Cottonwood Campground, near Yankton, South Dakota, is a fantastic place for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors with a touch of comfort. With spacious sites that allow for both RVs and tents, it’s a welcoming spot for families and friends to gather around the campfire and soak in the beautiful views of Lake Yankton.

This campground is known for its clean facilities, including well-maintained restrooms and picnic areas. Visitors have mentioned the peaceful atmosphere, even during busier times, with one camper noting, “We were impressed with how full the campground was in mid-October yet how quiet and peaceful it was too.” Plus, you can bring your pets along, making it a great choice for the whole family.

If you’re up for some adventure, Cottonwood Campground is close to several hiking trails and offers excellent fishing opportunities in the nearby lake. The area is also rich in history, with the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center just a stone's throw away, providing insights into the region's past. Whether you're here for a weekend or a longer stay, Cottonwood Campground has plenty to offer for a memorable outdoor experience.

## Overview

 Cottonwood Recreation Area is located just downstream of Gavins Point Dam and Lewis & Clark Lake along the western shore of Lake Yankton. The numerous outdoor recreational opportunities attract more than 2 million visitors annually to the Lewis & Clark Lake area, making it one of the most popular recreation destinations in the Upper Great Plains.\_\_Lewis & Clark Lake is 31,400-acres in size with more than 90 miles of shoreline is impounded by Gavins Point Dam, which was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1944, commonly called the Pick-Sloan Plan. For more information about Lewis and Clark Lake, please visit the Gavins Point Project [website][1] . 
## Recreation

 Cottonwood Recreation Area is conveniently located between Lewis and Clark Lake and Lake Yankton. Lewis and Clark Lake is known for great boating, sailing, swimming and other water-based recreation activities. Lake Yankton is popular with families as a popular fishing spot along with the excellent kayaking, canoeing and paddling opportunities. Numerous paved, multi-use trails connect the area with the additional numerous recreation areas located along Lewis and Clark Lake, Lake Yankton and the Missouri River.\_\_Lewis and Clark Lake attracts more than 2 million visitors each year to its shores. Recreation opportunities around the lake include camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, boating, sailing, swimming, bird-watching, and photography. For the biking and hiking enthusiasts, three trails are available in the area. They include a paved trail that runs from Yankton to the Gavins Point area, a multi-use trail in the Gavins Point area and the Calumet Bluff hiking trail located near the visitor center. Wintertime activities include ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and sledding. Developed public parks and recreation areas surround the lake above and below Gavins Point Dam. Camping facilities provided by the Corps and the States of South Dakota and Nebraska include marinas, boat ramps, trails, campsites with electricity, modern restrooms, playground equipment and trailer dump stations. 
## Natural Features

 Cottonwood Recreation Area is located in the in the lush golden chalkstone-lined Missouri River Valley. Many visitors to the lake area prefer to stay at Cottonwood because of the calmer, quieter waters of Lake Yankton, a much smaller lake of approximately 250-acres in size - versus the much larger Lewis and Clark Lake upstream of the dam.\_\_Lake Yankton provides excellent habitat for a variety of waterfowl and other bird species. The area abounds with wildlife including Whitetail Deer, turkeys, and other game species. Bald Eagles and other birds of prey are spotted by visitors regularly due to the great fishing opportunities available year-round. 
## Contact Info

 For facility specific information, please call (402) 667-2546. 
## Nearby Attractions

 The [Lewis and Clark Visitor Center][1]: Contains exhibits on the Missouri River and area history including the Lewis and Clark Expedition with stunning views of Lewis and Clark Lake along with the Missouri River. Powerhouse Tours are available on weekends. Please contact the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center at (402) 667-2546 for more information. The [Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium][2] Visit nearby [Yankton, South Dakota][3] - the historic capitol of the Dakota Territory. Located both upstream and downstream of Lewis and Clark Lake, visit the [Missouri National Recreational River][4] . 
## Charges & Cancellations

 Reservation changes and cancellations can be made on Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. For more information on rules and policies regarding reservation cancellations and changes, please visit: [https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies][5]. 

[1]: https://www.nwo.usace.army.mil/Missions/Dam-and-Lake-Projects/Missouri-River-Dams/Gavins-Point/
[2]: https://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/fisheries/gavinsPoint.php
[3]: https://www.visityanktonsd.com/
[4]: https://www.nps.gov/mnrr/index.htm
[5]: https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies

Cottonwood Campground

Looking for the best campgrounds near Yankton, SD? Yankton is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Yankton camping trip.

Yankton

The Best Camping Near Yankton, South Dakota

Great place for RV camping. My Uncle and I went through here back in 2011. All sites were reservable on-line. Every site had electric hookups. There is access to water and restrooms in each loop. Some of the sites are right near Lake Yankton. There was decent fishing but nothing too special. The park itself is very close to South Dakota, and you can visit the old time capitol of the Dakota Territory. I love the little history pieces like this so it was worth the side trip for me. It is also right near Lewis and Clark Lake which has really good fishing in the early morning. People we met were using the spot as they were passing through the area or for taking kids out for the weekend. Pets were allowed here too. 

Another great park in the Missouri River Valley!

This campground sits about 100 yards from the Gavins Point Dam and right next to Lake Yankton. Campers are close to gas stations, mini golf, rental facilities, and restaurants. The campground contains a disc golf course, playground and restrooms. The campground is named for the large amount of cottonwood trees, so be prepared to get cotton all over.

Small and Peaceful

Great campground with caring staff. Run by the Corps of Engineers. Well-maintained and great prices. No water or sewer at the campsite, but they are close-by.

