GROUP LOOP C

For South Dakotans who value shared experiences and the joy of outdoor recreation with a large group, finding the right camping spot can make all the difference. Group Loop C, nestled within the expansive and highly sought-after Lewis and Clark Recreation Area in West Yankton, is specifically designed to meet this need. This isn't just a place to pitch tents or park RVs; it’s a dedicated space where your entire family reunion, friends' gathering, or youth organization can create lasting memories together, surrounded by the natural beauty of South Dakota.

The unique appeal of Group Loop C lies in its exclusive design for groups, ensuring everyone can stay close, share meals, and participate in activities without being scattered across a larger campground. While it’s known to be "Crowded on all holidays but great!", this very fact speaks to its popularity and the vibrant atmosphere it offers during peak times. It signifies a campground that, despite its popularity, consistently delivers a positive and memorable experience. Being part of a premier state park, Group Loop C provides access to a wealth of amenities and recreational opportunities, making it an ideal choice for South Dakotans eager to combine comfortable camping with exhilarating adventures on Lake Yankton and the Missouri River.

Group Loop C is conveniently situated within the Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, located at 43349 SD Hwy 52, West Yankton, SD 57078, USA. This prime setting places it directly on the shores of Lewis and Clark Lake, a vast reservoir formed by the Missouri River, offering unparalleled access to a myriad of water-based activities and picturesque landscapes. The recreation area itself is positioned approximately 5 miles west of the city of Yankton, a key hub in southeastern South Dakota.

Accessibility to Group Loop C is straightforward and highly advantageous for South Dakota residents. South Dakota Highway 52, a well-maintained state route, provides direct and easy access to the park, accommodating vehicles of all sizes, including large RVs and those towing recreational equipment. The close proximity to Yankton means that groups can easily access essential services such as grocery stores, fuel stations, pharmacies, and a variety of dining options, ensuring convenience without sacrificing the tranquility of a natural setting. The Lewis and Clark Recreation Area is a prominent and well-signed state park, making navigation within the park itself clear and simple, guiding visitors directly to the designated group loops. For groups traveling from cities like Sioux Falls, Mitchell, or even further west, the park’s strategic location ensures a manageable drive, allowing more time to enjoy the camaraderie and the abundant recreational opportunities that the area affords.

As an integral part of the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks system, Group Loop C at Lewis and Clark Recreation Area offers a range of services tailored to facilitate a comfortable and enjoyable group camping experience.

• Dedicated Group Campsites: Group Loop C comprises 8 specific campsites (numbers 189-196). A key service is that these sites must be reserved together as a single unit by a group, ensuring that your entire party has a contiguous and private space for their gathering.

• Electrical Hookups: Each of the 8 campsites within Group Loop C is equipped with electrical hookups (typically 30 or 50 amp). This essential service allows RVs to power their appliances and provides convenient access to electricity for general camping needs, enhancing comfort for all group members.

• Modern Restroom and Shower Facilities: The larger Lewis and Clark Recreation Area is known for its well-maintained and clean modern restroom buildings with flush toilets and hot showers. These facilities are easily accessible from Group Loop C, providing a significant level of comfort that can be especially appreciated by larger groups.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Grates: Every campsite within the loop generally includes a picnic table for shared meals and a fire grate for campfires, enabling groups to enjoy traditional camping activities like cooking over an open flame and gathering around a warm fire.

• Access to Potable Water: Drinking water spigots are typically available within convenient walking distance of the campsites, ensuring groups have a reliable source of fresh water throughout their stay.

• Centralized Reservation System: Booking Group Loop C is streamlined through the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks reservation system, available online or via a dedicated call center (1.800.710.2267). This simplifies the planning process for group leaders, allowing reservations up to a year in advance.

• RV Dump Station Access: For RVs, a convenient dump station is available within the Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, allowing for easy disposal of wastewater before departure.

Group Loop C, as part of the Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, offers a collection of features and highlights that make it a premier choice for group camping in South Dakota.

• Exclusive Group Space: The defining feature is the dedicated nature of Group Loop C. With all 8 sites reserved for a single party, it provides an intimate and private environment where groups can truly connect and enjoy their time together without interruption from other campers. This is ideal for fostering camaraderie and shared experiences.

• Proximity to Lewis and Clark Lake: Being situated within this popular recreation area means direct access to the expansive Lewis and Clark Lake. This offers unparalleled opportunities for water-based fun, including boating, fishing (known for walleye, sauger, and more), swimming at designated beaches, and general relaxation by the water.

