Sites & Rates
Average nightly rates88 total sites
RV Sites
76 sites
Tent Sites
12 sites
About Left Tailrace
Number of accommodations: 88
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Pet friendly
Showers
RV Utilities and Hookups
- Dump station on site
Water and Hygiene
- Showers
Water Access
- Lake Access
Pets and Policies
- Pet friendly
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Rates, Sites & Availability
88 Sites Available
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Site Details
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88 Sites Available
No available sites
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Reviews (490)
What Guests Are Saying
Left Tailrace Campground offers a beautiful and clean environment with spacious waterfront sites and stunning views, making it a favorite among campers. The friendly and attentive staff, along with well-maintained facilities, contribute to a positive experience. While some visitors noted occasional issues with site cleanliness and nearby vehicle activity, the overall feedback emphasizes a welcoming atmosphere and a strong desire to return.
What Guests Are Saying
Left Tailrace Campground offers a beautiful and clean environment with spacious waterfront sites and stunning views, making it a favorite among campers. The friendly and attentive staff, along with well-maintained facilities, contribute to a positive experience. While some visitors noted occasional issues with site cleanliness and nearby vehicle activity, the overall feedback emphasizes a welcoming atmosphere and a strong desire to return.
Review Summary
Jon J
VerifiedSeptember 29, 2021 • Stayed at: 24, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
The campground is right next to the Big Bend Dam. We stayed overnight during a cross country trip. The Dam, road and associated power grid can be heard from the campground which could be an issue for light sleepers. It also is used by their local community as a park during the day, The night we were there a group of people came to the park to drink and party at 2:30 AM which fortunately didn’t last long, but a reminder how close the campground is to town. The campground was clean, hosts were helpful, is popular with fishermen with a cleaning station, water access and attracts numerous birds including Osprey, Pelicans, and other shorebirds which birders will enjoy.
Bernetta B
VerifiedSeptember 29, 2021 • Stayed at: 38, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
Everyone is so friendly and helpful. It is outstandingly clean and well kept up. The hosts are always driving around keeping up on the comings and goings. People from all over stay there and when you have a Senior Pass it is so inexpensive. There is also plenty of room between campers instead of on top of each other like most parks are!
Christine P
VerifiedSeptember 30, 2021 • Stayed at: 11, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles
Beautiful park with large, level sites, cement picnic tables and fire rings with grates. There are paved walking trails along the Missouri River below the dam and around several marshy ponds. Abundant bird species and signs of other wildlife were present. This is a very quiet, clean and well-kept campground.
Joyce K
VerifiedOctober 3, 2021 • Stayed at: 35, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
Very clean and camps hosts are great. Could not have been any better.
Lois H
VerifiedOctober 4, 2021 • Stayed at: 01, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles
Went there for a fishing weekend with my sons. The lady at check-in was very helpful, gave us good directions to our site and answered all her questions. Fish cleaning station was clean and nice
Roger E
VerifiedOctober 4, 2021 • Stayed at: 03, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles
Nice drive through site. Only down side was the drive in from I90. Pretty poor road conditions but that is South Dakota’s issue. Third time we have been here. For us, a good stop on the way across SD.
Paula P
VerifiedOctober 4, 2021 • Stayed at: 20B, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
Very nice friendly workers Campground was very clean
Steven G
VerifiedOctober 4, 2021 • Stayed at: 34, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
We enjoyed this campground alot. Extended 2 days. It's clean! Howard was an amazing Host. He came to make sure we got set up ok and brought our firewood to the site, gave our dogs treats at least twice per day as he made his rounds and visited with campers to make them feel at home. The restrooms were spotless too! We would for sure stay here again if ever in the area.
Janet and Terry J
VerifiedOctober 4, 2021 • Stayed at: 58, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
Pleasant surprise! Our first time staying at a COE campground and we were impressed. Large shade trees, clean sites, and freshly mowed grass—welcoming to see the care still taken at the end of camping season. We will be back.
Craig B
VerifiedOctober 7, 2021 • Stayed at: 09, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles
Great views of the lake
Location Left Tailrace
Address:
U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers
Chamberlain, SD, 57325
United States
- From west bound I-90 take exit 265 at Chamberalin SD, turn right on to Highway 50 travel approximatly 16 miles, turn left on to BIA Highway 4, travel 8 miles to FT. Thompson SD, turn left on to highway 47 travel 3 miles then take a left at the Left Tailrace Campground sign on Big Bend Dam then travel approximately 1 mile to the Left Tailrace Campground.
- From East bound I-90 take exit 248 at Reliance SD take a left onto Highway 47 north bound, travel 18 miles to Big Bend Dam. Turn right after crossing the Power House bridge, then turn right at the Left Tailrace Campground sign, and travel about 1 mile to the Left Tailrace Campground.
Elevation: 416 feet
26 mi drive to downtown Chamberlain (about 31 min)
Policies & Rules
General
- Summary of Campground Rules & Policies: All public-use of Corps of Engineers lands and waters are governed by Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Maximum length of Reservation: Each person and camping unit is limited to a 14 day stay in a 30 day period, 14 day stay 16 days away. Reference Title 36 Sec. 327.7(b). Standard Electric Campsites are limited to one (1) wheeled camping unit and one (1) tent. If there is no wheeled camping unit then two (2) tents are allowed. Tent-only campsites are limited to two (2) tents. All motor vehicles are restricted to designated roadways only, off-road use is prohibited. All motor vehicles parked at campsites are restricted to two (2) wheels on pavement and two (2) on grass. No All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs/UTVs), golf carts, or dirt bikes - unless licensed and considered street legal. Pets are allowed, but must be kept on a leash of no more than six feet (6'). Fireworks are prohibited. For more information, please call (605) 245-1800.
- Firewood Alert! Don't Move Firewood: Due to the spread of invasive insects such as Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Help protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit DontMoveFirewood.org for further information.
- Protect Your Waters! Attention Boaters, Paddlers and Anglers: Do your part to help stop the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) by remembering to always Clean, Drain, and Dry! Visit SDLeastWanted.com for more information.
- Want to know the latest happenings at Big Bend Dam? Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook at USACE Big Bend Dam for up-to-date information.Big Bend: Social Media
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Last updated: August 6, 2026
