check connections before setting up, especially during peak demand periods.
Overnight convenience: Several campgrounds near Geddes provide convenient pull-through sites for travelers just passing through. Michael C. says of Hills RV Park: "The sites are gravel, but are all pull through. Most are full hookup, but there is an on site dump station for those with electric only."
