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
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

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 open - May 1 to Sep 30

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Pet friendly
Showers
RV Utilities and Hookups

RV Utilities and Hookups

  • Dump station on site
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Showers
Water Access

Water Access

  • Lake Access
Pets and Policies

Pets and Policies

  • Pet friendly
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

88 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 01, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 02, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 03, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 04, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 05, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 06, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 07, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 08, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 09, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 10, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 11, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 12, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 14A, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 14B, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 15A, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 15B, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 16A, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 16B, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 17A, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 17B, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 18A, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 18B, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 19A, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 19B, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 20A, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 20B, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 21A, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 21B, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 22A, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 22B, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 23, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 24, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 25, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 26, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 27, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 28, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 29, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 30, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 31, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 32, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 33, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 34, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 35, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 36, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 37, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 38, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 41, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 44, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 45, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 46, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 47, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 48, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 49, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 50, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 51, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 52, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 53, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 54, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 55, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 56, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 57, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 58, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 59, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 60, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 61, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 62, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 63, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 64, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 65, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 66, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 67, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 68, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 69, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 70, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 71, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
🚐 72, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
50 Amp · Electric Only
Price not available
⛺ T01, Loop: Tent Area
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ T02, Loop: Tent Area
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ T03, Loop: Tent Area
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ T04, Loop: Tent Area
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ T05, Loop: Tent Area
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ T06, Loop: Tent Area
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ T07, Loop: Tent Area
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ T08, Loop: Tent Area
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ T09, Loop: Tent Area
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ T10, Loop: Tent Area
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ T11, Loop: Tent Area
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
⛺ T12, Loop: Tent Area
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available

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

Krishna K

Verified

July 2, 2022 • Stayed at: 14A, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles

5

We were coming in with a storm right on our tail. We called ahead and she reassured us everything would be just fine. Sure enough we got there she had everything ready for us we filled with water plugged in and buckled down for the night and had a great experience.

Jill O

Verified

July 1, 2022 • Stayed at: 12, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles

5

Beautiful setting, large sites, very clean/nice showers. Can be windy & the number of water stations could be increased to make water closer to some sites. Loved this COE with its views, the lake, fishing possibilities, large area to walk dogs, the lake wildlife & friendly staff.

Alice S

Verified

June 30, 2022 • Stayed at: 22A, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles

5

Went to visit family in Chamberlain. Didn’t realize that the park was 25 miles out of town. Best park we have been to. Right on the water, quiet. Friendly staff. Will definitely be back

Roberta B

Verified

June 29, 2022 • Stayed at: 08, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles

5

Perfect location for people who fish as you are right on the river.

Paula K

Verified

June 25, 2022 • Stayed at: 15A, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles

5

Paige C

Verified

June 24, 2022 • Stayed at: 09, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles

5

beautiful, clean and well kept, friendly.

Elaine G

Verified

June 23, 2022 • Stayed at: 05, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles

5

Ales enjoy our camping there, such friendly employees, neat and clean spaces.

John P

Verified

June 20, 2022 • Stayed at: 65, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72

2

The campsite was as expected as we have stayed there many times over the years. However the electrical service was interrupted at times. We had 3 camp sites. None of the campers had any extra ordinary power requirements, but the power would go out at various times. It would happen at different times in the various campsites. We where not running AC or any major power drawing appliances. We had never had these problems in the past and this time all three campsites had issues. If we would have needed AC or medical devices plugged in it would have been a larger issue for us.

John P

Verified

June 20, 2022 • Stayed at: 67, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72

2

The campsite was as expected as we have stayed there many times over the years. However the electrical service was interrupted at times. We had 3 camp sites. None of the campers had any extra ordinary power requirements, but the power would go out at various times. It would happen at different times in the various campsites. We where not running AC or any major power drawing appliances. We had never had these problems in the past and this time all three campsites had issues. If we would have needed AC or medical devices plugged in it would have been a larger issue for us.

John P

Verified

June 20, 2022 • Stayed at: 66, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72

2

The campsite was as expected as we have stayed there many times over the years. However the electrical service was interrupted at times. We had 3 camp sites. None of the campers had any extra ordinary power requirements, but the power would go out at various times. It would happen at different times in the various campsites. We where not running AC or any major power drawing appliances. We had never had these problems in the past and this time all three campsites had issues. If we would have needed AC or medical devices plugged in it would have been a larger issue for us.

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

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: May 20, 2026

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