Lake Thompson Recreation Area

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.

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Map & DirectionsLake Thompson Recreation Area is located in South Dakota near Lake Preston

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

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

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 5/7/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 12 users
    Last on 5/7/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 5/7/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 12 users
    Last on 5/7/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park 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


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Reviews3 Camper Reviews - Lake Thompson Recreation Area

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4.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Reviewed Apr. 12, 2026

Very nice smaller park

We stayed in spot number 2 back hidden under the trees. Because the wind was so bad. Early season, bathrooms are closed, so pit toilets were open. Very pretty very nicely well maintained park. In true, South Dakota fashion, I think it's pretty expensive. It's forty dollars for a spot with electric only if you're from out of state and you still need to pay your park entrance fee on top of that if you don't have a state parks pass.

Site2
Month of VisitApril
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Lake Thompson Recreation Area by Teresa T., April 12, 2026
  • Review photo of Lake Thompson Recreation Area by Teresa T., April 12, 2026
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jul. 14, 2025

Lovely lake site

Beautiful location on the north shore of Lake Thompson. Some sites face the lake, others have shade with enough open sky for your StarLink dish. Beach access at the campground. Great fishing spots with cleaning stations available. For history buffs, campground is less than 10 miles from the Laura Ingalls Wilder homestead and De Smet. There are 4 dump stations near the campground entrance with multiple fresh water hookups around the campground. Staying here mid-week and there are few campers here.

SiteE18
Month of VisitJuly
  • From the road into our site
  • Review photo of Lake Thompson Recreation Area by Steven W., July 14, 2025
  • Review photo of Lake Thompson Recreation Area by Steven W., July 14, 2025
Reviewed Jul. 7, 2024

Great beach & campground

This campground has both electric standard sites for campers and tent sites. Two shower houses and multiple vault toilets throughout the campground for accessibility. Walking trails in grass or gravel. Three walkways down to the water’s edge with one being a large swimming area. Boating is permitted as well. Be sure to use bug spray as mosquitoes were all over- maybe due to wet weather. This is a natural lake formed by farmland that flooded in the 1980s.

Site32
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Lake Thompson Recreation Area by Audrey F., July 7, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Lake Thompson Recreation Area located and how do I get there?

Lake Thompson Recreation Area is situated on the north shore of Lake Thompson in South Dakota. The recreation area provides scenic views of the lake and surrounding landscape. For specific directions, it's recommended to use a GPS or navigation app with the destination set to Lake Thompson Recreation Area, South Dakota. Visitors should check road conditions before traveling, especially during winter months or after heavy rain, as access roads may vary in condition depending on the season.

Are there camping facilities at Lake Thompson Recreation Area?

Yes, Lake Thompson Recreation Area offers diverse camping facilities. The campground features electric standard sites for RVs and campers, as well as designated tent sites for more traditional camping. Amenities include two shower houses and multiple vault toilets strategically placed throughout the grounds for easy access. Some campsites face the lake offering water views, while others provide shade with enough open sky for satellite reception. The campground provides convenient beach access and is well-maintained for a comfortable outdoor experience.

What recreational activities are available at Lake Thompson Recreation Area?

Lake Thompson Recreation Area offers a variety of recreational activities centered around its beautiful waterfront. Visitors can enjoy swimming at the designated swimming area with beach access. Boating is available with proper permits, and the lake is known for excellent fishing opportunities with cleaning stations provided for anglers. Beyond water activities, the recreation area features walking trails through grass and gravel areas for hiking and nature observation. History enthusiasts will appreciate that the site is less than 10 miles from Laura Ingalls Wilder historic locations.