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

Robert R

Verified

September 3, 2025 • Stayed at: 08, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles

5

A great place to camp when traveling from Owatonna, MN to the Black Hills. Large sites with long level concrete pads. Very friendly staff!

Jane M

Verified

September 3, 2025 • Stayed at: 16A, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles

5

The sites are large, the park is very clean and well kept. This was our second time staying here and we were not disappointed.

Dianah D

Verified

September 2, 2025 • Stayed at: 10, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles

5

We were fully delighted with our 2 stays at Left Tailrace. As we travelled to and from Glacier National Park, this was a perfect place for overnighting and relaxation. I always amazing me the the most beautiful sites are the Corps of Engineer and State Parks. And so reasonably priced! In addition, our host and the park attendant were super nice. I will plan of staying more nights the next time we are using this campground.

Bruce L

Verified

September 2, 2025 • Stayed at: 20A, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles

5

Very well maintained and very nice people taking care of the park

john c

Verified

August 27, 2025 • Stayed at: 22A, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles

5

This has to be one of the cleanest, neatest Corps campsites in the US. The gate staff were extremely helpful in getting me a good site near the water. The camp host would come around to all the campers and see if they needed anything. In the evening, she would drive to each site and see if the campers wanted firewood or ice (for a fee).
I brought a bike and rode it two of the three mornings I was there. There are enough roads from the camp to ride without going out on the main highway. All in all this was a very nice campground!

Arlington P

Verified

August 25, 2025 • Stayed at: 23, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72

3

Nice staff and hosts. Park was clean and mowed. Facilities worked fine. RV hookups worked fine. I just couldn't shake the uneasy feeling of strange (non-camper) vehicles constantly driving around all night long into the early morning. Sometimes you just don't feel comfortable at a place. For me, this is that place. Don't go to Ft. Thompson.

Karen K

Verified

August 24, 2025 • Stayed at: 32, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72

4

We enjoy this campground.

Brian M

Verified

August 24, 2025 • Stayed at: 24, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72

3

Had site 24. Good pull through site. Pretty level. The one complaint would not happen all the time but had an oil spill right at the edge of the patio and driveway. If in the middle could have parked over it but it wasn’t. Right where you would want to line your camper door up to use the patio. I asked for some oil dry but was told the didn’t have any and that it had been cleaned up. It had not. I have two dogs and didn’t want oil tracked into camper. I used dirt and gravel from around the site and made it usable barely. Someone did come by and offer another site but I was set up so didn’t move. Later on a maintenance guy came by with oil dry I was told they didn’t have but whatever. I will say they did mostly what they could and were nice to deal with but it should have been taken care of before I got there as I was told it had happened last week. Throw some oil dry down for the next guy as it had soaked through the dirt and gravel in spots by morning. Nice overnight though. Would stay again if passing through the area. I’m sure 5 stars next time with a cleaner site.

Jorja I

Verified

August 22, 2025 • Stayed at: 53, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72

5

Very nice stay. Impressive dam.

Alyssa J

Verified

August 17, 2025 • Stayed at: 02, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles

4

Crowded campsite but easy to get to our spot. Great camp host and rangers patrolling the area. We had a really bad lightning storm from 2 am to 3 am and we thought we might lose our camper (pop up) but it survived and we were able to get back to sleep.

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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Fort Thompson
Chamberlain
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