Best Tent Camping near Yankton, SD

Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area near Yankton, South Dakota offers several tent camping options along the Missouri River and Lewis and Clark Lake. Bloomfield and Miller Creek campgrounds provide dedicated tent campsites with water views and mature tree cover. Bow Creek Recreation Area features walk-in tent sites for those seeking a more primitive tent camping experience. Mnisose Wicote (Wandering River) campground provides year-round tent camping with basic amenities. These campgrounds are situated within a short drive of Yankton, primarily on the Nebraska side of the river, offering tent campers access to water recreation and scenic views of the river valley.

Tent campsites at Bloomfield SRA cost $15 for basic sites and include picnic tables and fire rings. The campground features 8 basic tent-only sites with access to toilets, drinking water, and trash disposal. Miller Creek requires a vehicle entry permit ($6 daily) plus the $15 basic camping fee, offering similar amenities with pit toilets and water access. Road conditions can be challenging for tent campers heading to Miller Creek, particularly after rain when dirt roads become muddy and potholed. Most tent campgrounds in the area operate on a first-come, first-served basis with standard check-in at 4 PM and check-out at 11 AM.

Tent campers report excellent water views at several sites. According to reviews, "Sunsets are amazing along with the beautiful cliffs on the South Dakota side of the river" at Bloomfield campground. Sites near the water allow campers to enjoy "the sound of the water as it gently laps against the shore." Mature trees provide valuable shade for summer tent camping. Visitors to Miller Creek note the campground is "very quiet and secluded" with "several mature trees" surrounding the camp, making it ideal for primitive tent camping experiences. Seasonal considerations include mosquitos at Mnisose Wicote, where one camper reported "so many mosquitos here we had a rough stay." Tent campers should also be aware of zebra mussels in Lewis and Clark Lake and follow clean, drain, dry protocols for all water equipment.

Best Tent Sites Near Yankton, South Dakota (5)

Show More
Showing results 1-5 of 5 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Tent Camping Photos near Yankton, SD

1 Photos of 5 Yankton Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Yankton, SD

245 Reviews of 5 Yankton Campgrounds


  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2021

    Bloomfield - Lewis and Clark SRA

    Small

    FCFS 

    Rates: $15.00 basic $30.00 electric

     8 Basic tent only 12 RV sites w/electric 

    Picnic table Fire ring Toilets Playground Dump station Boat ramp Fishing dock

     The toilet was very clean with toilet paper and hand sanitizer. I was very impressed with the overall maintenance at the whole site.

     Sunsets are amazing along with the beautiful cliffs on the South Dakota side of the river. There is camping just below the hill so you will be closer to the sound of the water as it gently laps against the shore. Sites are marked and water views are worth the drive to the park. Mature trees provide nice shade which will help during the summer. 

    ALERT: Zebra mussels, an aquatic invasive species were found in Lewis& Clark Lake in 2014. They can damage boat motors and have other negative effects. Make sure you clean your water craft and outdoor recreation gear after each use. Never release unwanted pets or aquarium contents into the wild. CLEAN DRAIN DRY

     LNT 

    Better than when you found it 

    Stay safe Happy travels

  • M
    Aug. 1, 2018

    Lake Vermillion Recreation Area

    Nice but pricey

    South Dakota charges a day use fee ($6) plus a fee for tent camping ($17); I opted to pay for an Annual Pass of $30 since I plan on doing more SD camping this year. The park had East and West areas, the tent sites (4) are only in the West side. As typical, the more scenic lakeside camping is for RV's, with flushing toilets and showers, but the trade off for privacy and seclusion at the tent site was worth it. Picnic tables have built in sun covers which were really great and with winds I didn't experience any bugs or mosquitoes. There is no tree cover so I enjoyed the night sky. The staff is friendly and helpful. There was only one trail, Otto Stream (no stream, no otters), which is about 1.5m trail thru restored prairie.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2021

    Cottonwood Campground

    Best of Both States

    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

  • Bibs O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 13, 2025

    Weigand Campground — Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area

    March Swag Camp, we are the only ones here.

    We are staying at a basic tent camping site. There is available to us a pit toilet. Water is still shut down for the season.

    Luckily, they do offer off-season rates. A Nebraska park permit is required for your vehicle.

    Picnic table and fire ring are also here for us.

    We are the only ones here in the entire park (mid-March 2025). Grounds are clean. Our site (site 5) is very large, and located on a small Bluff above the Missouri river.

    Walking paths, frisbee golf, playgrounds, fishing, and boating are all available.

    I have 4 bars of 5G cell service at my camp site. A WIFI hot spot is available at the camp office as well.

