Public Campground
Lake Carthage Lakeside Use Area
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.
Description
Tucked along the shore of Lake Carthage, this small but complete park with a boat ramp, boat beach, 13 electrical campsites and multiple primitive tent sites. In the town of Carthage just a short distance away, campers can use the dump station, and shower house. The Lakeside Use Area provides Campsites that offer picturesque views of the 1,300-acre lake, while anglers enjoy both on- and off-shore fishing.
Open: Year-round. Between Oct. 1 and April 30, showers, flush toilets and other water systems may be closed. Please contact the park directly for current status. Vault toilets usually remain open.
Detours Nearby

Ingalls Homestead
20 min away

End Of Shoreline Dispersed
1 hr 41 min away
Drive Time
- 1 hr 22 min from Sioux Falls, SD
- 2 hrs 25 min from Sioux City, IA
- 3 hrs 7 min from Fargo, ND
- 3 hrs 32 min from Mankato, MN
Location
Lake Carthage Lakeside Use Area is located in South Dakota
Coordinates
44.188261131110394 N
97.6901501544592 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark 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








