Lifestyle · March 28, 2026
Lewis & Clark Lake, A Local's Guide to Yankton's Backyard
400 wet slips, sandy beaches, 418 campsites, and 10 miles of trails, 10 minutes from your front door.
The Basics
Lewis and Clark Lake is a 25-mile reservoir created by Gavins Point Dam on the Missouri River. Lewis and Clark Recreation Area spans about 864 acres and is one of the most popular state parks in South Dakota. The park is open year-round, though most water-based amenities operate from roughly May through September.
Marina and Boating
The Lewis and Clark Marina offers approximately 400 wet slips, a 24-hour fuel dock, pump-out service, and boat rentals. Multiple public boat ramps provide easy lake access for trailer launches.
Beaches and Swimming
The recreation area has sandy swim beaches with changing facilities and restrooms. On hot summer days, the beaches are packed with families. It feels more like a lake resort than a state park.
Camping and Cabins
About 418 campsites across three campgrounds, all with electric hookups, modern restrooms, hot showers, and a dump station. There are 20 state-run camping cabins plus resort lodging at the marina.
Fishing
Most common species: channel catfish, walleye, sauger, smallmouth and largemouth bass, crappie, and northern pike. Below Gavins Point Dam is a destination tailwater fishery that draws anglers from across the Midwest.
Living Near the Lake
If the lake lifestyle appeals to you, lake-area properties are available in Sundance Ridge, Lake Forest, Signal Hill, Hidden Hollows, and Marina Dell. Or live in Yankton proper and be at the lake in 10 minutes.
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