Campsite AtlasCottonwood (Ne)
Cottonwood Recreation Area is located just downstream of Gavins Point Dam and Lewis & Clark Lake along the western shore of Lake Yankton. The numerous outdoor recreational opportunities attract more than 2 million visitors annually to the Lewis & Clark Lake area, making it one of the most popular recreation destinations in the Upper Great Plains. Lewis & Clark Lake is 31,400-acres in size with more than 90 miles of shoreline is impounded by Gavins Point Dam, which was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1944, commonly called the Pick-Sloan Plan. For more information about Lewis and Clark Lake, please visit the Gavins Point Project website.
Campsites
| Standard with electric | 76 |
| Host/management | 1 |
| Total | 77 |
Amenities & rules
Fees: Camping reservations can be made at Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Compiled from site-level records; individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Getting there
From U.S. Hwy 81 in Yankton, South Dakota, drive four miles west on South Dakota Highway 52, then south on Dam Toe Road and follow signs.
Campgrounds nearby
Data source: Recreation.gov RIDB, retrieved August 30, 2026. The Campsite Atlas is an independent publication and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Recreation.gov or any federal agency. Always confirm critical details on the official Recreation.gov page before you travel.