North Shore Recreation Area

Deer flies bite like mosquitoes at this Army Corps of Engineers dispersed camping area along Lake Sharpe, where awkward site layouts challenge larger rigs but remain manageable for most campers. Rick M. successfully parked his bus here, though maneuvering requires patience. The campground provides a dumpster for trash disposal, and campers can filter lake water for use, though no gray water dump station exists on-site.

Located within the broader Sharpe Recreation Area, the sites offer direct lake access for those willing to work with the unconventional positioning. Campers exploring campgrounds around Chamberlain will find this spot about 20 miles north of the city. Bring insect repellent during warmer months and plan for basic amenities only.

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Map & DirectionsNorth Shore Recreation Area is located in South Dakota near Chamberlain

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

44.06632145 N
99.47421633 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 16 users
    Last on 6/10/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 6/10/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 16 users
    Last on 6/10/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 6/10/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Features

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DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if North Shore Recreation Area needs a permit.

Drive Time


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Reviews1 Camper Review - North Shore Recreation Area

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5.0

out of 5

1 Review

Reviewed Aug. 20, 2025

Lots of insects, but vetiver oil puts that to an end.

There are a lot of deer flies that when they bite they feel like mosquitoes and other than that the sites are a little bit awkward to get into but it's not unmanageable. I have a bus and I was able to park in one.

It has a dumpster and the lake provides water if you are able to filter it. I don't see a grey dump though.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of North Shore Recreation Area by Rick M., August 20, 2025
  • Review photo of North Shore Recreation Area by Rick M., August 20, 2025
  • Review photo of North Shore Recreation Area by Rick M., August 20, 2025
  • (5) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there cell phone reception at North Shore Recreation Area?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is good coverage for AT&T, excellent coverage for T-Mobile, and excellent coverage for Verizon.