Cottonwood (Ne)
4.64108 reviewsU.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND, 198 TOE RD, YANKTON, SD, 57078
Cottonwood (Ne)
$20.00 - $22.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$22.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Peak season rates for standard electric sites range from $20.00 to $22.00 per night. Reservation fees are $8 online, $9 through the contact center, and $3 in person.
About this campground
Discover your perfect basecamp at Cottonwood Recreation Area, where modern comfort meets outdoor adventure along the scenic Missouri River. This beloved destination welcomes families and outdoor enthusiasts with thoughtfully designed amenities including hot shower houses and convenient electric hookups. Beyond your campsite, adventure awaits with an 18-hole disc golf course winding through cottonwood groves, a cheerful playground where children's laughter fills the air, and a peaceful fishing dock extending into Lake Yankton's calm waters. While most visitors celebrate the campground's pristine cleanliness and well-maintained facilities, some have noted occasional maintenance needs on access roads and limited camp host availability during peak times.
Cottonwood Recreation Area provides reservable camping options, including sites with electric hookups. Primitive camping is not mentioned.
Historical SignificanceStep into the pages of American history at this remarkable location near Gavins Point Dam, where the mighty Missouri River has witnessed centuries of exploration and discovery. Follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark, whose epic expedition passed through these very waters over 200 years ago. The nearby Lewis and Clark Visitor Center brings this fascinating heritage to life with engaging exhibits and programs that connect today's adventurers with the intrepid explorers of the past.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the best of South Dakota's outdoor splendor from late spring through early fall, when warm days and cool evenings create ideal camping conditions. The region enjoys predominantly dry weather with minimal precipitation, making it perfect for uninterrupted outdoor adventures. Plan your visit before October when facilities close for winter, allowing you to take full advantage of all amenities during the active season.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Missouri River Valley, where golden chalkstone cliffs frame pristine waterways and create a stunning natural amphitheater. Lake Yankton's tranquil waters offer a serene alternative to the mighty Missouri, providing sheltered coves and quiet inlets perfect for paddling and wildlife observation. This rich ecosystem serves as a sanctuary for diverse bird species, creating exceptional opportunities for nature enthusiasts to observe waterfowl, songbirds, and raptors in their natural habitat.
Geological RegionNestled within the magnificent golden chalkstone-lined Missouri River Valley, Cottonwood Recreation Area showcases nature's artistry at every turn. The unique geological formations create a dramatic backdrop for outdoor adventures, while Lake Yankton's protected waters provide a haven for wildlife. Keep your binoculars ready for unforgettable encounters with majestic Bald Eagles soaring overhead, graceful Whitetail Deer emerging from wooded areas at dawn and dusk, and wild turkeys strutting through the campground's natural spaces.
Campsite details
AccessibilityCampsites include accessible fishing docks and paved trails. Users highlighted the accessibility of restrooms and picnic facilities.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as spacious and capable of accommodating larger rigs, though specific dimensions are not provided.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies by campsite, with some sites being well-shaded and secluded, while others are noted for a lack of ground-cover separation between sites.
Total Campsites77 campsites
Recommended CampsitesRecommend sites 11, 10, 9 for proximity to the water and trees for hammocks. Larger rigs should be cautious about site lengths.
Best CampsitesSite 04P is highly rated for its 'absolutely gorgeous spot situated so that camper doors/windows looked right over the lake.'
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
4:00 PM
Check-out
2:00 PM
Stay Limit
- Maximum consecutive stay is 15 nights
- maximum total stay is 14 nights within rolling 30 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum 8 people allowed per campsite.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are divided into loops: SLOO and NLOO. Some sites offer pull-through options.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from April 17 to October 19 (peak season).
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov, the mobile app, or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll 77 sites are reservable; no indication of walk-up availability in the authoritative sources.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee, with additional penalties for late cancellations. Late cancellation is defined as the day before check-in for individual sites, resulting in forfeiture of the first night's fee.
Amenities available
Showers
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Lodging and accommodations
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Sewer hookups
Activities you can enjoy
A wide range of activities are available at Cottonwood Recreation Area. Popular options include fishing, boating, hiking, biking, and disc golf. Reviews highlight the lake's suitability for kayaking and paddleboarding, though some complain about moss and plants interfering with water activities. Winter recreational opportunities include ice fishing, snowmobiling, and sledding. "The biking and hiking trails nearby were good," said one reviewer.
