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

Featured amenities

Pet Friendly Pet Friendly
Showers Showers

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 .

Available sites

88 total sites

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

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Pet friendly Pet friendly
Showers 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 availability.

88 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 01, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 89 × 12 ft
🚐 02, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 84 × 12 ft
🚐 03, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 76 × 12 ft
🚐 04, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 76 × 12 ft
🚐 05, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 74 × 12 ft
🚐 06, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 76 × 12 ft
🚐 07, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 79 × 12 ft
🚐 08, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 80 × 12 ft
🚐 09, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 80 × 12 ft
🚐 10, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 77 × 12 ft
🚐 11, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 77 × 12 ft
🚐 12, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 71 × 12 ft
🚐 14A, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 51 × 12 ft
🚐 14B, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 50 × 12 ft
🚐 15A, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 55 × 12 ft
🚐 15B, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 63 × 12 ft
🚐 16A, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 57 × 12 ft
🚐 16B, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 50 × 12 ft
🚐 17A, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 60 × 12 ft
🚐 17B, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 53 × 12 ft
🚐 18A, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 65 × 12 ft
🚐 18B, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 53 × 12 ft
🚐 19A, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 67 × 12 ft
🚐 19B, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 57 × 12 ft
🚐 20A, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 55 × 12 ft
🚐 20B, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 64 × 12 ft
🚐 21A, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 54 × 12 ft
🚐 21B, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 62 × 12 ft
🚐 22A, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 54 × 12 ft
🚐 22B, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 60 × 12 ft
🚐 23, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 84 × 12 ft
🚐 24, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 85 × 12 ft
🚐 25, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 75 × 12 ft
🚐 26, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 84 × 12 ft
🚐 27, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 80 × 12 ft
🚐 28, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 84 × 12 ft
🚐 29, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 85 × 12 ft
🚐 30, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 85 × 12 ft
🚐 31, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 83 × 12 ft
🚐 32, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 84 × 12 ft
🚐 33, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 75 × 12 ft
🚐 34, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 77 × 12 ft
🚐 35, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 78 × 12 ft
🚐 36, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 77 × 12 ft
🚐 37, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 77 × 12 ft
🚐 38, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 79 × 12 ft
🚐 41, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 73 × 12 ft
🚐 44, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 47 × 12 ft
🚐 45, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 55 × 12 ft
🚐 46, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 54 × 12 ft
🚐 47, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 56 × 12 ft
🚐 48, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 56 × 12 ft
🚐 49, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 60 × 12 ft
🚐 50, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 59 × 12 ft
🚐 51, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 58 × 12 ft
🚐 52, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 56 × 12 ft
🚐 53, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 52 × 12 ft
🚐 54, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 56 × 12 ft
🚐 55, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 52 × 12 ft
🚐 56, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 54 × 12 ft
🚐 57, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 51 × 12 ft
🚐 58, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 48 × 12 ft
🚐 59, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 44 × 12 ft
🚐 60, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 47 × 12 ft
🚐 61, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 48 × 12 ft
🚐 62, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 47 × 12 ft
🚐 63, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 49 × 12 ft
🚐 64, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 47 × 12 ft
🚐 65, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 45 × 12 ft
🚐 66, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 46 × 12 ft
🚐 67, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 44 × 12 ft
🚐 68, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 46 × 12 ft
🚐 69, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 46 × 12 ft
🚐 70, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 45 × 12 ft
🚐 71, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 46 × 12 ft
🚐 72, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72 RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 45 × 12 ft
⛺ T01, Loop: Tent Area Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ T02, Loop: Tent Area Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ T03, Loop: Tent Area Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Full shade
⛺ T04, Loop: Tent Area Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ T05, Loop: Tent Area Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ T06, Loop: Tent Area Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ T07, Loop: Tent Area Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ T08, Loop: Tent Area Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ T09, Loop: Tent Area Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ T10, Loop: Tent Area Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ T11, Loop: Tent Area Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire · Yes shade
⛺ T12, Loop: Tent Area Tent
Pet Friendly · Campfire

Reviews

537 reviews

Summary

AI generated

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.

Based on guest feedback

4.5

Overall rating

Based on 537 reviews

Write a review
5 stars 67.6% (363)
4 stars 23.5% (126)
3 stars 5.4% (29)
2 stars 3.0% (16)
1 star 0.6% (3)

Showing 532 reviews

Joyce K

Verified

July 13, 2023 Stayed at: 38, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72

We had some camper problems and the camp host on the site 38 were super and helped us out.

Helpful

Dick K

Verified

July 12, 2023 Stayed at: 14B, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles

This is not the campground we registered. We registered for Cottonwood but somehow got reserved in Tailwater.

Helpful

Erin E

Verified

July 10, 2023 Stayed at: 12, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles

I would say excellent and hosts are usually helpful and would give a lower rating because that I have a 3 year-old I watch alone by myself and there were workers who showed up to spray some goopy green stuff along the roads were my son played the day before in the mud. There was no notice and no public notifications before the chemical application. The bags said Turf Gro but 1 the host said it was only grass seed with water. I felt sick and my son ran through it no shoes and might have ate some. Said his tummy hurts the nextday. He probably throught they was bringing him candy like other people do and regardless I think is more professional and legal to public notify people or even a verbal notice or knock on the door would be more respectful before sprays are applied around campsites. Because the sprays have additives some people are sensitive or allergic too is also poisonous to kids to eat. Some people would prefer to leave and not have children or themselves around sprays on the days they are applied. Everybody at tgat endof campground had left during the sprays except for us camping at that endof campground.

Helpful

GENE P

Verified

June 30, 2023 Stayed at: 56, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72

Clean, pretty and quiet. Our senior national parks pass made it half price.

Helpful

Christopher S

Verified

June 22, 2023 Stayed at: 20B, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles

There was no shade on our picnic table. The water for filling your camper is stink. BUT the campsite is well maintained, bathrooms are nice and clean, you are right on the water, the boat ramp is easily accessible. I will stay here again, but fill my RV before I get there.

Helpful

Tom C

Verified

June 21, 2023 Stayed at: 27, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72

Was impressed with the campground! Would highly recommend. Will be back.
.

Helpful

Jeannie F

Verified

June 20, 2023 Stayed at: 17A, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles

We like this campground with easy to drive-thru sites and not crowded. The only big problem is the women's shower area. It ALWAYS has standing water. The floor slopes and years later, it still has not been remedied.

Helpful

Location & Directions for Left Tailrace

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

Elevation: 416 ft

Getting There

From west bound I-90 take exit 265 at Chamberalin SD, turn right on to Highway 50 travel approximatly 16 mi, turn left on to BIA Highway 4, travel 8 mi to FT. Thompson SD, turn left on to highway 47 travel 3 mi then take a left at the Left Tailrac...

Nearest town

Chamberlain, SD - 26 mi

About 31 min to downtown

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: October 7, 2026

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Explore Chamberlain, SD

Population: 2,588

Elevation: 1,411 ft

Chamberlain, SD

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