Best Glamping near Vermillion, SD

Clay County Park is located 4 miles outside of Vermillion South Dakota. It is secluded and peaceful. There were a few down falls. A lot of the sites were taken by either people who lived there full time or people who leave their camper there for the whole summer. Also the camp ground hosts weren’t friendly like all the other camp grounds we visit. But it was peaceful and pretty. The sites were very nice sized. You didn’t feel like you were right on top of each other. They are Electric only and there is drinking water and sewage dump close by. There was 2 nice restrooms and 1 vaulted toilet. There was a few trails, 1 leading to the Missouri River. Down the road (not far) is a nice shelter next to the river and a boat ramp.

Dates: April 15, 2021- October 17, 2021 October 17 2021– April 21, 2022

Fees:$16.00$18.00 

• RV dump station is located just north of Cottonwood Campground off of Toe Road.
• 7 electrical sites
• 2 modern Bath house/toilets
• Trash
• Water sites
• Cell phone service
• Drinking water 
• Flush toilets
• Grills/fire rings
• Lake access
• Paved roads
• Paved sites
• Pets allowed
• Picnic tables
• Playground
• Security lights
• Disc golf
• Shade

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

Most of this open campground is devoted to RV's, most are unoccupied during the week. There are only 4 tent sites on the south edge of the area, the acreage is covered with tall cottonwood trees which provide partial sun/shade but no privacy. There is a short trail which goes down to the Missouri River. There was a pit latrine in the tent area and two shower houses in the RV sections. Tent fee $10 per night

The phone number is not a working number and the Web page link to town's site is page not available

Was unsure because of a couple bad reviews. But the place was clean and peaceful, close to the beautiful Missouri River with opportunities for hiking and fishing. The stuff was pretty unfriendly but we didn’t had to deal much with them.

Nice pullthru campsites, with lots of activities,  large pool.

This was a great spot last minute find. Super friendly . It’s just off the interstate which was nice for us . Hosts were great. Super clean bathrooms . Nice showers . Pizza they make in sight is good too! Super close to stores . Nice spot.

Awesome place to stay. Lots of activities for the kids. Staff was awesome

A tent site was $40 with no electricity so it’s more pricy then other sites but they have a ton of things to do. Checkers, chess, swings, play set, mini golf, inflatable bouncy blog, pool, and more. They had a gift shop with anything you needed to buy. The bathrooms were very nice and clean but did smell a bit. They had electricity/ wall outlets in the bathrooms. The highway is very close so you do hear cars. Privacy fences around the site to block out the neighborhood. Very nice staff!

We stayed her for one night on our way to the Badlands. Arrived late and left so early we didn’t even see any of the staff. Campground and bath houses were clean. However, campsites are very close together. Great for quick overnight stop.!!!

This campground sits about 100 yards from the Gavins Point Dam and right next to Lake Yankton. Campers are close to gas stations, mini golf, rental facilities, and restaurants. The campground contains a disc golf course, playground and restrooms. The campground is named for the large amount of cottonwood trees, so be prepared to get cotton all over.

Great campground with caring staff. Run by the Corps of Engineers. Well-maintained and great prices. No water or sewer at the campsite, but they are close-by.

Nice area with park for children with good water accessible