Lake Thompson Recreation Area Campground
Open year-round. Between October 1 and April 30, showers, flush toilets, and other water systems may be closed. Reservations available online at reservations.gooutdoorssouthdakota.com or by phone at 1-800-710-2267. Minimum two-night stay required; reservations must be made at least two days prior to arrival.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued July 2 at 6:08PM CDT until July 2 at 9:00PM CDT by NWS Sioux Falls SD
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 439 REMAINS VALID UNTIL 9 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN SOUTH DAKOTA THIS WATCH INCLUDES 18 COUNTIES IN CENTRAL SOUTH DAKOTA JERAULD IN EAST CENTRAL SOUTH DAKOTA BEADLE BROOKINGS KINGSBURY LAKE MINER MOODY SANBORN IN SOUTH CENTRAL SOUTH DAKOTA AURORA BRULE DOUGLAS IN SOUTHEAST SOUTH DAKOTA DAVISON HANSON HUTCHINSON LINCOLN MCCOOK MINNEHAHA TURNER THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF ALEXANDRIA, ALPENA, ARLINGTON, ARMOUR, BRIDGEWATER, BROOKINGS, CANISTOTA, CANTON, CENTERVILLE, CHAMBERLAIN, CHANCELLOR, CLAYTON, CORSICA, DE SMET, DELMONT, EMERY, FLANDREAU, FREEMAN, HARRISBURG, HOWARD, HURLEY, HURON, IRENE, KIMBALL, LAKE PRESTON, LENNOX, MADISON, MARION, MENNO, MITCHELL, MONTROSE, ORLAND, PARKER, PARKSTON, PLANKINTON, SALEM, SIOUX FALLS, STICKNEY, TEA, TRIPP, VIBORG, WESSINGTON SPRINGS, WHITE LAKE, AND WOONSOCKET.
About
So distinct is Lake Thompson that it is designated a National Natural Landmark. Originally called Dry Woods Lake by American Indians, the lake was renamed for Jacob Thompson, Secretary of the Interior under President James Buchanan. In the 1930s, the lake was completely dry and used for pasture. In the 1980s, the area was a 9,000-acre marsh. Heavy rains and snowmelt in the mid-80s filled the lake to over 20 feet deep. A variety of options are open for staying at Lake Thompson Recreation Area: campsites, cabins and a lodge. Sites in the campground have electricity, dump station and comfort stations with flush toilets and showers. One-room cabins sleep four and have heating, air conditioning and electricity. The lodge at Lake Thompson Recreation Area was once a farm house. Now, the five-bedroom facility houses up to 12 guests in one of the state's most popular recreation areas. Author Laura Ingalls Wilder mentions Lake Thompson as one of the Twin Lakes in her books, including "By the Shores of Silver Lake" and "The Long Winter." Modern-day visitors will also have plenty to write home about, as they enjoy the beach, boat ramp, ski beach and playground in the lovely area. Those fishing for walleye, northern pike, crappie, perch and bass have access to a fish-cleaning station and fishing-pole checkout. Hikers, bikers and walkers can take the park tour trail to see all parts of Lake Thompson Recreation Area.
Directions
Located 6 miles southwest of Lake Preston off US Highway 14. Address: 21176 Flood Club Road, Lake Preston, SD 57249.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $16 - $280 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 70ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 70ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| LakeThompson@state.sd.us | |
| Phone | +1 (605) 847-4893 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Useful Links
| Lake Thompson Recreation Area - SD GFP |
Availability
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