Cottonwood Campground

For South Dakotans seeking an exceptional outdoor experience, Cottonwood Campground in Yankton stands out as a premier destination. This "very nice campground" is operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, ensuring a well-maintained and reliable camping environment. Located on the western shore of Lake Yankton and near the iconic Missouri River, it offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and historical significance.

Cottonwood Campground is renowned for its excellent facilities, boasting "large, level, paved sites" that cater to a wide range of camping units. Families will appreciate the "large playground for kids," making it an ideal spot for a family getaway. The "good showerhouse" and clean restrooms with hot water are consistently highlighted by visitors, emphasizing the comfort available. Beyond the amenities, the campground is steeped in history; it's "built in the flood plain of the former historic channel of the Missouri River," a path that the "Lewis and Clark expedition would have traveled." This unique blend of modern comfort and rich history makes Cottonwood Campground more than just a place to stay—it's an immersive experience for anyone looking to enjoy the best of South Dakota's outdoors. It's a place where everything you would expect at a campsite is "neatly kept" and readily available, all under the shade of impressive cottonwood trees.

Cottonwood Campground is ideally situated in Yankton, South Dakota, with its precise address being VG78+5C, Yankton, SD 57078, USA. This location places it just downstream of Gavins Point Dam and Lewis & Clark Lake, nestled along the western shore of Lake Yankton. This strategic positioning provides campers with immediate access to a variety of water-based activities and stunning natural landscapes.

The campground's proximity to Yankton, a historic South Dakota city, means convenient access to local services, dining, and attractions. Yankton, once the capital of Dakota Territory, offers a rich history and charming atmosphere. The campground is easily accessible by vehicle, with paved roads leading directly to its entrance. Its location within the broader Lewis and Clark Lake area, one of the most popular recreation destinations in the Upper Great Plains, ensures that it's well-signposted and easy to find for both local South Dakotans and visitors.

The area around Cottonwood Campground is well-connected by "numerous paved, multi-use trails" that link it with other recreation areas along Lewis and Clark Lake, Lake Yankton, and the Missouri River. This makes it an excellent base for biking and hiking enthusiasts. The historic context, being in the "flood plain of the former historic channel of the Missouri River" that the Lewis and Clark expedition traversed, adds a layer of historical accessibility, allowing visitors to literally follow in the footsteps of explorers. Furthermore, the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center and Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium are nearby attractions, enhancing the accessibility to educational and recreational opportunities.

Cottonwood Campground, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, provides a comprehensive range of services designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience for all visitors.

• Large, Level, Paved Sites: The campground boasts "large, level, paved sites," making setup easy for RVs and trailers of various sizes (sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 30 and 125 feet). Most sites are paved, contributing to a clean and stable camping area.

• Electric Hookups: All 77 campsites at Cottonwood Campground are equipped with electric hookups, providing convenience for lighting, appliances, and charging devices. While specific amperage (e.g., 30 amp, 50 amp) isn't detailed in the reviews, it's typical for Corps of Engineers campgrounds to offer standard electrical services.

• Potable Water Access: "Potable water is available," ensuring campers have access to safe drinking water, either at individual sites (if full hookup) or at conveniently located spigots throughout the campground.

• Dump Station: A "dump station nearby" or located just north of Cottonwood Campground off of Toe Road, providing a convenient facility for RVers to dispose of their grey and black water.

• Modern Shower Houses: The campground features "good showerhouse" and "two modern shower houses with flush toilets" that offer "hot water," a highly valued amenity for campers, ensuring a refreshing and comfortable experience.

• Clean Restrooms with Flush Toilets: In addition to showers, the campground provides "clean restrooms and hot water in the showers," with flush toilets, offering a level of comfort beyond many primitive campgrounds.

• Picnic Tables: "Each site has a metal picnic table," offering a designated area for outdoor dining and meal preparation.

• Fire Rings: Each site is equipped with a "fire ring," allowing campers to enjoy traditional campfires for warmth, cooking, and ambiance.

• Grassy and Maintained Sites: The campground is described as "grassy and kept mowed," indicating a commitment to maintaining a neat and pleasant environment for campers.

• Playground for Kids: A "large playground for kids" or a "swing set play area" is available, providing a dedicated space for children to play and expend energy.

These services collectively provide a comfortable and convenient camping experience that meets the expectations of most campers.

Cottonwood Campground boasts several compelling features that make it a standout choice for campers in South Dakota:

• Prime Lakeside Location: Situated on the "western shore of Lake Yankton" and near the Missouri River, the campground offers immediate access to a small lake perfect for various water activities. It's also conveniently located just downstream of Gavins Point Dam and Lewis & Clark Lake, providing even more recreational opportunities.

• Historical Significance: The campground is "built in the flood plain of the former historic channel of the Missouri River," a route famously traveled by the "Lewis and Clark expedition." This unique historical context offers a rich backdrop for exploration and reflection, allowing campers to connect with a pivotal piece of American history.

• Exceptional Site Quality: Visitors consistently praise the "large, level, paved sites" with electric hookups. This ensures easy setup and a comfortable stay for RVs and trailers of all sizes (accommodating between 30 and 125 feet). The sites are also "neatly kept" and "grassy and kept mowed," contributing to a pleasant aesthetic.

