OutReserve

Left Tailrace

U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers, Chamberlain, South Dakota, United States

Lake Sharpe
Lake Sharpe
View of Left Tailrace Campground
Left Tailrace
Left Tailrace playground equipment

Featured amenities

Pet Friendly
Pet Friendly
Showers
Showers
View all amenities

About Left Tailrace

Left Tailrace Campgound at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Big Bend Project, sits on the shore of Lake Francis Case on the Missouri River below Big Bend Dam. Just upstream of Left Tailrace, Lake Sharpe, a popular recreation destination in the Great Plains,was created by the completion of Big Bend Dam in 1966. Today, approximately 80,000 acres of public lands and water provide a variety of benefits to the public including flood control, recreation, conservation of our natural resources, fish and wildlife habitat, irrigation, and hydropower production. It is possible to view many types of wildlife on the Missouri River at Lake Sharpe. Tribal bison herds can be seen grazing the lake area's grasslands north of the towns of Fort Thompson and Lower Brule. The shoreline areas of the lake also offer excellent waterfowl, upland game birds and big game hunting opportunities. Big game animals include whitetail and mule deer, elk, bison, coyotes and wild turkeys. Waterfowl and upland game birds include ducks, geese, pheasants, prairie chickens, and grouse. Hunting regulations are established and enforced by the State of South Dakota, and the Lower Brule and Crow Creek Tribes. For more information, visit the Big Bend Project website .

Number of accommodations: 88

Campground Amenities

  • Pet Friendly
    Pet Friendly
  • Lake Access
    Lake Access
  • Showers
    Showers
  • Dump Station
    Dump Station

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently closed - Opens on May 1

Sites & Availability

88 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 01, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 02, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 03, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 04, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 05, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 06, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 07, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 08, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 09, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 10, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 11, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 12, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 14A, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 14B, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 15A, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 15B, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 16A, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 16B, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 17A, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 17B, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 18A, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 18B, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 19A, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 19B, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 20A, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 20B, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 21A, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 21B, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 22A, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 22B, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 23, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 24, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 25, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 26, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 27, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 28, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 29, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 30, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 31, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 32, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 33, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 34, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 35, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 36, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 37, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 38, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 41, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 44, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 45, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 46, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 47, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 48, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 49, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 50, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 51, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 52, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 53, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 54, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 55, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 56, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 57, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 58, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 59, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 60, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 61, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 62, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 63, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 64, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 65, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 66, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 67, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 68, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 69, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 70, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 71, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
🚐 72, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp Β· Electric Only
$22.00
/ per night
β›Ί T01, Loop: Tent Area
8 guests Β· Campfire Β· Pet Friendly
$16.00
/ per night
β›Ί T02, Loop: Tent Area
8 guests Β· Campfire Β· Pet Friendly
$16.00
/ per night
β›Ί T03, Loop: Tent Area
8 guests Β· Campfire Β· Pet Friendly
$16.00
/ per night
β›Ί T04, Loop: Tent Area
8 guests Β· Campfire Β· Pet Friendly
$16.00
/ per night
β›Ί T05, Loop: Tent Area
8 guests Β· Campfire Β· Pet Friendly
$16.00
/ per night
β›Ί T06, Loop: Tent Area
8 guests Β· Campfire Β· Pet Friendly
$16.00
/ per night
β›Ί T07, Loop: Tent Area
8 guests Β· Campfire Β· Pet Friendly
$16.00
/ per night
β›Ί T08, Loop: Tent Area
8 guests Β· Campfire Β· Pet Friendly
$16.00
/ per night
β›Ί T09, Loop: Tent Area
8 guests Β· Campfire Β· Pet Friendly
$16.00
/ per night
β›Ί T10, Loop: Tent Area
8 guests Β· Campfire Β· Pet Friendly
$16.00
/ per night
β›Ί T11, Loop: Tent Area
8 guests Β· Campfire Β· Pet Friendly
$16.00
/ per night
β›Ί T12, Loop: Tent Area
8 guests Β· Campfire Β· Pet Friendly
$16.00
/ per night

Reviews (403)

Verified Only

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

4.5
403 reviews
5
65.3%
263
4
25.1%
101
3
6.0%
24
2
3.2%
13
1
0.5%
2

Wendy P

Verified

October 6, 2025 β€’ Stayed at: 10, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles

5

We loved our stay at Left Tailrace! The pull-through sites were spacious and convenient, and the entire facility was very clean and well maintained. It’s such a great spot β€” too bad they don’t stay open past September 30th!

Roseanna H

Verified

October 6, 2025 β€’ Stayed at: 16A, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles

5

This is my favorite campground to visit. All the help are very friendly. The bathrooms are always clean. The views here are gorgeous. Never had a bad experience.

Diane R

Verified

October 3, 2025 β€’ Stayed at: 30, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72

4

Nice, well maintained campground with clean showers. Gate attendants and camp hosts were very friendly and helpful. Sites are a decent size and majority have a view of the river.

Bruce A

Verified

October 3, 2025 β€’ Stayed at: 44, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72

5

Very clean and organized. The campground staff were helpful and friendly. The sites were private and spacious.

Diane R

Verified

October 2, 2025 β€’ Stayed at: 30, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72

5

Beautiful campground with amazing views. I did not use the shower house as it was very clean but hard to keep clothes dry while showering. Camp host and gate attendant were both very friendly and informative on the area. This will be a go to stop when going across South Dakota

Denise M

Verified

September 26, 2025 β€’ Stayed at: 50, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72

5

This was a nice park! We just wish we could have stayed longer to enjoy more in area.

james d

Verified

September 9, 2025 β€’ Stayed at: 68, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72

5

I stayed here cause it’s only an hour to Pierre and I had some business there. The Rodeo and Pow Wow event was on during my stay. Sure are a lot of great people to meet at that event and fun for family. Oh and the deer like to come by for apples in the morning.

Roger B

Verified

September 6, 2025 β€’ Stayed at: 12, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles

5

What a beautiful campsite. It was extremely level. There is nothing to block your view of the lake. You are at the very end of the row of campsites. In my humble opinion, this is the best campsite in the entire Park. Great breeze. The campground was well maintained.
GOOO DAWGS πŸˆπŸˆπŸˆπŸˆπŸšΆπŸ€“βœοΈπŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ

Darrell C

Verified

September 6, 2025 β€’ Stayed at: 26, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72

4

Nice quiet campground

Jon Brent K

Verified

September 5, 2025 β€’ Stayed at: 06, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles

5

The campground was so nice and very clean. We had a great view of the water. Camp host was very friendly!

Location Left Tailrace

Address:
U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers
Chamberlain, SD, 57325
United States

Latitude & Longitude: 44.0408 / -99.4394

Elevation: 416 feet

Map of Left Tailrace location at Chamberlain, SD, United States
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Policies & Rules

Category About
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.
General

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.
General

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. 
General

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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