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Lake Thompson Recreation Area

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

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.

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Location

Lake Thompson Recreation Area is located in South Dakota

Detail location of 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

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Drive Time

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • 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

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

2 Reviews

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.