• Modern Comforts: The presence of "good showerhouse" with hot water and "clean restrooms" offering flush toilets significantly enhances the camping experience, providing amenities that are often a luxury at many campgrounds.

• Family-Friendly Amenities: A "large playground for kids" or a "swing set play area" provides dedicated space for children to play, making it an ideal spot for family camping trips. Horseshoe pits and a reservable picnic shelter in the adjacent Day-Use Area add to the family fun.

• Abundant Shade from Cottonwood Trees: True to its name, the campground features "huge cottonwood trees that provide plenty of shade." This is a highly valued feature, offering natural cooling and comfort during sunny South Dakota days.

• Recreational Opportunities Galore: Beyond camping, the area offers a wealth of activities, including fishing (especially popular on Lake Yankton), boating, swimming (at a popular beach on Lake Yankton near the Training Dike Day-Use Area), kayaking, canoeing, hiking and biking on paved multi-use trails, and disc golf in the adjacent day-use area. Winter activities like ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and sledding are also available, making it a year-round destination.

• Managed by Corps of Engineers: Being a federal campground ensures consistent standards of maintenance and operation, providing a reliable and well-regulated environment.

These highlights solidify Cottonwood Campground's reputation as a top-tier camping destination in South Dakota.

As a Corps of Engineers campground, Cottonwood Campground primarily operates under federal fee structures and established reservation policies rather than offering frequent commercial promotions or discounts typically found at private parks. However, there are inherent value propositions and ways to save that are important for South Dakota locals to be aware of:

• Affordable Rates: Campsite fees generally range from $16.00 to $22.00 per night for electric hookup sites. These rates are quite competitive for a well-maintained campground with such amenities and location, especially considering all sites have electric hookups.

• America the Beautiful - National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series: Eligible individuals (e.g., seniors 62+, active military, disabled) can often receive discounts on camping fees at federal campgrounds like Cottonwood. For instance, the America the Beautiful Senior Pass and Access Pass typically provide a 50% discount on standard amenity fees, including camping. It is highly recommended to check the specific benefits of these passes on Recreation.gov.

• Reservable Sites: All 77 campsites are reservable up to six months in advance via Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. This allows campers to secure their preferred site well in advance, especially during peak seasons, which is a valuable "offer" in itself given the campground's popularity.

• Online Reservation Savings: While a $6 non-refundable reservation fee is assessed to all phone reservations, using the online Recreation.gov system might offer a slightly reduced reservation fee (e.g., $8 online vs. $9 by phone, though specific for Cottonwood should be verified on Recreation.gov).

For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing and specific discount eligibility, it's always best to consult the official Recreation.gov website for Cottonwood Campground or call the listed reservation number. It's important to note that cancellation policies apply for reservations.

To plan your camping trip to Cottonwood Campground in Yankton, South Dakota, or to get more information, here are the key contact details:

Address: VG78+5C, Yankton, SD 57078, USA (Note: A more direct physical address provided by some sources is 198 Toe Rd, Yankton, SD 57078, or located just downstream of Gavins Point Dam and Lewis & Clark Lake along the western shore of Lake Yankton.)

Reservation Phone: (877) 444-6777 (This is the direct number for Recreation.gov, where all reservations for this federal campground are made.)

Information Phone: (402) 667-2546 (This number is for the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center / Gavins Point Project Office, which can provide general inquiries about the campground and the surrounding area.)

It is highly recommended to make reservations in advance, especially for weekend stays during peak season, as the campground is popular and sites are often reserved quickly. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance. For the most accurate and detailed information regarding specific site availability, rules, and any current conditions, utilizing the Recreation.gov website or calling the reservation line is the most effective approach.

For South Dakotans, Cottonwood Campground in Yankton is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination, offering a quintessential regional outdoor experience that caters to both relaxation and adventure.

Firstly, its location within the heart of the Lewis and Clark Lake area, near the historic Missouri River, is a major draw. Locals appreciate having such a significant natural and recreational hub right in their backyard. The opportunities for fishing on Lake Yankton, boating on Lewis and Clark Lake, or simply enjoying the tranquil waters provide endless enjoyment for families and individuals alike. The unique historical context, being on the "former historic channel of the Missouri River" traversed by the Lewis and Clark expedition, offers a tangible connection to the state's pioneering past, making a visit here more than just a camping trip but an immersive historical journey.

Secondly, the campground's commitment to quality and comfort is evident in its "large, level, paved sites" and excellent facilities like "good showerhouse" with hot water and clean flush toilets. These amenities elevate the camping experience, ensuring that even those new to camping, or families with young children, can enjoy their stay without sacrificing comfort. The "large playground for kids" is a perfect feature for local families, providing a safe and engaging space for children to play and create lasting memories.

Furthermore, the presence of "huge cottonwood trees that provide plenty of shade" is a welcome relief during warm South Dakota summers, enhancing comfort and enjoyment of the outdoors. The well-maintained, "grassy and kept mowed" environment, along with the noted absence of ticks and bugs in late May, adds to the appeal, demonstrating a dedication to guest comfort and safety.

Finally, as a Corps of Engineers campground, it offers reliable facilities at competitive prices, especially for those eligible for federal passes. This makes it an accessible and affordable option for regular getaways for South Dakotans. Cottonwood Campground provides a perfect blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, historical depth, and modern conveniences, making it an ideal local escape for any South Dakotan seeking a memorable outdoor adventure.