The Missouri River through South Dakota offers ample outdoor recreation opportunity, with numerous state parks and recreation areas, fantastic walleye fishing, and the greatest pheasant hunting in the country. Boating, hiking, and Missouri River sunsets add to the outdoor opportunity, and with so much to do, you’re best off staying right in the heart of the action.
Fortunately, the 23 state parks and recreation areas dotting the river from Pollock to Yankton provide numerous opportunities to camp and stay on the water’s edge. Many of these parks offer both traditional camping sites and camping cabins, and two offer additional lodging opportunities.
Camping on Lake Oahe
The opportunity begins near the North Dakota border along expansive Lake Oahe with West Pollock Recreation Area. A quiet campground, West Pollock provides easy access to under-the-radar fishing spots on Lake Oahe north of Mobridge. The campsites along the water’s edge also make for a perfect spot to enjoy a Missouri River sunset.
A few miles downriver, Indian Creek Recreation Area offers some of the best access points for the excellent fishing available on Lake Oahe near Mobridge. With over 120 campsites and two camping cabins, Indian Creek is one of the most popular destinations on the upper end of Lake Oahe. Large boat ramps and parking areas make for easy boating access, and the indoor fish cleaning station allows for comfort after a day on the water regardless of the weather or season.
The Akaska area is one of the most popular trophy walleye spots in South Dakota, and Swan Creek Recreation Area sits right in the heart of the action. Two small campgrounds make for a quiet stay, between, of course, the excitement about landing the walleye of a lifetime!
Another trophy walleye spot, West Whitlock Recreation Area offers a larger campground with over 100 sites and two camping cabins. Multiple large flats, including one just outside the campground, make for convenient fishing even in the toughest of weather conditions. The West Whitlock Spawning Station also provides a unique glimpse into the Lake Oahe salmon population throughout the month of October.
The lower end of Lake Oahe features a peninsula with a variety of opportunities. Spring Creek Recreation Area offers 10 modern cabins and 12 suites, along with an on-site restaurant and large boat ramp and marina. A short drive up the road on the north side of the peninsula is home to Cow Creek Recreation Area, which offers nearly 50 campsites and four camping cabins. The area is completed with Okobojo Point Recreation Area, which offers 18 sites on a first-come, first-served basis.
Camping on Lake Sharpe
Below the dam, as in literally below the Oahe Dam, is Oahe Downstream Recreation Area. This larger park offers three campgrounds including over 200 campsites, eight camping cabins, four modern lodges, and a group lodge. Regardless of how you wish to stay, there’s an opportunity at Oahe Downstream.
A few miles further downriver, Farm Island Recreation Area offers two unique ways to fish on Lake Sharpe. Polo Fields Boat Ramp offers access to the main body of Lake Sharpe, while Hipple Lake features a shallow, fertile fishery that is home to walleye, white bass, channel catfish, northern pike, and crappie. Two campgrounds combine for 90 total campsites and four camping cabins, many of which offer excellent shore fishing directly off the site!
Speaking of excellent fishing, you don’t have to go far from West Bend Recreation Area to be on some of the best action fishing on Lake Sharpe. Anglers staying at the 120 campsites and four camping cabins are minutes away from some of the best fishing spots on the lower end of the fishery.
Camping on Lake Francis Case
On Lake Francis Case, some of the best fishing can be found in the Platte area, and whether you’re chasing walleyes or boating on the river, Platte Creek Recreation Area and Snake Creek Recreation Area make perfect spots to stay. Platte Creek Recreation Area offers 36 campsites, while Snake Creek Recreation Area has 115 campsites and 10 camping cabins.
Just across the river, Buryanek Recreation Area offers over 40 sites and three camping cabins, with every park in the area providing easy access to some of the most popular fishing spots on the lower end of Lake Francis Case.
Pease Creek Recreation Area is arguably one of the best fishing spots on the reservoir, and a small, quiet park makes for the perfect fishing base camp. Perhaps the only park quieter would be North Wheeler Recreation Area, just a short way north.
North Point Recreation Area, sitting at the end of the reservoir just north of Fort Randall Dam, offers 115 campsites and seven camping cabins. Prairie Dog Bay and St. Francis Bay makes this entire area a boater’s dream.
Whether you’re looking for the best bite, a fun day on the water, or just to relax on the shores of the Mighty Mo, see for yourself what makes camping out on the Missouri River the best way to spend a day.
Upgrade Your Stay at Oahe Downstream Recreation Area
If camping isn’t quite your thing, check out Oahe Downstream Recreation Area! The four modern cabins offer all the comforts of home, conveniently located right across from the boat ramp!
Enjoy easy access to both Lake Sharpe and Lake Oahe, which means some of the best fishing on the Missouri River is minutes away regardless of the season! When the day is done, park the boat right next to the cabin and enjoy the air conditioned and heated cabins, running water, and a gorgeous view of the Oahe Dam!
The Best Place to Stay in Chamberlain, South Dakota
If you’re looking to enjoy the fantastic early spring walleye fishing the Chamberlain has to offer, the easy choice for any angler is Cedar Shore Resort! Located just above the biggest boat ramp in the area, Cedar Shore Resort’s hotel rooms, on-site restaurant, and electric plug-ins for boat parking.
Cedar Shore Resort Marina is well protected, making it the ideal location for launching/loading in all weather conditions. This is truly the best place to stay for any angler looking to enjoy the fishing on Lake Francis Case!