• Extensive Paved Trails: The park boasts miles of paved biking and walking trails, perfect for groups to explore together. These trails provide scenic views and offer a healthy way to experience the area's natural beauty.

• Cleanliness and Maintenance: Lewis and Clark Recreation Area consistently receives high praise for its cleanliness, including its modern restroom and shower facilities. This commitment to upkeep ensures a pleasant and comfortable stay for all campers.

• Shade and Spacious Sites: While specific details for Group Loop C sites may vary, the broader Lewis and Clark Recreation Area is noted for offering "lots of shade and playground equipment" and "plenty of green space and cottonwood trees." This suggests comfortable, often shaded, and adequately spaced campsites within the group loop.

• Variety of Recreation Beyond Camping: The broader recreation area offers a wide array of activities, including disc golf, archery, horseback riding trails, and various sports courts. This ensures that even the most diverse groups will find engaging activities to complement their camping experience.

• Popularity on Holidays: The review stating "Crowded on all holidays but great!" highlights a unique feature – its high demand during peak times. This indicates a lively, bustling atmosphere during holidays, which can be a highlight for groups who enjoy a festive camping environment.

As Group Loop C is managed by the South Dakota State Parks system, its pricing operates under a structured fee schedule rather than frequent commercial promotions. However, there are inherent value propositions and booking advantages for groups:

• Dedicated Group Reservation Advantage: The requirement to book all 8 campsites within Group Loop C simultaneously ensures exclusive access for your group. While you pay for each site, this guarantees privacy and dedicated space, which is a significant value for larger parties compared to trying to book individual, scattered sites.

• South Dakota Park Entrance License Benefits: South Dakota residents benefit from a lower daily ($10) and annual ($40) park entrance license fee, providing a consistent cost-saving advantage for locals who frequently visit state parks like Lewis and Clark.

• Advance Reservation Window: Group campsites can be reserved up to one year in advance. This allows groups ample time to plan, coordinate, and secure their preferred dates, which is crucial for large gatherings, especially given the popularity of the park during holidays. Group loops not reserved 90 days before arrival are opened to individual reservations, underscoring the importance of early booking for groups.

• Non-Profit Youth Group Considerations: While Group Loop C has a standard rate per site, other group camping areas within the South Dakota state park system may offer specific discounts for eligible non-profit youth groups (e.g., Pierson Ranch Youth Camping Area). Group leaders may inquire with the park system about these options for their specific organizational needs.

For the most precise and current information on fees and reservation policies, it is always advisable to consult the official South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks website or contact their centralized reservation call center.

For inquiries, reservations, or more detailed information about Group Loop C 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. (Please note that Group Loop C is a specific section within this larger recreation area, located in West Yankton.)

General Park Information (Lewis and Clark Recreation Area Office): (605) 668-2985

Reservations (South Dakota State Parks Call Center): 1-800-710-2267

Email: Lewis-Clark@state.sd.us

When making group reservations, particularly for an entire loop, using the toll-free reservation call center is highly recommended. This ensures that all specific requirements and details for a group booking are properly handled, and it is the most reliable way to secure your desired dates up to a year in advance.

Group Loop C at Lewis and Clark Recreation Area stands out as an exceptional and highly suitable destination for South Dakotans eager to organize and enjoy group outdoor adventures. Its strategic location in West Yankton, easily accessible from various points across the state, means less travel time and more precious moments spent with loved ones in nature. For local users, this ease of access is a significant advantage, simplifying the logistics of large gatherings.

The core suitability for South Dakotans lies in its unique design, catering specifically to groups. By allowing the reservation of all 8 campsites within the loop, it provides unparalleled privacy and a shared collective space. This arrangement fosters a strong sense of community and camaraderie, ideal for family reunions, scout troops, or any large gathering looking to stay together. The presence of electrical hookups and access to modern, clean restrooms and showers ensures a comfortable and convenient camping experience for all members of the group.

Moreover, the wealth of recreational opportunities available within the broader Lewis and Clark Recreation Area – from extensive water activities on the lake to miles of paved trails for biking and hiking – guarantees that there’s something to engage every interest and age group. Even the characteristic of being "Crowded on all holidays but great!" reflects a vibrant atmosphere that many local groups seek for their celebratory gatherings. For South Dakotans who value shared outdoor experiences, convenience, and a well-maintained environment, Group Loop C offers the perfect setting to create cherished, collective memories right here in our beautiful state.