Hiking
Three trails are accessible, including a paved trail connecting Yankton and Gavins Point, a multi-use trail in Gavins Point, and the Calumet Bluff hiking trail near the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center. User reviews generally praise the trails, highlighting their suitability for biking as well.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Lake Yankton, but reviewers provide mixed feedback. While some caught fish onshore, others experienced difficulty due to moss and water plants. "Excellent fishing opportunities year-round," but also notes of challenges with moss and vegetation.Swimming
Swimming is possible at the Training Dike Day-Use Area, featuring a designated beach. However, some reviews describe the lake as "gross to swim in" due to moss and plants.Biking
Biking trails are well-maintained and popular with visitors. "The campground connects up with a lot of bike trails," noted one reviewer, emphasizing the area's suitability for cycling enthusiasts.Boating
Boating opportunities abound, with Lake Yankton offering calmer waters compared to upstream Lewis and Clark Lake. Kayaking and canoeing are popular, though moss and shallow areas present challenges.Wildlife viewing
Lake Yankton's habitat supports diverse bird species, including Bald Eagles and waterfowl. Other common wildlife sightings include Whitetail Deer and turkeys. "Beautiful white ducks left," commented one user following disturbances.Beach activities
Beach activities are available at the nearby Training Dike Day-Use Area along Lake Yankton.Cultural and Educational Programs
Educational programs are accessible at the nearby Lewis and Clark Visitor Center, including exhibits on the Missouri River and the Lewis and Clark Expedition.Winter Activities
Winter recreational options include sledding, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.Water Sports
Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are popular activities despite challenges due to moss and vegetation in Lake Yankton.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Firewood must be purchased locally; outside firewood is prohibited to prevent invasive insects.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsBranches may fall from Cottonwood trees during windy conditions. User review: 'This stay, 3 branches came down on three separate occasions, one huge one barely missing a tent.'
Weather forecast
70
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 39%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 2.2 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are accessible in Yankton, SD, which is approximately 4 miles away. This includes hospitals and local law enforcement.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 17, 2025 to October 19, 2025; April 16, 2026 to October 18, 2026.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection facilities are available, but specific details about recycling services are not mentioned. Reviewers noted that dumpsters are well-maintained.
Proximity to water featuresLocated between Lewis and Clark Lake and Lake Yankton, with water activities like fishing, kayaking, and canoeing available.
Common complaintsPotholes in roads, lack of camp host accessibility, debris like cigarette butts at some sites.
HostHosts Brenda and Gloria were praised for attentiveness and efficiency. However, some reviewers noted host absence during their stay.
Campground Map
U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND, 198 TOE RD, YANKTON, SD, 57078
Driving directionsFrom 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.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, though user reviews highlighted that the roads leading to the sites have potholes that need repair. RVs might face axle issues due to uneven surfaces. The area is relatively easy to navigate from major highways.Nearby places
Yankton, SD: Approximately 4 miles (10-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
The closest supplies can be found in Yankton, SD, just 4 miles away, including groceries, camping supplies, and fuel stations.
Camper Reviews
4.6
108 reviews
Cottonwood (Ne) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews offer a diverse range of perspectives, highlighting cleanliness, well-maintained grounds, and friendly staff. However, recurring issues such as maintenance gaps, site confusion, and wildlife disturbances are noted. "Cottonwood is only place we like to stay at," summarized one user.
Review Summaries
Based on 108 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean bathrooms and shower houses, scenic beauty, spacious sites, and friendly hosts consistently earn praise. "Beautiful setting! Spacious campsites!" wrote one reviewer.
Based on 108 reviewsCommon Concerns
Negative aspects include potholes, inconsistent maintenance, lack of signage clarity, and disturbances from wildlife or other campers. "We lost our $20 dollar fee. Stayed at Yankton KOA instead,"...
Based on 108 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring extra toilet paper and cleaning supplies in case of shortages. "Bathrooms were very clean, they were just out of toilet paper a lot," advised a user. Plan for water-related activities but be...
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Seasonal Insights
Peak seasons like summer are crowded but offer excellent weather and activities. Winter months provide opportunities for ice fishing and skiing. "Time at Cottonwood is always enjoyable," a reviewer...
Based on 108 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Very clean bathrooms available." "Cottonwood campground has many families camping together throughout the summer." "Beautiful park with lots of trees, a few spots on the water." "Bathrooms were...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site 40 faced issues with being occupied upon arrival. Site 11 experienced wildlife disturbances post-spraying. Site 66P offered scenic beauty but had tight navigation due to tree placement. Site 71...
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Accessibility Features
Accessible docks and paved trails are available, but no reviews specifically from users with disabilities emphasize accessibility experiences.
Based on 108 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies require leashes under six feet. Some reviewers mentioned issues with barking dogs and disturbances but overall pet policies seem accommodating.
Based on 108 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025