GROUP LOOP B

For South Dakotans who love to gather their family, friends, or organizations for unforgettable outdoor experiences, finding the perfect group-friendly campground is key. Look no further than Group Loop B, a dedicated section within the expansive and highly popular Lewis and Clark Recreation Area in West Yankton. This isn't just a collection of individual campsites; it’s a thoughtfully designed space specifically intended to accommodate larger parties, ensuring everyone can stay together and make lasting memories amidst the beautiful South Dakota landscape.

Imagine a weekend where your entire family reunion or scout troop can camp side-by-side, sharing campfires, stories, and the abundant recreational opportunities of Lake Yankton and the Missouri River. Group Loop B makes this vision a reality, offering a structured yet comfortable environment for collective adventures. As part of a highly-rated state park, campers can expect well-maintained facilities and a focus on outdoor enjoyment. This dedicated group area simplifies planning for organizers, allowing them to focus on the fun rather than juggling multiple scattered reservations. It’s the ideal solution for South Dakotans looking to host their next group gathering in the heart of our state's natural beauty.

Group Loop B is an integral part of the renowned Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, located in West Yankton, SD 57078, USA. This prime location places it right on the shores of Lewis and Clark Lake, which is formed by the Missouri River, offering campers direct access to a wealth of water-based activities and stunning scenic views. The recreation area is situated approximately 5 miles west of Yankton, off South Dakota Highway 52.

The accessibility of Group Loop B is a major advantage for South Dakota residents. South Dakota Highway 52 is a well-maintained state route, ensuring a smooth and straightforward drive for all types of vehicles, from passenger cars to large RVs and those towing trailers for boats or other recreational equipment. Yankton, a sizable city, is just a short drive away, providing convenient access to gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and other essential services that campers might need during their stay. This proximity to urban amenities means groups can easily resupply or enjoy a meal out without feeling isolated, yet still experience the peacefulness of a natural setting. The Lewis and Clark Recreation Area is a highly popular destination, meaning signage and navigation within the park itself are typically clear and easy to follow. For groups arriving from across South Dakota, whether from Sioux Falls, Rapid City, or other communities, the park’s central location and excellent road access make it a practical and desirable choice for a large gathering.

As part of the Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, Group Loop B benefits from the comprehensive services provided by the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks. These services are designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable group camping experience.

• Dedicated Group Campsites: Group Loop B consists of 10 designated campsites (numbers 179-188). The key service here is that all sites within this loop must be reserved together for a single group, guaranteeing privacy and collective space for your party.

• Electrical Hookups: Each of the 10 campsites within Group Loop B is equipped with electrical hookups. This is a crucial service for RVs and for powering various camping necessities, from lights to portable chargers, enhancing comfort, especially during warmer months.

• Modern Restroom and Shower Facilities: Campers consistently praise the cleanliness and quality of the facilities at Lewis and Clark Recreation Area. Modern flush toilets and showers are available within easy reach of the group loops, providing comfort and convenience that elevate the camping experience.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Grates: Each campsite typically includes a picnic table for shared meals and a fire grate for campfires, providing essential elements for traditional camping activities and group gatherings.

• Access to Potable Water: Drinking water is readily available within the campground area, ensuring groups have easy access to fresh water throughout their stay.

• Online and Call Center Reservations: Booking Group Loop B is made convenient through the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks reservation system, accessible online or via a dedicated call center (1.800.710.2267). This centralized system simplifies the planning process for group leaders.

• Nearby Dump Station: For RVers, an RV dump station is typically available within the larger recreation area, allowing for convenient waste disposal.

Group Loop B, situated within the Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, boasts numerous features that make it an outstanding choice for group camping in South Dakota.

• Dedicated Group Space: The primary highlight is the exclusive nature of Group Loop B. With 10 campsites reserved entirely for one group, it offers unparalleled privacy and a shared sense of community, perfect for reunions, large family trips, or organized youth groups.

• Proximity to Lewis and Clark Lake: The recreation area is famed for its access to Lewis and Clark Lake, a popular destination for water sports. This means direct access to boating, fishing (including walleye, sauger, bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill), swimming beaches, and various water-based activities right at your doorstep.

• Extensive Paved Trails: The surrounding recreation area features miles of paved biking and walking trails. These well-maintained paths offer excellent opportunities for group walks, runs, or bike rides, providing scenic views and promoting outdoor activity for all ages.

• Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities: Reviews consistently praise the cleanliness of the campgrounds and facilities, particularly the "spotless" bathrooms and showers. This commitment to maintenance significantly enhances the comfort and enjoyment of all campers.

• Shade and Green Space: The campground is often described as having "lots of shade and playground equipment" and "plenty of green space and cottonwood trees." This natural coverage provides a comfortable environment, especially during warmer months, and ample room between sites for privacy.

• Diverse Recreational Activities: Beyond camping, the larger Lewis and Clark Recreation Area offers a wide range of activities including disc golf, archery, horseback riding trails, and various sports courts, ensuring there's something to entertain every member of the group.

• Year-Round Access (with seasonal considerations): The park generally operates year-round, offering camping in various seasons, though water systems may be closed in colder months. This allows for diverse group event planning throughout the year.

As a part of the South Dakota State Parks system, Group Loop B at Lewis and Clark Recreation Area operates under a standardized fee structure. While explicit "promotions" in the commercial sense are uncommon for state parks, there are inherent cost-saving benefits and considerations for group reservations:

• Group Reservation Structure: The pricing for group loops requires campers to pay the per-night fee for each campsite within the loop. While this might seem like a straightforward cost, it ensures the entire loop (10 sites for Group Loop B) is exclusively for your group, providing excellent value for privacy and space.

• South Dakota Park Entrance License: South Dakota residents benefit from lower daily ($10) and annual ($40) park entrance fees compared to non-residents. This is a significant ongoing "promotion" for locals who frequently use state parks.

• Early Booking Advantage: Group campsites can be reserved up to one year in advance. While not a discount, this early booking window is a huge advantage for groups, allowing them to secure their preferred dates and plan far ahead, which is often crucial for large gatherings. Any group campsites not reserved 90 days before arrival are opened to individual reservations, so booking early is key to securing the full loop.

• Non-Profit Youth Group Discounts: For eligible non-profit youth groups (like Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Church Groups), other group camping areas within the state park system, such as Pierson Ranch Youth Camping Area, offer discounted rates (e.g., $0.50 per person per night with a minimum fee). While not directly applicable to Group Loop B, this indicates the state park system's commitment to supporting group outdoor activities.

For the most current rates and specific reservation policies, it is always best to consult the official South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks website or contact their reservation call center directly.

For inquiries and reservations concerning Group Loop B within the Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, the primary points of contact are through the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks centralized reservation system and the park office.

Address: Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, 43349 SD Hwy 52, Yankton, SD 57078, USA. (Note: Group Loop B is located within this larger recreation area, in West Yankton.)

General Park Information: (605) 668-2985

Reservations (Call Center): 1-800-710-2267

Email: Lewis-Clark@state.sd.us

For group loop reservations specifically, it is often recommended to use the call center to ensure all aspects of the group booking are correctly handled, as specific procedures apply for reserving an entire loop. Online reservations for individual sites are also available via the South Dakota GFP website (campsd.com or reservations.gooutdoorssouthdakota.com), but for dedicated group loops, the call center is the most reliable method, especially for booking a year in advance.

Group Loop B at Lewis and Clark Recreation Area is an outstanding and highly suitable destination for South Dakotans looking to organize memorable group outdoor experiences. Its location in West Yankton, easily accessible from across the state via well-maintained highways, means less travel hassle and more quality time spent enjoying the natural beauty of our own backyard. For families, friends, and various organizations within South Dakota, this dedicated group camping area is a true asset.

The primary reason for its local suitability is its design specifically for groups. By reserving an entire loop of 10 sites, South Dakotans can ensure their party remains together, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and making logistics much simpler for large gatherings. The availability of electrical hookups and access to modern, clean restrooms and showers provides essential comforts that enhance the camping experience, appealing to a wide range of campers from seasoned enthusiasts to those newer to the outdoors.

Beyond the excellent facilities, the abundance of recreational opportunities at Lewis and Clark Lake – from boating and fishing to extensive paved trails for biking and walking – ensures there's something to keep every member of the group engaged. This comprehensive offering, combined with the convenience of being near the city of Yankton for supplies, positions Group Loop B as the premier choice for South Dakotans seeking to create cherished group memories in a beautiful and well-equipped state park setting. It truly allows our local communities to thrive in the great outdoors.