Cottonwood (NE)

U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers, Cottonwood Campground, 198 Toe Rd, Yankton, South Dakota, United States
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Sunrise over Lake Yankton from Gavins Point Dam
Playground at Cottonwood Campground
Sunrise on Lake Yankton
Cottonwood Campground, sunny day
Kayaking near Cottonwood Campground

Featured amenities

Pet Friendly Pet Friendly
Playground Playground
View all amenities

About Cottonwood (NE)

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 . 

Available sites

74 total sites
RV Sites 74 sites Check Availability

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
Playground Playground
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Potable Water
On Site Services

On Site Services

  • Playground
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 real-time availability for each site.

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

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.

Based on guest feedback

4.6

Overall rating

Based on 1149 reviews

Write a review
5 stars 75.2% (864)
4 stars 18.0% (207)
3 stars 4.3% (49)
2 stars 1.3% (15)
1 star 1.2% (14)

Showing 1149 reviews

Verified Only
Sort by: Newest First
Newest First Oldest First

don g

Verified

September 18, 2021 Stayed at: 60P, Loop: SLOO

Very comfortable campground. Great walking and biking paths.

Helpful

Jessie P

Verified

September 17, 2021 Stayed at: 71, Loop: SLOO

Great

Helpful

Jessie P

Verified

September 17, 2021 Stayed at: 71, Loop: SLOO

Great

Helpful

Mary W

Verified

September 16, 2021 Stayed at: 60P, Loop: SLOO

The waterfront sites were spectacular. There is a great bike path that is part of the state park about a mile down the road from Cottonwood campground. The town of Yankton has a great waterfront park with walkways along the Missouri River. River’s Edge in Yankton had good food and outdoor dining.

Helpful

Michael F

Verified

September 16, 2021 Stayed at: 62P, Loop: SLOO

Very nice well maintained campground. Beautiful sunrise over the water. Love the sound of wind in the Cottonwoods.

Helpful

Mary W

Verified

September 16, 2021 Stayed at: 60P, Loop: SLOO

The waterfront sites were spectacular. There is a great bike path that is part of the state park about a mile down the road from Cottonwood campground. The town of Yankton has a great waterfront park with walkways along the Missouri River. River’s Edge in Yankton had good food and outdoor dining.

Helpful

Michael F

Verified

September 16, 2021 Stayed at: 62P, Loop: SLOO

Very nice well maintained campground. Beautiful sunrise over the water. Love the sound of wind in the Cottonwoods.

Helpful

Barry S

Verified

September 15, 2021 Stayed at: 02P, Loop: NLOO

Beautiful location, well thought out. Large private camping spaces with trees and nice walking areas with well spaced benches for contemplating nature and the gorgeous scenery. One of our favorite places.

Helpful

Nancy M

Verified

September 15, 2021 Stayed at: 74, Loop: SLOO

Cottonwood is a beautiful campground and we have never been disappointed camping there. The shower houses are always so clean, even when the campground is full which is most of the time. They even come around and clean out our fire pit. The cleaning crew and the check-in personnel are very kind. We plan on doing more camping there since we will be retiring soon.

Helpful

Barry S

Verified

September 15, 2021 Stayed at: 02P, Loop: NLOO

Beautiful location, well thought out. Large private camping spaces with trees and nice walking areas with well spaced benches for contemplating nature and the gorgeous scenery. One of our favorite places.

Helpful

Location & Directions for Cottonwood (NE)

U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers, Cottonwood Campground, 198 Toe Rd, Yankton, SD 57078 United States

Elevation: 361 ft

Getting There

From U.S. Hwy 81 in Yankton, South Dakota, drive four miles west on South Dakota Highway 52, then south on Dam Toe Road and follow signs.

Nearest town

Yankton, SD - 6 mi

About 11 min to downtown

Policies & Rules

Arrival & departure

Check in time

4PM

Check out time

2PM

  • 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.

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Nearby destinations

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Yankton

4 mi away

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Crofton

9 mi away

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Last updated: October 21, 2026

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Explore Yankton, SD

Population: 15,540

Nearby city: Sioux City, IA

Approx. 60 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 1,211 ft

Learn more about Yankton

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US Army Corps of Engineers Logo
Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers