The campground sits on Lake Thompson's north shore, where some sites face the water while others provide tree cover with open sky access. Campers find electric hookups, two shower houses, and multiple vault toilets distributed throughout the grounds. Three walkways lead down to the lake, including one large swimming area, with beach access directly from the campground.
Four dump stations cluster near the entrance, and fresh water hookups appear around the property. Walking trails wind through grass and gravel surfaces. Fish cleaning stations serve anglers working the lake, which formed from flooded farmland in the 1980s. North Shore Lodging and Campground sits one mile west for additional camping. Mid-week visits tend to draw fewer campers than weekends.
Description
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.
Park Size: 103 campsites, 5 camping cabins, and group lodge
Directions: 6 miles southwest of Lake Preston off US Hwy 14
Nearest Town: Lake Preston
Map & DirectionsLake Thompson Recreation Area is located in South Dakota near Lake Preston
Directions
In Northeastern South Dakota: 6 miles southwest of Lake Preston off US Hwy 14.
Address
21176 Flood Club Rd
Lake Preston, SD 57249
Coordinates
44.32100064 N
97.43300075 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/7/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 5/7/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/7/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 5/7/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
- Yurts
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 35 min from Sioux Falls, SD
- 2 hrs 37 min from Sioux City, IA
- 2 hrs 55 min from Fargo, ND
- 3 hrs 20 min from Mankato, MN








