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$8 - $55 / night

$8 - $55 / night

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Established Camping

Chief White Crane Recreation Area

9 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Chief White Crane Recreation Area, near Yankton, South Dakota, is a fantastic spot for families and those looking to unwind in nature. With its level blacktop sites and a flat layout, it’s easy to set up camp and enjoy the great outdoors.

This campground boasts a high tree canopy and large old-growth trees, providing plenty of shade for those hot summer days. Visitors rave about the clean facilities, including showers and restrooms, which are often better than expected for a state park. As one camper noted, “The showers were much nicer than we expected.”

Families will appreciate the expansive green space and playgrounds scattered throughout the area, making it a hit with kids and pets alike. There’s also a small beach and dock nearby for swimming and fishing, which many campers found to be a highlight of their stay. One family even changed their itinerary to stay an extra night because their kids loved it so much!

For those who enjoy fishing, the campground is conveniently located near the Missouri River and Lake Yankton, offering great opportunities to reel in a catch. With a friendly atmosphere and plenty of space between sites, Chief White Crane Recreation Area is a solid choice for a relaxing getaway.

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Location

Chief White Crane Recreation Area is located in South Dakota

Detail location of campground

Directions

In Southeastern South Dakota: 4 miles west of Yankton off SD Hwy 52, 2 miles south on Toe Road.

Address

43349 Sd Hwy 52
Yankton, SD 57078

Coordinates

42.85144617 N
97.45990075 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Gavins Horse Camp — Lewis And Clark Recreation Area

Gavins Horse Camp — Lewis And Clark Recreation Area

17 min away

Browns Lake Bigelow Park Woodbury County Park

Browns Lake Bigelow Park Woodbury County Park

1 hr 14 min away

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Cabins
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

9 Reviews

Judy B.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Apr. 26, 2025

Love this campground

Located south of Yankton, SD and part of the South Dakota State Park system, this is a nice place to camp in a beautiful grove of cottonwood trees (I think). There are many campgrounds in the vicinity. This campground has 146 camping sites and 10 cabins.  Bike/hike trails run through the woods and also along the water to Pierson Campground. There is a bandstand and 3 areas with playground equipment. Bathrooms have flush toilets and hot showers. There is a dump station along the road by the water. Individual sites have electricity but not water hookups. Hydrants are scattered throughout the campground. Wildlife in the area includes geese, ducks, turkeys, eagles, and beavers that I have seen. The sites are large and paved. No tent platforms, but two sites toward the back of the campground are designated for tents. I have visited 3 or 4 times and always in the Spring or Fall. This last trip was April and they just got the bathrooms/showers turned on. Other things to do: fishing, kayak or paddleboard, biking, and walking.

https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/chief-white-crane-recreation-area/

Site119 other trips I stayed in 134, and 40.
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Chief White Crane Recreation Area by Judy B., April 26, 2025
  • Review photo of Chief White Crane Recreation Area by Judy B., April 26, 2025
  • Review photo of Chief White Crane Recreation Area by Judy B., April 26, 2025
  • (5) View All
James P.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jul. 31, 2024

Calm and Peaceful

Level blacktop sites. Flat campground. Fishing, playground, nice dump station. High tree canopy, large old growth trees. Aluminum picnic tables. Commercial fire rings (not an old truck wheel). Very nice, would camp here again.

Site19E
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Chief White Crane Recreation Area by James P., July 31, 2024
  • Review photo of Chief White Crane Recreation Area by James P., July 31, 2024
  • Review photo of Chief White Crane Recreation Area by James P., July 31, 2024
  • (10) View All
E
Reviewed Aug. 16, 2022

Perfect for families

Our family liked this place so much that we actually changed our itinerary to stay an extra night. The kids and pets especially enjoyed it! There is a huge green space in the middle of the campground, and all around the campground are several fantastic playgrounds as well as a small beach and a dock. The sites didn't have full hookups but that worked fine for us because we snagged two sites right next to the water and bathroom/showers (and the playground!) The showers were much nicer than we expected for a state park. Lots of kids and families around, everyone was friendly and considerate. The sites were on the small side but since the price was reasonable for the amenities we didn't mind reserving two.

