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

Frank R

Verified

June 1, 2021 Stayed at: 62, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72

1

Carful up here folks as there’s a high probability your personal belongings WILL be stolen by scum bags, lock up your belongings! Thieves like to walk thru the campgrounds once everyone is tucked in and sleeping for the night. The campground hosts are more concerned about making sure your dog is on a leash than thieves and people tearing and shitting all over the bathrooms. They patrol non stop every 10 minutes but never get out of the vehicle to check bathrooms. or question vehicles driving around after quiet hours. Sunday night after 11pm there were two trucks racing up and down the guest and dam road for 39 minutes back and fourth. No cops, GFP or campground hosts in site! This used to be a nice place but is deteriorating each year.

Vicki L

Verified

May 31, 2021 Stayed at: 21A, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles

5

Great area. Clean bathrooms

Susan S

Verified

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

4

Host and hostess were very friendly and helpful

Kevin H

Verified

May 31, 2021 Stayed at: 49, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72

5

Great staff and very helpful

Patricia W

Verified

May 27, 2021 Stayed at: 22A, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles

5

Clean, well maintained, great place to stay. Camp hosts were attentive to activities happening at the campground. WINDY!!!

Kendall K

Verified

May 26, 2021 Stayed at: 03, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles

2

.

JOSEPH S

Verified

May 25, 2021 Stayed at: 10, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles

5

As always a pleasant COE experience. Scenery restrooms and showers and neighbors. Level sites well spaced. 😊

Tammy M

Verified

May 23, 2021 Stayed at: 01, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles

5

The weather was wonderful so made the stay really great.

Paul N

Verified

May 22, 2021 Stayed at: 03, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles

5

Campgrounds were clean and staff personal was very courteous

Karen K

Verified

May 22, 2021 Stayed at: 10, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles

4

Friendly staff, clean comfort station and grounds.

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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