Platte Creek Recreation Area

Platte Creek Recreation Area encompasses a total area of 252 acres of land near Platte city in Charles Mix County, South Dakota. Access to the main entrance to the recreation area can be found through two main routes. First, you could travel 6 miles south and 8 miles west of Platte on Hwy 50 or you could also travel 8 miles west and 10 miles south of Platte of SD Hwy 44.

The exceptional feature of the Platte Creek Recreation Area is the 540 miles of shoreline that surrounds the 107-mile Lake Francis Case, a large reservoir formed after Fort Randall Dam on the Missouri River in south-central South Dakota was created. There are other geological attractions within the park including the ‘burning bluffs,’ which were created by oil-bearing shale that were ignited by lightning strikes or chemical reactions which has then caused them to form smoke for years.

Besides the educational and natural interest at the Platte Creek Recreation Area, other popular activities at the park include historical interest, playground, camping, swimming, boating, sailing/windsurfing, water skiing, water sports, fishing, wildlife viewing, bird watching, and hiking.

Amenities at the park include the following: 54 modern campsites (39 of which have electrical hookups), campground, picnic shelter, tent sites, playground, boat ramp, courtesy dock, fish cleaning station, flush toilets/showers, drinking water, 50-amp electricity, firewood available, dump station. Furthermore, the park is ADA accessible and pets welcome.

Essentially, both small and large dogs can access the park at no additional fee. As the owner, you will always have to maintain immediate control of your dog and ensure that your dog follows state park rules. Some of the important rules to be cognizant of include the following. Your dog must always be on a leash no longer than 10 feet long. You should not let your dog get closer than 200 feet from other guests to the park and your dog should not access buildings and designated swimming areas. You can, however, bring your dog into the tent and camping areas. Also, it is important to clean up after your dog and so it is a clever idea to bring some poop bags with you.