Pickerel lake recreation, Grenville, SD

The Glacial Lakes region of South Dakota is a treasure trove of outdoor adventure, and for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without sacrificing comfort, the Pickerel Lake Recreation Area stands out as a premier destination. Nestled on the shores of one of the deepest natural lakes in the state, this recreation area offers a blend of pristine natural beauty and excellent facilities, making it a perfect getaway for local South Dakotans, from families on a weekend trip to serious anglers seeking their next big catch.

The name “Pickerel” is derived from an American Indian name meaning “where you spear long fish,” a nod to the long-standing tradition of fishing in these cool, spring-fed waters. Today, the recreation area maintains that connection to the natural environment while providing an accessible and amenity-rich experience for all visitors. It’s an ideal spot to disconnect from the daily grind and reconnect with the simple pleasures of the outdoors, all within the beautiful landscape of northeastern South Dakota.

The park's development into a major recreation hub followed a long history. While excursion boats were common until the early 1900s, and a fish hatchery once operated on the lake, the modern recreation area now focuses on providing diverse opportunities for water sports, camping, and hiking, centered around the crystal-clear waters of the 955-acre lake.

It is widely known for its awesome campgrounds, divided into the East and West units, boasting numerous sites that can accommodate everything from tents to large RVs, ensuring every local explorer can find their perfect basecamp. Each unit offers distinct features, catering to different preferences for activities and scenery.

Location and Accessibility

The Pickerel Lake Recreation Area is conveniently situated in the northeastern part of South Dakota, placing it within an easy drive for residents across the region.

The physical address is:

12980 446th Ave, Grenville, SD 57239, USA

The area is located roughly 10 miles north of Waubay off US Highway 12, making it a relatively straightforward journey via well-maintained state highways. For local visitors, this location in Day County offers a true feeling of getting away from it all without requiring an overly complicated travel plan. The surrounding region, characterized by its glacial lakes and rolling prairies, provides scenic drives on the way to your destination.

The campground operates year-round, although visitors should note that some water systems, such as showers and flush toilets, may be closed between October 1st and April 30th due to freezing conditions. Vault toilets typically remain open throughout the off-season. Daily or annual park entrance fees are required for vehicle entry, offering a choice that benefits both short-stay visitors and frequent local adventurers.

Services Offered

The recreation area offers a comprehensive list of services to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay, even while embracing the rustic spirit of camping. These services are thoughtfully distributed across the two main campground units—East and West—to maximize convenience for all guests.

Camping Options: The park features two campgrounds (East and West Units) with 65 total electrical campsites, designed to accommodate both RVs and tents. Campsite pads can range in length, some up to 100 feet, to handle large rigs.
Lodging Alternatives: For those who prefer a little more structure, the park offers 7 rustic camping cabins and one modern cabin, providing climate-controlled options with beds and a comfortable indoor retreat.
Essential Utilities: Both units offer access to drinking water, and the West Campground includes an RV dump station for wastewater disposal.
Sanitary Facilities: Flush toilets and showers are available, typically from May 1st through September 30th, with vault toilets available year-round. ADA-accessible features are available throughout the park, including campsites, showers, and flush toilets.
Water Access: There are two boat ramps on the lake for easy launching of personal watercraft.
Fishing Support: The East Unit offers a convenient fish cleaning station and a fishing pier. Fishing pole rentals, lures, and live bait are often available at the park office/store.
Day-Use Areas: Group picnic shelters are available, including a reservable, ADA-accessible shelter in the West Unit, perfect for family reunions or large gatherings.
Equipment Rental: Canoes, kayaks, life jackets, and various lawn games are often available for rent or checkout at the park office/store, making it easy to enjoy the lake even without owning all your own gear.

Features / Highlights

The abundance of amenities is matched by a wide array of activities and natural highlights that make Pickerel Lake Recreation Area a true jewel of the South Dakota parks system.

Boating and Water Sports: The cool, deep, spring-fed water is perfect for all types of watercraft, from small paddle boats and canoes (available for rent) to larger motorized cruisers, allowing for everything from leisurely floats to wakeboarding.
Excellent Fishing: The lake is regularly stocked and well-known for producing walleye, crappie, northern pike, perch, and bass. Visitors can fish from the bank, the dock, or from a boat, with the East Unit featuring a fishing pier.
Swimming Beaches: Two sandy swimming beaches—one at the East Campground and a smaller one at the West Campground—provide safe and clean areas for a refreshing dip on a hot South Dakota day (swimming is at your own risk as there is no lifeguard).
Diverse Hiking Trails: The park features two main trails for exploration: the Glacial Mounds Trail, a 0.75-mile route across from the East Campground that offers bluff views and passage through native prairie, and the one-mile Ponderosa Trail near the West Campground's comfort station, offering a peaceful walk through Ponderosa Pine trees.
Family Fun: Playgrounds are located in both the East and West Campgrounds, and designated areas are available for games like volleyball, horseshoes, and basketball.
Wildlife and Nature Watching: The surrounding area is rich in wildlife, offering opportunities to spot deer, various waterfowl, and eagles, especially with the nearby Waubay National Wildlife Refuge being a known spot for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers.
Stargazing: With its relatively remote location and dark night skies, Pickerel Lake Recreation Area is one of the better spots in the state for an unobstructed view of the stars.

Contact Information

For reservations, current fees, and up-to-date information on the operational status of facilities (especially outside of the peak season), visitors are encouraged to contact the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks office associated with the area.

Address:

12980 446th Ave, Grenville, SD 57239

Phone for Information/Local Park Office:

(605) 910-4515

For general Parks and Recreation inquiries, the state office can be reached at ParkInfo@state.sd.us. Reservations can typically be made online or through the state's central reservation system.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of South Dakota, Pickerel Lake Recreation Area is more than just a campground; it’s an accessible, full-service outdoor playground that truly reflects the natural heritage of the Glacial Lakes region. The combination of its convenient location near Grenville, the quality of its facilities (including comfortable cabins and electrical campsites), and the sheer breadth of recreational activities makes it a perfect, low-stress escape. Whether you are seeking the thrill of reeling in a trophy walleye, a refreshing swim on a hot summer day, the simple quiet of a nature hike through the glacial landscape, or a cozy evening campfire under a spectacular night sky, Pickerel Lake delivers. It represents the best of local South Dakota outdoor life—beautifully preserved, well-equipped, and ready for you and your family to make lifelong memories, all just a short drive from home. Support your state parks and discover your next adventure right here in South Dakota.