Heart Butte Reservoir at Lake Tschida features five primitive campgrounds with well water and vault toilets across its shoreline. The reservoir stays open seasonally from May through September, with varying levels of development at different camping areas. Downstream campground areas provide quieter alternatives to the busier main sites during peak summer months.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Heart Butte Reservoir supports multiple fish species including crappie, walleye, and catfish. "Decent fishing for North Dakota. Try your hand at catching crappie, walleye, catfish, perch, white bass, pike, bluegill, large and smallmouth bass. Bait store nearby!" according to a review from Heart Butte Reservoir.
Lake recreation: The main lake area includes a beach area that becomes popular during summer months. "The beach is beautiful. Fishing is good. The kids love the playgrounds," notes one camper about Heart Butte Reservoir.
Biking trails: Several campgrounds provide biking opportunities for families. At Heart Butte, "There is playground and it's a great place to bike for kids," mentions one reviewer who appreciated the family-friendly terrain.
Evening lakeside relaxation: Gascoyne Lake offers spectacular sunset views for glamping close to Lemmon, South Dakota. "You're right along the lake which had a beautiful sunset," notes one visitor to Gascoyne Lake Campground who enjoyed the peaceful shoreline setting.
What campers like
Quieter camping areas: For those seeking more solitude when glamping near Lemmon, South Dakota, some areas offer greater privacy. "We stayed at the less traveled downstream campground. The downstream is a great thing place away from the noise. Stay during week and there is chance you have the place to yourself," writes one camper about Heart Butte Reservoir.
Spacious campsites: Many sites at Heart Butte can accommodate multiple tents and vehicles. "Sites are large, had a 20ft RV, two room tent, two person tent and a screened in tent in our spot," explains a reviewer who camped at the Hidden Shelter area of Heart Butte Reservoir.
Stargazing opportunities: The remote location provides excellent night sky viewing. "I prefer a site that is off the beaten path and the stars every night were just amazing," shared one camper about their experience at Heart Butte.
Free amenities: Some campgrounds offer useful facilities at no additional cost. "The main lake has a beach, playground and FREE showers," notes one visitor who appreciated these conveniences at Heart Butte.
What you should know
Water quality considerations: Potable water may require additional filtration. "Spigot is currently locked due to the water quality not testing at potable. Potable water is found at the main site but I would advise not to drink it as it well water," warns a camper at Heart Butte Reservoir.
Seasonal algae blooms: During dry periods, blue-green algae can affect swimming conditions. "Water was nice but did have blue algae during our stay since it was so very dry out there," notes one reviewer who visited Heart Butte in late July.
Vehicle restrictions: Some areas limit recreational vehicle use. "The only downfall is there are no atv, utv, or golf carts allowed," explains a camper about regulations at Heart Butte.
Maintenance varies: Site upkeep differs between locations and may affect your glamping experience near Lemmon, South Dakota. One camper noted about Heart Butte, "The two stars are for how this place is taken care of. Not well kept," though they still enjoyed the fishing.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple play areas are available for children. "The playground is great for the kids and the lake fishing is nice," shares a visitor to Heart Butte Reservoir.
Weekday visits for privacy: For a more relaxed experience with children, consider non-weekend stays. "Very quiet during the week. Busier on the weekends," notes a camper who spent an extended stay at Heart Butte.
Shade considerations: Some sites provide limited shelter from midday heat. "There is not a lot of shelter does gets pretty hot from about noon till 4pm," warns a camper who visited during summer months, suggesting morning and evening activities.
Limited facilities at some sites: Certain areas have basic amenities only. At Gascoyne Lake, "There are two little shelter areas & a playground but it has not been mowed yet for the season so hard to access," explains a spring visitor to Gascoyne Lake Campground.
Tips from RVers
Dumping stations: RV services are available at main locations. "Off the main road there is the office with a dumping and filling station," explains a camper who stayed at Heart Butte.
Cell coverage: Mobile connectivity is sufficient for basic needs in most areas. At Gascoyne Lake, one camper reported, "Has 2-3 bars LTE via ATT," making it suitable for those requiring minimal connection while glamping near Lemmon, South Dakota.
Stay duration limits: Free camping areas have maximum stay periods. Gascoyne Lake Campground allows visitors to "stay up to seven nights and it is free," according to a reviewer who appreciated this budget-friendly option.