  • Bibs O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 27, 2024

    Sand Creek Recreation Area

    Busy boat ramp, no other campers.

    This is a busy boat put in and take out. There are 8 camping sites. No electrical, no sewer or dump station 2 water spigot. One water spigot between sites 6 - 7 and a thread on at the vault toilet. Toilets are new. Thus, clean so far. Fire rings at each site. Picnic tables at each site. Sites 2 and 3 have some shade from the sun. Sites 1, 4,5,6,7,8 are located in direct sunlight. The price when we stayed (July 2024) was $11.67. There were no other campers during our stay.

  • Melissa K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 10, 2018

    Lake Vermillion Recreation Area

    Beautiful campground

    We stopped here on our way through south Dakota headed back to Colorado. The staff were really friendly when we pulled in. Got us checked in right away, gave us directions to our site and sent us off. Thry also sell firewood for $5 a bundle. We are in tent site 4. There are only 4 strictly dedicated tent sites. you park across the street and walk a very short distance, maybe 200 feet to the site. The bathroom is in the parking lot along with a water source. The lake is on the other side of the parking lot. There is also a dumpster there in the parking lot.

    The camp site is extremely spacious. plenty of room for tents if you have more then one. It's nice and mowed out with the bordering area still long providing an edge to the site. The four sites are clustered fairly close but the way it's landscaped, you won't see your neighbornuntil you step out to the path to your car. They all have fire rings with a grate to cook on. The picnic table has a nice shade canopy over top. The bathroom surprised me a little. most pit toilets are dark at night but this one has a light! it also has a trash can and hand sanitizer! it smells decent and it's very clean. it will quickly become BYTP but we are only here the one night so hopefully it won't run out. The lake is gorgous! it's a huge long lake and seems to be a favorite boat spot. water skis were abundant, which also meant it got pretty loud with boats buzzing, people partying and music blaring. this is why it lost a star. it was pretty loud up until probably 9 pm. The mosquitos are bad, bring bug spray!

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2022

    Pierson Ranch Recreation Area

    Hot and humid

    I evidently chose the one site that has no daytime shade. There was shade early and late, but nothing in the middle of the day. Crews were pruning a lot of dead branches in the park as well. Access to water was not convenient unless you drove.
    Most campers showed up in the evening. Campground was about 75% full by nightfall. Just up the road in Lewis and Clark SP. I drove through and it was pretty full. All sites are electric. Fairly close together. Free showers were great to rinse off sweat from heat and humidity. Oh yes - Fireflies!!

  • Angie A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 11, 2024

    Menno Lake Camping - Huber Campground

    Quiet peaceful spot on the lake

    Excellent find and with electricity for only $10 a night. Pretty secluded with only one other camper. Some local traffic. Vault toilet withTP is far from where we camped and the old school toilets were a little too sketchy for me. If they were cleaned up I would have been brave enough to try. Such a beautiful place! Bugs are bad! Be prepared. Each site has picnic table and fire ring on nice concrete pad.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2021

    Miller Creek - Lewis and Clark SRA

    Country Roads

    • ARCHERY HUNTING ONLY

    • Must have a Vehicle Entry Permit

     Nebraska Resident         Non Resident 

    Annual  $30.00 Annual   $45.00

    Daily$ 6.00 per day          Daily$ 6.00 per day

    Basic camping per day $15.00

    • Picnic table

    • Fire ring

    • Boat ramp

    • Water

    • Pit toilet

    • Trash

    • Fishing pie

    r• Parking for boat launch

    • Check in 4 pm check out 11 am

    This campground is open and nicely shaded. Very quiet and secluded. Several mature trees surrounds the camp. The campground is very well maintained. If you want to get back to the basics this is your camp. Great for birding, kayaking, fishing or just kicking back.

    This campground is sitting on the second largest lake, Lewis & Clark which runs along the border of Nebraska and South Dakota. The lake is about 16 miles long and up to 3 miles wide. It has a maximum depth of 45 feet.

    If you are planning a visit to Miller Creek you need to have a small rig or tent. If you come by way of Springfield, South Dakota or Neobrara, Nebraska on Highway 12 then Highway 12 from the west of Miller Creek the road becomes dirt. If it has rained the dirt will turn to a nasty mud. The road is also very potted and rough.

    A bonus for visiting Miller Creek is the joy of feasting your eyes on the natural beauty of what makes Nebraska great. The rolling farm land and friendly locals that wave as you pass by. Whether fishing, birding, hiking, boating, or fishing is your passion a country campground in Nebraska can help sooth your soul.

