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.

With its 146 campsites and ten camping cabins, Chief White Crane is a great place for groups to gather to spend the weekend. Combined with its own facilities and the features of the other two state parks nearby, Lewis & Clark and Pierson Ranch, visitors can take advantage of a wide variety of recreation opportunities. Chief White Crane is one of the South Dakota state parks that offers the opportunity for visitors to see the majestic bald eagle.

Chief White Crane Recreation Area

Are you in need of a campground near Homme Lake, ND? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Homme Lake. Find the best campgrounds near Homme Lake, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Homme Lake

The Best Camping Near Homme Lake, North Dakota

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

So fun

Great camping

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

Great place on Lake Yankton  

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.  

Great hidden gem

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!  

First Timers

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.  

Nice, quiet campground 

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.

Perfect for families 

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.

Photos of Chief White Crane Recreation Area

Real photos from real campers