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 537 reviews

Christopher W

Verified

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

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.

Helpful

Cynthia S

Verified

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

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

Helpful

Joseph V

Verified

July 13, 2020 Stayed at: 44, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72

On the plus side, the hostess was incredibly friendly and efficient.
The park was very busy because we were there over the July 4th holiday. The narrow road between rows of RV’s was bordered by many vehicles and boats on trailers. Our site barely accommodated our unit. We understood there was centralized potable water but had no idea we had to cross the road with our hose to get to it. Additionally, when we filled several gallon jugs directly from the available spigot, the water quality was terrible.

Helpful

Tracie H

Verified

July 13, 2020 Stayed at: 68, Loop: Upper Loop Sites 23-72

Love camping here. Great location and great people running the campground. Friendly and helpful.

Helpful

Duane J

Verified

January 24, 2020 Stayed at: 21B, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles

Altho it was just an overnight stop on the way to the Black Hills it was easy in and out. Handy dump station on the way out was convenient.

Helpful

james H

Verified

January 23, 2020 Stayed at: 16B, Loop: Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles

I visit the camp ground in spring and fall and have always found plenty of room when full park is open . The flood kind of cramped things but the improvements will make the visits that much more enjoyable.

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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Population: 2,588

Elevation: 1,411 ft

Chamberlain, SD

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