Cottonwood Recreation Area is located just downstream of Gavins Point Dam and Lewis & Clark Lake along the western shore of Lake Yankton. The numerous outdoor recreational opportunities attract more than 2 million visitors annually to the Lewis & Clark Lake area, making it one of the most popular recreation destinations in the Upper Great Plains. Lewis & Clark Lake is 31,400-acres in size with more than 90 mi of shoreline is impounded by Gavins Point Dam, which was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1944, commonly called the Pick-Sloan Plan.
For more information about Lewis and Clark Lake, please visit the Gavins Point Project website .
Operating hours and availability for the current season.
Upcoming seasons
Planned operating dates for future seasons to help you plan ahead.
Past seasons
Historical operating dates from previous years for reference.
Closed periods
View dates when this campground is temporarily closed during the season.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently closed
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Pet friendly
Playground
Water and Hygiene
Potable Water
On Site Services
Playground
Water Access
Lake Access
Pets and Policies
Pet friendly
Missing information?
Rates, Sites & Availability
Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.
74
Sites Available
🚐01P, Loop: NLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 12 ft wide
🚐02P, Loop: NLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐03, Loop: NLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 69 × 12 ft
🚐04P, Loop: NLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 12 ft wide
🚐05, Loop: NLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 57 × 12 ft
🚐06P, Loop: NLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 60 × 12 ft
🚐07, Loop: NLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 66 × 12 ft
🚐08P, Loop: NLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 64 × 12 ft
🚐09P, Loop: NLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 65 × 12 ft
🚐10P, Loop: NLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 61 × 12 ft
🚐11, Loop: NLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 71 × 12 ft
🚐12, Loop: NLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 64 × 12 ft
🚐13, Loop: NLOO
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 46 × 12 ft
🚐14, Loop: NLOO
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 46 × 12 ft
🚐15, Loop: NLOO
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 32 × 12 ft
🚐16, Loop: NLOO
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 50 × 12 ft
🚐17, Loop: NLOO
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 50 × 12 ft
🚐18, Loop: NLOO
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 48 × 12 ft
🚐19, Loop: NLOO
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 49 × 12 ft
🚐20, Loop: NLOO
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 52 × 12 ft
🚐21, Loop: NLOO
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 50 × 12 ft
🚐22, Loop: NLOO
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 69 × 12 ft
🚐23, Loop: NLOO
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 41 × 12 ft
🚐24, Loop: NLOO
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 63 × 12 ft
🚐25, Loop: NLOO
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 58 × 12 ft
🚐26, Loop: NLOO
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 66 × 12 ft
🚐27, Loop: NLOO
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 50 × 12 ft
🚐28, Loop: NLOO
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 48 × 12 ft
🚐30, Loop: NLOO
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 49 × 12 ft
🚐31, Loop: NLOO
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 99 × 12 ft
🚐32, Loop: NLOO
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 55 × 12 ft
🚐33, Loop: NLOO
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 66 × 12 ft
🚐34, Loop: NLOO
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 51 × 12 ft
🚐35, Loop: SLOO
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 39 × 12 ft
🚐36, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 60 × 12 ft
🚐37, Loop: SLOO
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 69 × 12 ft
🚐38, Loop: SLOO
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 61 × 12 ft
🚐39, Loop: SLOO
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 54 × 12 ft
🚐40, Loop: SLOO
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 60 × 12 ft
🚐41, Loop: SLOO
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 60 × 12 ft
🚐42, Loop: SLOO
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 66 × 12 ft
🚐43, Loop: SLOO
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 51 × 12 ft
🚐45, Loop: SLOO
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 89 × 12 ft
🚐46, Loop: SLOO
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 55 × 12 ft
🚐47, Loop: SLOO
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 73 × 12 ft
🚐48, Loop: SLOO
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 46 × 12 ft
🚐49, Loop: SLOO
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 49 × 12 ft
🚐50, Loop: SLOO
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 43 × 12 ft
🚐51, Loop: SLOO
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 125 × 12 ft
🚐52, Loop: SLOO
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 41 × 12 ft
🚐53P, Loop: SLOO
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 65 × 12 ft
🚐54, Loop: SLOO
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 37 × 12 ft
🚐55, Loop: SLOO
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 34 × 12 ft
🚐56, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 57 × 12 ft
🚐57P, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 80 × 12 ft
🚐58, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 70 × 12 ft
🚐59P, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 61 × 12 ft
🚐60P, Loop: SLOO
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 60 × 12 ft
🚐61, Loop: SLOO
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 51 × 12 ft
🚐62P, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 57 × 12 ft
🚐63, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 58 × 12 ft
🚐64P, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 52 × 12 ft
🚐65, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 43 × 12 ft
🚐66P, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 65 × 12 ft
🚐67, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 63 × 12 ft
🚐68, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 42 × 12 ft
🚐69, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 55 × 12 ft
🚐70, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 47 × 12 ft
🚐71, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 37 × 12 ft
🚐72, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 51 × 12 ft
🚐74, Loop: SLOO
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 52 × 12 ft
🚐75, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 62 × 12 ft
🚐76, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 47 × 12 ft
🚐77, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 49 × 12 ft
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Site Details
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74
Sites Available
Site
Price
🚐01P, Loop: NLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 12 ft wide
🚐02P, Loop: NLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐03, Loop: NLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 69 × 12 ft
🚐04P, Loop: NLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 12 ft wide
🚐05, Loop: NLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 57 × 12 ft
🚐06P, Loop: NLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 60 × 12 ft
🚐07, Loop: NLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 66 × 12 ft
🚐08P, Loop: NLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 64 × 12 ft
🚐09P, Loop: NLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 65 × 12 ft
🚐10P, Loop: NLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 61 × 12 ft
🚐11, Loop: NLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 71 × 12 ft
🚐12, Loop: NLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 64 × 12 ft
🚐13, Loop: NLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 46 × 12 ft
🚐14, Loop: NLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 46 × 12 ft
🚐15, Loop: NLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 32 × 12 ft
🚐16, Loop: NLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 50 × 12 ft
🚐17, Loop: NLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 50 × 12 ft
🚐18, Loop: NLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 48 × 12 ft
🚐19, Loop: NLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 49 × 12 ft
🚐20, Loop: NLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 52 × 12 ft
🚐21, Loop: NLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 50 × 12 ft
🚐22, Loop: NLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 69 × 12 ft
🚐23, Loop: NLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 41 × 12 ft
🚐24, Loop: NLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 63 × 12 ft
🚐25, Loop: NLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 58 × 12 ft
🚐26, Loop: NLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 66 × 12 ft
🚐27, Loop: NLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 50 × 12 ft
🚐28, Loop: NLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 48 × 12 ft
🚐30, Loop: NLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 49 × 12 ft
🚐31, Loop: NLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 99 × 12 ft
🚐32, Loop: NLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 55 × 12 ft
🚐33, Loop: NLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 66 × 12 ft
🚐34, Loop: NLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 51 × 12 ft
🚐35, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 39 × 12 ft
🚐36, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 60 × 12 ft
🚐37, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 69 × 12 ft
🚐38, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 61 × 12 ft
🚐39, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 54 × 12 ft
🚐40, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 60 × 12 ft
🚐41, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 60 × 12 ft
🚐42, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 66 × 12 ft
🚐43, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 51 × 12 ft
🚐45, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 89 × 12 ft
🚐46, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 55 × 12 ft
🚐47, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 73 × 12 ft
🚐48, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 46 × 12 ft
🚐49, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 49 × 12 ft
🚐50, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 43 × 12 ft
🚐51, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 125 × 12 ft
🚐52, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 41 × 12 ft
🚐53P, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 65 × 12 ft
🚐54, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 37 × 12 ft
🚐55, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 34 × 12 ft
🚐56, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 57 × 12 ft
🚐57P, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 80 × 12 ft
🚐58, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 70 × 12 ft
🚐59P, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 61 × 12 ft
🚐60P, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 60 × 12 ft
🚐61, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 51 × 12 ft
🚐62P, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 57 × 12 ft
🚐63, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 58 × 12 ft
🚐64P, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 52 × 12 ft
🚐65, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 43 × 12 ft
🚐66P, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 65 × 12 ft
🚐67, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 63 × 12 ft
🚐68, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 42 × 12 ft
🚐69, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 55 × 12 ft
🚐70, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 47 × 12 ft
🚐71, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 37 × 12 ft
🚐72, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 51 × 12 ft
🚐74, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 52 × 12 ft
🚐75, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 62 × 12 ft
🚐76, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 47 × 12 ft
🚐77, Loop: SLOO
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · 49 × 12 ft
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Reviews
1149 reviews
Summary
AI generated
Cottonwood Campground is consistently praised for its beautiful scenery, cleanliness, and friendly atmosphere. Recent upgrades, such as concrete pads and improved facilities, have enhanced the camping experience, along with the quiet surroundings and ample shade. While some visitors noted minor concerns like the lack of full hookups and the need for trimming trees, overall, campers enjoyed their stays and appreciated the well-kept amenities and peaceful environment.
