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Established Camping

Pelican Lake Recreation Area

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Pelican Lake Recreation Area near Watertown, SD, offers a landscape of open spaces and water features. Temperatures range from lows in the 20s Fahrenheit during winter to highs in the 80s during summer. Campers can explore nearby attractions such as the Bramble Park Zoo and the Redlin Art Center.

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Location

Pelican Lake Recreation Area is located in South Dakota

Detail location of campground

Directions

In Northeastern South Dakota: 9 miles SW of Watertown off US Hwy 212.

Address

17450 450th Ave.
Watertown, SD 57201

Coordinates

44.84700009 N
97.20900055 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Good Coverage
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    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
    Verizon5G
    Good 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
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump

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Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

1 Review

Reviewed Aug. 17, 2020

Family Friendly, too many cars on Friday

Nice pebble beach, playgrounds, and walking areas. Flat camper parking. Power was great and showers were clean. Electric only. There is an area to dump waste on the exit. Stopped on Sunday on the way westward and the place was empty, stopped Friday on the way home and it was packed. Lots of kids and families, and almost every spot was full. Happy to see folks having fun. It was just a little busy for us. On the second time through one of the three bathrooms was very dirty, sad before the weekend- the showers remained clean. On the Friday stop there were a lot of people, some spots had 3-4 cars parked in the grass- it was too bad they allowed that. If one was to go here to find some quiet do so during the week or late weekend. It worked just fine as a quick overnight stop on our route. Lots of families having fun. Slept well. Well groomed area. Pretty views of lake. A little windy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pelican Lake campground part of a state park system?

Yes, Pelican Lake Recreation Area is part of the South Dakota state park system. As a designated recreation area, it falls under the management of the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks Department. Visitors should note that a state park entrance permit is typically required for entry, which can be purchased on a daily or annual basis. This permit gives you access to all South Dakota state parks and recreation areas for the duration of validity.

What activities can you do while camping at Pelican Lake Recreation Area?

Pelican Lake Recreation Area offers numerous recreational activities for campers. The lake features a nice pebble beach perfect for swimming and water play. Walking trails provide opportunities for hiking and nature observation. Multiple playgrounds are available for children, making it particularly family-friendly. The lake itself supports various water activities. The campground's layout and facilities make it especially popular with families during weekends and busier periods, while weekdays tend to be quieter and less crowded.

Where is Pelican Lake Campground located in South Dakota?

Pelican Lake Recreation Area is located in northeastern South Dakota. The campground sits alongside Pelican Lake, providing waterfront access for visitors. Its location makes it a convenient stop for travelers crossing the state, being accessible from main routes. The area is known for its natural beauty and lakeside setting.

What amenities are available at Pelican Lake Recreation Area campground?

Pelican Lake Recreation Area offers electric-only campsites with flat parking areas for RVs and campers. The campground features clean shower facilities and a waste dumping station located near the exit. Power connections are reliable. While there are no full hookups, the campground provides the essential amenities needed for a comfortable stay. Visitors should bring water supplies or know where to fill up nearby, as water hookups aren't available at individual sites.