Map showing campground location near Lake Andes, South Dakota

Camper submitted image from South Shore Lakeside Use Area

South Shore Lakeside Use Area

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

South Shore Recreation Area, managed by SD State Parks and Recreation, includes the South Shore Lakeside Use Area, a small drive-in campground along the Missouri River and Lake Francis Case near Lake Andes. The campground splits into two sections: a swimming beach area shaded by mature trees with a covered pavilion, and a second stretch of well-maintained sites less than a tenth of a mile down the road, several of which sit directly on the water.

Sites come equipped with fire rings, picnic tables, and access to a pit toilet. No hookups are available, which keeps larger RV setups mostly away. Crowd levels tend to stay low outside of holiday weekends, though the Fourth of July draws more visitors. One reviewer noted the campground runs close to a road, but traffic volume is light enough that noise is rarely an issue. Shade coverage and a gravel beach make the day-use area functional for both swimming and shoreline access.

Fishing is a draw here. Lake Francis Case supports walleye, northern pike, channel catfish, smallmouth bass, and several other species. Kayakers can launch from the lake shore. Nearby, Randall Creek Recreation Area provides additional camping options along the same stretch of water. The area is rural, with limited shopping close by, so stocking up on supplies before arriving is the practical move.

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Map & DirectionsSouth Shore Lakeside Use Area is located in South Dakota near Lake Andes

Public Campground

Coordinates

43.044423194456165 N
98.57985651784306 W

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Connectivity

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T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 3 users
Last on 7/4/26
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 3 users
Last on 7/4/26
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Site Types

Tent Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Phone Service
Toilets
Pets
Fires

Drive Time

1 hr 55 min from Sioux Falls, SD
2 hrs 9 min from Sioux City, IA
2 hrs 31 min from Grand Island, NE
3 hrs 28 min from Omaha, NE

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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - South Shore Lakeside Use Area

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the well-maintained primitive sites and uncrowded lakefront setting. Guests commonly noted clean facilities and peaceful atmosphere, with only minor road proximity concerns mentioned.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Katie L.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 26, 2024

Quiet campground

Relative to North Point Rec Area, this campground and day use beach were significantly less crowded. All sites seemed to have some shade, picnic table, and fire pit.

Month of VisitJuly

Magdalena

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 13, 2023

Underestimated

Nice spots, beautiful lake and beach, not crowded at all. Only negative point is it’s close to the street. But since there is not a lot of traffic it was pretty quiet. Bring your insect spray and enjoy 😉

Month of VisitJuly

Josh H.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 17, 2022

Great campground for an overnight !

Really nice stop on our road trip and will stay again for sure.

Site21

Month of VisitAugust

Seldom Seen R.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 27, 2022

Away from other campers

This is an underrated campground. It’s got one pit toilet, clean, no hookups so no RVs, except me, a great view from any site, and, most of all not crowded, in fact I’ve been here twice now, once in mid to late fall and also late June and have been the only camper. That’s good! If you like that sort of thing. Don’t we all dream of that perfect camp with no one else around? Give this place more credit. I do see a reserve for the 4th Of July weekend and that is to be expected. I say, don’t camp here, only because I want it to myself. Have fun!

Site#18

Month of VisitJune

N I.

Legend

Reviewed Sep. 14, 2021

Primitive Delight

When you turn off the highway you will encounter the South Shore Swimming Beach. Lined with mature trees to offer a nicely shaded picnic area with a large parking area. There are some primitive campsites at the swimming beach with fire rings, picnic tables, covered picnic table, gravel beach, pit toilet, water, and trash

Fees: $8.00 Per vehicle Day use $36.00 Annual Pass

Campsite $11.67 per night

South Shore Primitive Camping

FCFS Pit toilet Fire ring Trash Small covered pavilion with a picnic table Drinking water

To reach the second section of South Shore pull back onto the secondary road and turn right. Less than 1/10 of a mile you will see the well maintained sites. The road is in good shape and the campground is exceptional for a primitive site. A few sites are on the water and the remaining just on the other side of the camp road. There are no bad sites, just not many of them. This campsite runs along the Missouri River and Lake Francis Case.

Lake Francis Case has a shoreline of 540 miles and a depth of 140 feet. The area is rural and shopping can be difficult. I suggest buying local when possible but stock up before you arrive.

Fishing from shore. Fishing: walleye northern pike sauger sunfish perch common carp black bullhead channel catfish smallmouth bass

Enjoy watching the bald Eagles during the winter months

LNT

Better than when you found it

Stay safe Happy travels

Month of VisitSeptember

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at South Shore Recreation Area?

South Shore Recreation Area offers primitive campsites with basic amenities including fire rings and picnic tables. The area features a swimming beach with a gravel shoreline, and a large parking area surrounded by mature trees providing nice shade. There's one pit toilet that's kept clean. The recreation area also includes covered picnic tables in the day use section, making it a good spot for both camping and day visits. While amenities are minimal, the natural beauty and lakeside location are the main attractions.

How does South Shore Recreation Area compare to Curly's Campground?

South Shore Recreation Area is significantly less crowded than neighboring options like North Point Recreation Area, and likely Curly's Campground as well. South Shore offers a more secluded, peaceful experience where you might even have the entire campground to yourself at times. All sites at South Shore have some shade, picnic tables, and fire pits. The lakeside location provides beautiful views and beach access. While South Shore is more primitive with just a pit toilet and no hookups, this simplicity attracts campers seeking tranquility away from busier campgrounds. The proximity to the road is the main drawback, though traffic is minimal and rarely disrupts the quiet atmosphere.

Is South Shore Recreation Area suitable for RV camping?

South Shore Recreation Area has no hookups, which limits its suitability for most RV camping. The campground is primarily designed for tent camping and primitive stays. While it's technically possible to bring a small, self-contained RV as some visitors have done, you'll need to be fully prepared for dry camping with no electricity, water, or sewer connections. The campground's layout and facilities are better suited for those seeking a more rustic camping experience rather than traditional RV accommodations.

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