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Established Camping

Lake Thompson Recreation Area

2 Reviews

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Lake Thompson Recreation Area is near Lake Preston, South Dakota, and features flat terrain with grasslands and a large lake. Temperatures range from lows around 10°F in winter to highs near 85°F in summer. Campers can explore Lake Thompson for fishing and boating or visit the nearby Lake Poinsett Recreation Area for additional outdoor activities.

Description

SD State Parks & Recreation

Lake Thompson Recreation Area

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

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Location

Lake Thompson Recreation Area is located in South Dakota

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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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Connectivity

Presented by T-Mobile Satellite

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T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage

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

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 35 min from Sioux Falls
2 hrs 37 min from Sioux City
2 hrs 55 min from Fargo
3 hrs 20 min from Mankato

Steven W.

Traveler

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

Audrey F.

Guide

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Are fires allowed at Lake Thompson Recreation Area?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Lake Thompson Recreation Area, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Lake Thompson Recreation Area have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Lake Thompson Recreation Area does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Lake Thompson Recreation Area?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is excellent coverage for AT&T, excellent coverage for T-Mobile, and some coverage for Verizon.

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