Site134/135
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Chief White Crane Recreation Area by Elizabeth R., August 16, 2022
  • Review photo of Chief White Crane Recreation Area by Elizabeth R., August 16, 2022
  • Review photo of Chief White Crane Recreation Area by Elizabeth R., August 16, 2022
Angela W.
Reviewed Jun. 5, 2021

Nice, quiet campground

This is a nice, quiet campground. We enjoyed river fishing while we were here. There is a swimming beach just a short drive away too. Some lots are nice sized. Others seemed a little tight. They are electric only.

Site1
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Chief White Crane Recreation Area by Angela W., June 5, 2021
  • Review photo of Chief White Crane Recreation Area by Angela W., June 5, 2021
  • Review photo of Chief White Crane Recreation Area by Angela W., June 5, 2021
  • (5) View All
J
Reviewed Sep. 21, 2020

First Timers

We just got our pop up and took it out to Chief White Crane. The spots were pretty large and very clean. We have two small children and the open space was great for them. The bathrooms were always clean and the park was great for the kiddos!

  • Review photo of Chief White Crane Recreation Area by Jennifer S., September 21, 2020
  • Review photo of Chief White Crane Recreation Area by Jennifer S., September 21, 2020
  • Review photo of Chief White Crane Recreation Area by Jennifer S., September 21, 2020
  • (4) View All
S
Reviewed Aug. 13, 2020

Great hidden gem

Great camping and fishing. Located below Gavins Point Dam with easy access to Missouri River and Lake Yankton. The bathrooms are always clean and camping spaces are far apart.

  • Review photo of Chief White Crane Recreation Area by Shannon M., August 13, 2020
  • Review photo of Chief White Crane Recreation Area by Shannon M., August 13, 2020
  • Review photo of Chief White Crane Recreation Area by Shannon M., August 13, 2020
  • (4) View All
Isaac E.
Reviewed Jul. 15, 2019

Great place on Lake Yankton

This is actually on Lake Yankton not Lewis and Clark Lake but it is a nice peaceful place with nice grass, benches and parks, the lake has good fishing for all species would recommend going has nice bathrooms as well as good bike trails

Kristen P.
Reviewed Jul. 17, 2018

So fun

Great campground with lots of shade trees and plenty of space between spots! Great fishing and swimming too!

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Chief White Crane Recreation Area by Kristen P., July 17, 2018
Showing results 1-9 of 9 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cabins available at Chief White Crane Recreation Area?

Yes, Chief White Crane Recreation Area has 10 cabins available for visitors. These cabins are part of the South Dakota State Park system and provide an alternative accommodation option for those who don't want to tent camp or use an RV. For specific cabin amenities, availability, and reservation information, it's recommended to contact the South Dakota State Park system directly.

What amenities and facilities are available at Chief White Crane Campground?

Chief White Crane Recreation Area offers electric-only campsites with level blacktop pads and plenty of space between spots. The campground features clean bathrooms, aluminum picnic tables, and commercial fire rings. Recreational amenities include fishing access, multiple playgrounds for children, and a small beach area. There's also a dump station for RVs, extensive bike/hiking trails that run through the woods, and large open green spaces perfect for family activities. The campground is nestled in a beautiful grove of large old growth trees that provide ample shade throughout the area.

Where is Chief White Crane Campground located in Yankton, SD?

Chief White Crane Recreation Area is located south of Yankton, South Dakota. It sits below Gavins Point Dam with convenient access to both the Missouri River and Lake Yankton. While often associated with Lewis and Clark Lake, it's actually situated on Lake Yankton. The campground is part of the South Dakota State Park system and is one of several camping areas in this vicinity.

What do visitor reviews say about Chief White Crane Recreation Area?

Chief White Crane Recreation Area consistently earns high marks for its spacious, clean campsites and peaceful atmosphere. Families particularly appreciate the large open green spaces, multiple playgrounds, and kid-friendly environment. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy excellent fishing opportunities in Lake Yankton for multiple fish species, swimming at the beach, and extensive bike/hiking trails. The campground's shade from mature trees, clean facilities, and level sites are frequently highlighted as positives. Many visitors find it so enjoyable they extend their stays, and the combination of recreational options and natural beauty makes it a destination campers plan to return to.

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