    Firewood Alert: Please purchase firewood in the local area. Do not transport from another state, if you do please burn immediately due to the Emerald Ash Borer. Proper permits/Licenses and park entry passes may be purchased in advance online at http://ngpc-home.ne.gov/


Guide to Yankton

Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area spans both Nebraska and South Dakota sides of the Missouri River, offering tent camping options within a 30-minute drive of Yankton. The region features rolling bluffs, cottonwood groves, and prairie landscapes with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 1,350 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F during peak camping season, with cool evenings around 65°F.

What to do

Archery hunting: Miller Creek - Lewis and Clark SRA permits archery hunting only within designated areas. A valid Nebraska hunting license and habitat stamp are required, and hunters should check current regulations before arrival. According to one visitor, "This campground is very well maintained. If you want to get back to the basics this is your camp. Great for birding, kayaking, fishing or just kicking back."

Boat launching: Bloomfield - Lewis and Clark SRA provides accessible boat ramps for paddlers and motorized watercraft. The ramp access is maintained year-round when not frozen. A camper noted, "They have 4-6 spots along the water. This is one of my favorite campgrounds. Amazing views!"

Fishing opportunities: Cast from the fishing pier at Miller Creek for walleye, smallmouth bass, and northern pike. The lake reaches depths of 45 feet with best fishing reported in early morning or evening hours. A reviewer mentioned, "This campground is sitting on the second largest lake, Lewis & Clark which runs along the border of Nebraska and South Dakota. The lake is about 16 miles long and up to 3 miles wide."

What campers like

Quiet seclusion: Miller Creek - Lewis and Clark SRA offers a secluded camping experience away from crowds and noise. The campground sits in a protected cove surrounded by mature trees. A camper mentioned, "This campground is open and nicely shaded. Very quiet and secluded. Several mature trees surrounds the camp."

Well-maintained facilities: Basic tent sites at Bloomfield include clean restrooms and well-kept grounds that campers consistently praise. One visitor reported, "The toilet was very clean with toilet paper and hand sanitizer. I was very impressed with the overall maintenance at the whole site."

Rural scenery: The drive to Miller Creek takes visitors through classic Nebraska countryside with agricultural vistas. One camper shared, "A bonus for visiting Miller Creek is the joy of feasting your eyes on the natural beauty of what makes Nebraska great. The rolling farm land and friendly locals that wave as you pass by."

What you should know

Road conditions: Access to Mnisose Wicote (Wandering River) can be challenging during wet weather when dirt roads become muddy. Small vehicles may struggle after heavy rain. Consider calling ahead to check road status during spring and after storms.

Permit requirements: Nebraska state recreation areas require vehicle entry permits ($6 daily, $30 annual for residents, $45 annual for non-residents) in addition to camping fees. These must be displayed on vehicles at all times when camping.

Seasonal insects: Mosquito populations peak in July and August, particularly near shorelines and after rainfall. One camper at Mnisose Wicote noted, "There were so many mosquitos here we had a rough stay the facility was otherwise nice."

Invasive species protocols: All watercraft must follow Clean, Drain, Dry procedures to prevent zebra mussel spread. Failure to comply can result in fines. Remove all vegetation and drain all compartments before leaving the lake area.

Tips for camping with families

Walk-in tent sites: Bow Creek Recreation Area offers walk-in tent camping for families seeking a more primitive experience. Sites require carrying gear a short distance from parking areas, providing a more secluded setting away from vehicles.

Playground access: Bloomfield campground includes a playground area near tent sites, allowing children to play within sight of camp. The playground features standard equipment suitable for ages 5-12.

Water safety: Designated swimming areas are limited; most shoreline has uneven footing and unexpected drop-offs. Life jackets are strongly recommended for all children near water, regardless of swimming ability.

Firewood restrictions: Due to emerald ash borer concerns, transport of firewood across state lines is prohibited. Purchase firewood locally or gather dead wood within campground boundaries where permitted.

Tips from RVers

Size restrictions: Village Park accommodates smaller RVs and camper vans but lacks facilities for larger rigs. Most sites can handle units under 25 feet in length. There are no hookups available.

Dump station access: Mnisose Wicote provides sanitary dump facilities for RVs, though water hookups are not available at individual sites. The dump station is accessible year-round but may close during freezing temperatures.

Road clearance: The dirt roads leading to Miller Creek campground become deeply rutted after rain. High-clearance vehicles are recommended, especially for towing RVs. One camper warned, "If it has rained the dirt will turn to a nasty mud. The road is also very potted and rough."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Yankton, SD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Yankton, SD is Bloomfield - Lewis and Clark SRA with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Yankton, SD?

TheDyrt.com has all 5 tent camping locations near Yankton, SD, with real photos and reviews from campers.