Nebraska / Cedar County

Nebraska Tailwaters

Closed — Closed for the season. The campground typically operates from May through October. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.

About

Nebraska Tailwaters Campground is nestled along the Nebraska bank of the Missouri River in the golden, chalkstone-lined valley below Gavins Point Dam. This U.S. Army Corps of Engineers facility offers 42 total campsites with 31 electric hookup sites and 11 tent-only non-electric sites. The campground provides modern amenities including shower facilities with flush toilets, a large 2-lane boat ramp, handicap accessible fishing pier, fish cleaning station, and RV dump station. A group camping area with electric hookups, picnic shelter, fire pit, and grill is also available. The location provides exceptional access to the Missouri River tailwaters, making it a premier destination for fishing, particularly for walleye and other species. Nebraska Tailwaters is renowned for exceptional Bald Eagle viewing opportunities throughout the year, along with diverse bird watching for other raptors and waterfowl. The area attracts millions of visitors annually to Lewis & Clark Lake and surrounding recreation areas. Nearby attractions include the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center with exhibits on Missouri River history and the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium, and historic Yankton, South Dakota. Multiple trails are accessible in the area, including a paved trail from Yankton to Gavins Point, multi-use trails, and the Calumet Bluff hiking trail. Winter activities in the area include ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and sledding.

Directions

From Yankton, South Dakota, go south on U.S. Highway 81 for 2 miles, then west on Nebraska Highway 121 for 4 miles. Campground entrance will be on your right.

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