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Established Camping

Lake Carthage Lakeside Use Area

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Lake Carthage Lakeside Use Area in South Dakota is situated near a lake, offering flat terrain with open spaces. Temperatures range from lows in the 20s Fahrenheit during winter to highs in the 80s during summer. Nearby, visitors can explore Lake Thompson Recreation Area and the historic town of De Smet, known for its Laura Ingalls Wilder attractions.

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Location

Lake Carthage Lakeside Use Area is located in South Dakota

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

44.188261131110394 N
97.6901501544592 W

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Connectivity

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    Verizon
    No Coverage
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    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Drive Time

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

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Reviews

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2.0

out of 5

1 Review

Reviewed Jul. 2, 2024

We stayed overnight here

2 fire pits. 1 porta-potty. Open area you can camp anywhere. No water, no electric, no dump station, no potable water.

Town is 2 miles away, and they have a free dump station. Town also offers free showers. The laundry mat is available next to showers.

One mile out of town is a paid campground at the Lake Carthage campgrounds.

In town at the city park is a paid campground ss well.

Siteopen sites
Month of VisitMay
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  • Review photo of Lake Carthage Lakeside Use Area by Bibs O., July 2, 2024
  • Review photo of Lake Carthage Lakeside Use Area by Bibs O., July 2, 2024
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Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Lake Carthage Campground?

Lake Carthage Lakeside Use Area offers minimal amenities for a primitive camping experience. The campground features 2 fire pits and 1 porta-potty. It's an open area where you can camp anywhere without designated sites. There are no water hookups, electricity, dump station, or potable water available on-site. The nearby town of Carthage, about 2 miles away, provides some additional services including free showers and a laundromat located next to the shower facilities.

How do I make reservations for Lake Carthage Campground?

Lake Carthage Lakeside Use Area appears to be a first-come, first-served campground that doesn't require advance reservations. Since it's an open camping area where you can set up anywhere, formal reservation systems aren't typically in place. For the most current information about any reservation policies or seasonal availability, contact the local Carthage municipal offices or recreation department that manages the lake area.

What are the camping fees at Lake Carthage Campground?

Specific camping fees for Lake Carthage Lakeside Use Area aren't detailed, but given its primitive nature with minimal amenities (just fire pits and a porta-potty), it may be a low-cost or potentially free camping option. For comparison, there is a paid campground mentioned about one mile out of town that would have more amenities. Contact the Carthage municipal offices or recreation department for current fee information before your visit.

What activities can I do at Lake Carthage?

Lake Carthage offers opportunities for various water-based activities, likely including fishing, boating, and possibly swimming depending on local regulations. The open camping area provides space for typical camping activities such as picnicking, campfires at the designated fire pits, and enjoying the lakeside scenery. For additional recreation, the town of Carthage is only 2 miles away, where you can access town amenities and services. Contact the local recreation department for specific information about permitted lake activities and any seasonal regulations.