OutReserve

Left Tailrace

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 .

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)

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

August 4, 2021 Stayed at: 61, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72

5

One of the nicest coe parks we have stayed at. Lower sites are very close to the water. Spacious sites.

Cindy W

Verified

August 1, 2021 Stayed at: 54, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72

5

Beautiful, clean, well kept campground. We would go there again.

Gary C

Verified

July 31, 2021 Stayed at: 35, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72

4

restrooms clean and maintained. quiet and restful.

Stephen S

Verified

July 30, 2021 Stayed at: 21B, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles

5

nice to be right on the water. clean and quiet

Josh K

Verified

July 30, 2021 Stayed at: 20B, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles

4

Campground was clean and pleasant, people in the check-in booth were considerate and accommodating. Not the most visually appealing campground in the world but enjoyable nonetheless.

Nicholas D

Verified

July 29, 2021 Stayed at: 07, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles

4

Driving newly purchased motorhome from Kansas to Washington. Drove the extra 19 miles off I 90 to be at a nice place on the Missouri River. The lady who checked us in was really nice and helped put me in a great site. Later in the evening she made her rounds in a golf cart and stopped by so we had a real nice chat for 15 minutes. It's good to run into nice folks when traveling cross country.

Scott G

Verified

July 28, 2021 Stayed at: 21A, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles

5

Nice and quite, well maintained. Friendly staff. Would visit again

Mark R

Verified

July 28, 2021 Stayed at: 38, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72

5

A extremely pleasant experience. The staff was very helpful and friendly the was campsite immaculate. This place was a great find.

Erica R

Verified

July 26, 2021 Stayed at: 02, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles

5

Very nice campground of the beaten path. If you have a boat this is the place to go.

James H

Verified

July 25, 2021 Stayed at: 46, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72

5

Nice quiet campground. Spaces were level with 50 amp, water and a table. Didn't hear how the fishing was, but many were also towing boats. Would definitely stay here again.

Location Left Tailrace

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

Latitude & Longitude: 44.0408 / -99.4394

Elevation: 416 feet

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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