Great

We were hoping to camp here below Gavin's Point Dam and enjoy Lewis and Clark Lake, a very large lake on the Missouri on the SD/ NE border By Yankton. They had closed just before our arrival.

Looked very nice and I was told that pads w/ electricity were only $16.

Wonderful campground just below Gavins Point Dam

Nice area with park for children with good water accessible 

Really nice area by water

We were impressed with how full the camp ground was in mid October yet how quiet and peaceful it was too. Lots of space between sites. Very clean restrooms. Close to everything on both side of the lake. 

Nice and peaceful 

Dates: April 15, 2021- October 17, 2021 October 17 2021– April 21, 2022

  

Fees:$16.00$18.00 

*   RV dump station is located just north of Cottonwood Campground off of Toe Road.
*   7 electrical sites
*   2 modern Bath house/toilets
*   Trash
*   Water sites
*   Cell phone service 
*   Drinking water 
*   Flush toilets
*   Grills/fire rings
*   Lake access
*   Paved roads
*   Paved sites
*   Pets allowed
*   Picnic tables
*   Playground
*   Security lights
*   Disc golf
*   Shade

The Lewis and Clark Visitor Center: Contains exhibits on the Missouri River and area history including the Lewis and Clark Expedition with stunning views of Lewis and Clark Lake along with the Missouri River. Powerhouse Tours are available on weekends. Please contact the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center at (402) 667-2546 for more information.• The Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium• Visit nearby Yankton, South Dakota- the historic capitol of the Dakota Territory.• Located both upstream and downstream of Lewis and Clark Lake, visit the Missouri National Recreational River.  

•• Latitude• 42° 51' 31.0000" N • Longitude• 97° 28' 57.0000" W••

From U.S. Hwy 81 in Yankton, South Dakota, drive four miles west on South Dakota Highway 52, then south on Dam Toe Road and follow signs

  

.• Check-In Time is 4:00 P.M./ Check-Out Time is 2:00 P.M. 

  

All-Terrain Vehicles(ATVs/UTVs) and golf carts are not permitted. 

Quiet hours are 10:00 P.M. to 6:00 A.M. 

Fireworks are prohibited. 

All pets must be on a leash of 6 feet in length or less. Pet waste must be picked up and properly disposed of promptly.

  

Firewood Alert: Don't Move Firewood!• Due to the spread of invasive insects(such as Emerald Ash Borer(EAB)) firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Help protect your forests by purchasing near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Firewood is not available for sale on-site, however several local businesses sell firewood a short distance away, see the campground host or attendant for more information.• Visit DontMoveFirewood.org for more information.

  

For questions or to contact park staff, please call: 402-667-2546 or email: gavinspoint.nwo@usace.army.mil. U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS GAVINS POINT PROJECT OFFICE P.O. BOX 710 YANKTON, SD 57078 

Physical Address U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND 198 TOE RD YANKTON, SD 57078 Phone Number  

  

For facility specific information, please call (402) 667-2546 

  

Trails: There are at least 9 hiking trails on AllTrails that you will find around Lewis and Clark Recreation Area. Lewis and Clark has the best of both worlds since the lake borders South Dakota and Nebraska. That makes it easy to stay in your preferred state and location. In Yankton SD a great trail is the Chalk Bluffs Multi-Use Trail which is a 3.7 mile loop where you will find a lake and it is rated as moderate. Dogs are allowed but must be on leash. This trail is used for hiking, horses, mountain biking and birding and is accessible through out the year. There is a 3.8 mile lightly used round trip or one way out and back called Yankton South Shore Trail. Great for wildlife viewing and it is great for walking, hiking and just enjoying nature. 

  

Fishing: Lewis &amp; Clark offers many types of fish for all anglers out there, walleye, sauger, large and small mouth bass, crappie, catfish and bluegill. It depends on the season and temperature of the water as to what is biting.

  

 Boating: Boating goes hand in hand with fishing and as with all things there are rules and regulations. You will find all types of boats, speedboats, pontoon, kayaks and personal watercraft. Make sure and wear your life jacket anytime you are on the water– Stay Safe and Alive. Make sure you are aware of the rules and regulations for boating around a dam area.  

  

Another issue that has become an increasing problem is Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) which is spreading in the United States. There are different types of AIS and they are being spread by several methods. Boaters, of all types, help spread or help stop the spread by taking care of their watercraft. Before leaving a boat launch practice the CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY technique. Many states require an AIS permit before you place watercraft in the water. 

  

Birding: Birding at Lewis &amp; Clark is great for watching bald eagles. You can get a list from Niobrara State Park for birds found around the lake.

  

 Hunting: In season, of course, begins the Tuesday after Labor Day. White tailed deer, mourning dove, waterfowl and wild turkey, cottontail rabbits and squirrel. Make sure you follow all the regulations in the recreation area. 

  

Winter sports: Adds a completely new option for recreation. When ice is thick enough the lake is open for ice fishing, skating and snowmobiles. Cross country skiing is also very popular. 

  

Lewis &amp; Clark Lake is formed from the Missouri and Niabrara Rivers. The lake travels for about 35 miles at a maximum pool 90 miles of shoreline. Maximum depth is 45 feet. It was named after the Lewis&amp; Clark Expedition that camped nearby. 

  

LNT 

Better than when you found it  

Stay safe– Happy Travels

Best of Both States

Good cell service with T-Mobile and ATT. Spacious park with lots of shade and some sites have waterfront views

Nice clean campground

We stayed in a pull off the road spot. Next time I would choose a more secluded spot. There were bison and wild horses in the campground. It had nice views. 

Photos of Cottonwood Campground

Real photos from real campers