Pelican Lake Recreation Area sits within a South Dakota state park of the same name, giving campers drive-in access to electric hookups, showers, drinking water, and a dump station on an all-season schedule. The campground faces the lake directly, with views of open water from many sites. Crowds are worth factoring in: reviewers note the campground fills quickly on summer weekends, with some sites drawing multiple vehicles parked on the grass, while weekday and early-season visits run considerably quieter. Anglers, paddlers, and families with kids tend to find the most use here, given the boat dock, pebble beach, and playgrounds on site. Those planning a broader route through the region can browse places to camp near Watertown or consider nearby Sandy Shore Recreation Area a few miles northwest.
Description
Fishing, boating, swimming, & water skiing keep everyone entertained. Visitors enjoy hiking, the archery range, multipurpose trail, & hunting. Camping pads & Electricity are available year-round. Camping cabins are available. For thrill-seekers, there’s snowmobiling, cross country skiing, and ice fishing in the winter.
Map & DirectionsPelican Lake Recreation Area is located in South Dakota near Watertown
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
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- Verizon5GGood Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- Verizon5GGood Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- 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
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 40 min from Sioux Falls, SD
- 2 hrs 8 min from Fargo, ND
- 3 hrs 3 min from St. Cloud, MN
- 3 hrs 20 min from Mankato, MN





