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Cottonwood recreation area is on a lush piece of land between the border of Nebraska and South Dakota. On one side is the smaller Lake Yankton and on the other, visitors will find the much larger, Lewis and Clark Lake--an impoundment of the Missouri River. Natural Features: Lewis and Clark Lake forms behind Gavins Point Dam, which was part of the Pick Sloan plan enacted in 1944. The lake is nestled in the golden, chalkstone-lined valley of the Missouri River, and has grown to become one of the most popular recreation areas in the Great Plains region. Recreation: Both land and water based recreational activities are abundant around the lakes. Facilities: All sites have electric hookups, and all sites are reservable. Other amenities include a playground, picnic shelter, shore fishing, showers, modern restrooms and a nearby boat ramp. Nearby Attractions: Enjoy the nearby Lewis and Clark Visitor Center, take of tour of Gavins Point Dam, or visit the Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium. Visit nearby Yankton, South Dakota, the historic capitol of the Dakota Territory.
From Yankton, South Dakota, drive four miles west on SD Highway 52, then south onDam Toe Road and follow signs.
Great campground very clean. Easy access to fishing from the lake or the dam. Will be going again.
This is a Corp of Engineers campground. The lake here is very nice and has a great small swimming beach with water that is probably not even 4 ft deep in most of the roped area. Sandy beach, shower to rinse, good amount of parking, some trees for shade and restrooms. It was perfect except for how hot it was that day and how hot it been for a while so the sand was scalding hot, even with sandals on.
Campsites are very nice with big Cottonwood trees everywhere so there is scattered sun/shade. How much sun a site has just depends on where you are. Very quiet campground with nice facilities. We plan on possibly having a family camping get together here.
