About Left Tailrace
Number of accommodations: 88
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
RV Utilities and Hookups
- Dump station on site
Water and Hygiene
- Showers
Water Access
- Lake Access
Pets and Policies
- Pet friendly
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Rates, Sites & Availability
88 Sites Available
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Site Details
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88 Sites Available
No available sites
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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.
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
William S
VerifiedJuly 20, 2021 • Stayed at: 03, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles
Excellent accommodations, space and fishing. Attentive staff and services. Loved the stay.
Renee V
VerifiedJuly 17, 2021 • Stayed at: 07, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles
It's a beautiful facility. I hope we can return for a longer stay.
Gerald S
VerifiedJuly 17, 2021 • Stayed at: 61, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
Great campground. Couldn’t ask for better camp hosts. What a great COE facility. Makes me proud to be an American.
Keith W
VerifiedJuly 17, 2021 • Stayed at: 17B, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
Enjoyed our stay there. Coming in on Highway 47 on the west side can be a little bumpy highway 50 on the east side is much better. Some people have complained about the water quality but when we were there it seem to be quite good.
Kathy S
VerifiedJuly 15, 2021 • Stayed at: 05, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles
Hosts were most helpful and really enjoyed this unique location. Windy conditions seem to be a normal for this area. Lots of fishing patrons and cleaning table for the catch of the day. Restrooms and Showers were clean and plenty of hot water. Cell coverage was good for Verizon.
Gerald S
VerifiedJuly 14, 2021 • Stayed at: 70, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
This is a very well run COE campground. Very well maintained, neat and clean with excellent camp hosts. I will return.
James E
VerifiedJuly 10, 2021 • Stayed at: 22B, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
I only stayed here one night but I was really impressed with the great condition of the campsite, the friendliness of the staff, and the beautiful views of the river. I would definitely stay here again.
Tim B
VerifiedJuly 9, 2021 • Stayed at: 22B, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
Clean
Ken S
VerifiedJuly 7, 2021 • Stayed at: 50, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72
This is a very nice campground with good facilities, nice and helpful staff, and easy access to fishing . We would definitely return next time we are in the area.
Michael B
VerifiedJuly 7, 2021 • Stayed at: 17A, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
Great spot.
Location Left Tailrace
Address:
U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers
Chamberlain, SD, 57325
United States
- From west bound I-90 take exit 265 at Chamberalin SD, turn right on to Highway 50 travel approximatly 16 miles, turn left on to BIA Highway 4, travel 8 miles to FT. Thompson SD, turn left on to highway 47 travel 3 miles then take a left at the Left Tailrace Campground sign on Big Bend Dam then travel approximately 1 mile to the Left Tailrace Campground.
- From East bound I-90 take exit 248 at Reliance SD take a left onto Highway 47 north bound, travel 18 miles to Big Bend Dam. Turn right after crossing the Power House bridge, then turn right at the Left Tailrace Campground sign, and travel about 1 mile to the Left Tailrace Campground.
Latitude & Longitude: 44.0408 / -99.4394
Elevation: 416 feet
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