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

Jen L

Verified

August 17, 2020 • Stayed at: 10, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles

5

The host was friendly, the area was quiet and beautiful, and the site was clean, spacious and easy! We will definitely be back!

Joseph L

Verified

August 17, 2020 • Stayed at: 20B, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles

5

Very peaceful and quite.
Definitely going back!

Timothy L

Verified

August 17, 2020 • Stayed at: 35, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72

4

Hard to get a site on a last minute.

Douglas H

Verified

August 16, 2020 • Stayed at: 60, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72

4

It rained Thursday during the night and when I got up before day break ,I could see the camp ground had alot of standing water in the camp spots. There was 4 bikes and tents and a pickup camper to the west of us.The tents had standing water around them and only believe they had water in then.You need to put in fill dirt and get the water to drain away from the camp spots.Water was over the road in a few spots also.I went to the water hydrent to the north west and got water and it had 1 1/2" of water standing there also.The bath house to shower and it was so humid in there that it was not good .The exaust fan was not running and left there about as wet as I arrived.Was told last year when we were there that the camp ground was in for a upgrades and the spots were going to get fill dirt to bring them up to grade? maybe next year it will get done?Other then that the hosts were friendly and the bath house was clean.Will come back again.

Benjamin S

Verified

August 9, 2020 • Stayed at: 23, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72

5

My first time staying in any federal park, I was traveling west to rushmore and was looking for a spot break for the night. My coworker informed me about this campground and he was right on. Staff was friendly and helpful, even though i pulled in kinda late there was someone waiting to greet us. I was pulling a 35ft trailer and the drive through parking was unbelievably nice. The site said electrical only, but there was a hydrant so close a 10ft hose filled put some water in my tank easy please. In the morning it was a beautiful view and plenty of places for the kids to go play. I recommend not driving through Chamberlain to get there unless you dont mind steep hills and rough roads, the view on that route was amazing though. If I travel out west again I will make sure to book a spot and make time to stay a couple days and go fishing. The dump site is easy to use. Other sites a bit closer to Chamberlain were going for double to triple the amount. For the price savings and view it is worth going off the interstate. Great job 🇺🇸

Kimberley M

Verified

August 6, 2020 • Stayed at: 01, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles

5

Beautiful drive into campground. Well maintained campground and peaceful.

Craig G

Verified

July 25, 2020 • Stayed at: 25, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72

5

clean site and friendly, helpful staff

Christopher W

Verified

July 25, 2020 • Stayed at: 12, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles

2

The spot was awesome, the camp sites were reasonably spaced out. The bathrooms were very purpose built which isn’t bad (remember you are camping).

The campground seems to experience some serious wind. So don’t try and throw a frisbee or disc. Interesting that they have a disc golf course, sounds like frustration.

The biggest downside was the water. We filled a jug and it was completely brown and smelt horrible. After tossing that we tried a different spigot and it was noticeably better. It smelt like chlorine but was still quite brown. Not sure I could trust it.

It’s a good fishing campground but I don’t think I’d spend more than a day or two here. The price is amazing.

Barbara K

Verified

July 24, 2020 • Stayed at: 01, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles

4

We were here just for an overnight. Nice level pull-through site (#1). Showers were good.

Cynthia S

Verified

July 17, 2020 • Stayed at: 10, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles

5

Beautiful spot! Quiet and well spaced. Everyone was super friendly! Loved this spot! Great price too. Definitely return!!

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
Open on Google Maps Open on Apple Maps

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 

Nearby Campgrounds

Robin's Nest RV Park

Robin's Nest RV Park

Gettysburg, SD
5.0 (1)

From $20/night
Midway Gulch

Midway Gulch

Yankton, SD
1.0 (1)

From $70/night
Cedar Pass Campground

Cedar Pass Campground

Interior, SD

Surrounded by the vast, open prairie and featuring expansive views of the Badlands, Cedar Pass Campground is a great base camp from which to explore Badlands National Park. Featuring 96 sites, this...

Nearby destinations

Fort Thompson
Chamberlain
Kennebec