South Dakota / Yankton County

Cottonwood

Closed — Closed for the season. Reopens in spring.

About

Cottonwood Recreation Area is located in the lush Missouri River Valley along the western shore of Lake Yankton, just downstream of Gavins Point Dam and Lewis & Clark Lake. Operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this campground attracts visitors seeking the calmer waters of the smaller Lake Yankton versus the larger Lewis and Clark Lake upstream. The campground offers 77 campsites, all with electric hookups, and features two modern shower houses with flush toilets. On-site amenities include a playground, horseshoe pits, and picnic shelters. The adjacent day-use area provides an accessible fishing dock, disc golf course, and boat ramp for Lake Yankton access. Nearby Training Dike Day-Use Area features a popular swimming beach. The location provides excellent habitat for waterfowl and other bird species, with regular sightings of bald eagles and other raptors. Whitetail deer and turkeys are common throughout the area. Paved multi-use trails connect Cottonwood to numerous recreation areas along Lewis and Clark Lake, Lake Yankton, and the Missouri River, including a trail from Yankton to the Gavins Point area. The Lewis and Clark Visitor Center is nearby with exhibits on the Missouri River and area history. Winter activities include ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and sledding when conditions permit.

Directions

From U.S. Highway 81 in Yankton, South Dakota, drive four miles west on South Dakota Highway 52, then south on Dam Toe Road and follow signs.

Nearby Campgrounds