Lewis and Clark Recreation Area
Lewis and Clark Recreation Area covers a total area of 380 acres in Yankton County South Dakota and can be found four miles west of Yankton off SD Hwy 52. This recreation area was established by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers after the construction of Gavins Point Dam on the Missouri River which in turn created the Lewis and Clark Lake. The recreation area was opened in 1966 and is currently managed by South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks.
Some of the amenities at the park include beach areas, playground, 24-hour courtesy patrol, quiet atmosphere, family park, picnic area, BBQ facilities, 50-amp electricity, firewood available, marina, convenient store, dump station, and horse facilities. The park is also ADA accessible. There is a park within the park called the Lewis and Clark Marina and Resort which is privately owned and provides a resort atmosphere and additional amenities. Additionally, there are three distinct campgrounds in the recreation area called the Midway Section, Yankton Section, and Gavins Point Section. These campgrounds have a total of 418 campsites and 19 camper cabins.
The amenities offer popular attractions and activities to visitors at the recreation area some of which include educational activities, family activities, entertainment, outdoor games, planned recreation, biking – mountain and road, bird watching, swimming, boating, sailing/windsurfing, water skiing, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and hunting.
If you choose to bring your dog with you to the park, rest assured that you will not pay an additional fee to access the park. As is expected, you will need to follow standard South Dakota Park rules with respect to your dog that includes the following; your dog needs to always be attended to and not allowed to wander into park buildings or designated swimming areas. Additionally, you must keep your dog on a leash no longer than 10 feet long and you must not let your pooch get closer than 200 feet from other visitors to the park. It is also advisable to carry poop bags because it is required of you to clean up after your dog. That said, there is a dog walk area in the campground where you can exercise your dog, relax, and have fun.