We would of enjoyed it more if it hadn't been a hassle to get a spot to camp! We were on our way home from the Black Hills and wanted to camp in Yankton for the night. We pulled in and the host said we had to go online and get a confirmation #. What a pain! I was almost in tears by the time we got a spot confirmed and paid for! Luckily the host and husband were very helpful. The website was not friendly and then we had to pay for two nights even though we stayed only one night since it was a Friday. There was no map of campground so you did not know what spot you were picking.
We will definitely think twice about staying and a state park again. I would rate it a 1 out of 10.
we came 9/20/23 and we will stay till 10/4/23 it is very peaceful here and scenery is very beautiful enjoy going fishing which hasn't been that great but that's ok just enjoy it anyway and if camping from Oct 1st to the 31st you have hit SD paddle fishing snagging season which is very wild and entertaining to watch we just like it here
This was an absolutely gorgeous campground sitting on the lake. The place was immaculately groomed and the large cottonwoods were beautiful.
We had three strong bars of cellular. We had 50 amp service, but no water or sewer. The dump site was easy to assess. There were miles of bike trails also.
This was an absolutely gorgeous campground sitting on the lake. The place was immaculately groomed and the large cottonwoods were beautiful.
We had three strong bars of cellular. We had 50 amp service, but no water or sewer. The dump site was easy to assess. There were miles of bike trails also.
The repair work that removed us earlier in the month was corrected and everything was well. We appreciate the cleanliness and courtesy that the hosts possess.
The repair work that removed us earlier in the month was corrected and everything was well. We appreciate the cleanliness and courtesy that the hosts possess.
Making progress with the payment on driveways. Can’t believe the paving crews did not seal all of the blacktop when finished. The job is only half finished. Someday the pavement issue will have to be revisited sooner than later. What were they thinking! The only issue here is the gravel pads are still not paved. Hope they use concrete as they are in dire need of updating. Holes all over the park. "I mean deep holes!" Seems when tree stumps were ground out either there was no dirt put in place or what was has settled. Big dogs have dug deep holes around electric boxes and such. I really believe the park manager (David) is the laziest SOB in charge of everything that never gets done or finished. I hear he is only about three years from retirement and we believe he has taken the easy way out.... Just doing his disappearing act. South Dakota parks are so nice and beautiful. He wouldn't last long working for that system. Cottonwood has really gone to the dogs! Need new grass spread in place of weeds. Shame on him!
Making progress with the payment on driveways. Can’t believe the paving crews did not seal all of the blacktop when finished. The job is only half finished. Someday the pavement issue will have to be revisited sooner than later. What were they thinking! The only issue here is the gravel pads are still not paved. Hope they use concrete as they are in dire need of updating. Holes all over the park. "I mean deep holes!" Seems when tree stumps were ground out either there was no dirt put in place or what was has settled. Big dogs have dug deep holes around electric boxes and such. I really believe the park manager (David) is the laziest SOB in charge of everything that never gets done or finished. I hear he is only about three years from retirement and we believe he has taken the easy way out.... Just doing his disappearing act. South Dakota parks are so nice and beautiful. He wouldn't last long working for that system. Cottonwood has really gone to the dogs! Need new grass spread in place of weeds. Shame on him!
Helpful
Location & Directions for Cottonwood (NE)
U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers, Cottonwood Campground, 198 Toe Rd, Yankton, SD 57078 United States
Campers must check in, with limits on guests, campsite types, vehicle parking, and pet regulations.
Contact information for park staff is provided for inquiries.
Cancellation policy
Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.
Fires & fuel
Bringing firewood from outside the area is prohibited to protect local forests.
Safety & rules
Boaters and anglers must clean, drain, and dry equipment to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.