Farm Island Recreation Area

Farm Island Recreation Area is a South Dakota state park located on the Missouri River and covers a total area of 1,800 acres. To get to the park, just travel 4 miles east of Pierre off SD 34, in order to get to the main entrance to the park. This park has easy access to Lake Sharpe as well as to other popular beaches and trails. The park has historical ties to the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which you can learn about at the Lewis and Clark family center in the park. Besides this visitor’s center, you can also learn from an island nature area in the park that provides a great outdoor learning environment.

Other popular activities at Farm Island Recreation Area include interpretive programs, camping, swimming, fishing, canoeing, water-skiing, boating, archery, hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, sledding, and disc golf. These activities are facilitated through several useful amenities at the recreation area including the visitor center, historic site, 2 cabins, 90 modern campsites (76 with electrical hookups), picnic shelters, picnic areas, comfort stations with showers, warming house, playgrounds, beach, boat ramps, boat rentals, fishing dock, fish cleaning station, amphitheater, and hiking trails.

Like with most other state parks in South Dakota, you can bring your dog with you at no additional fee. You, however, need to strictly follow all park rules and ensure that your dog does not cause any unnecessary disturbance. Some of the park rules that specifically refer to dogs in the recreation area include the following. First, your dog must always be on a leash no longer than 10-feet long. Dogs are also not allowed into buildings in the recreational area as well as in designated swimming areas. Furthermore, you must maintain immediate control of your dog and keep your dog at least 200 feet away from other visitors at the park. You can bring your dog to tent and camp areas. Lastly, ensure that you clean up after your dog immediately.