Lake Thompson Recreation Area
South Dakota State Recreation Area
Lake Thompson Recreation Area entrance fee
Annual: $40 for residents; $60 for nonresidents
Lake Thompson Recreation Area hours
Year-round.
Hours as published by SD Game, Fish and Parks. Check the official page before a long drive.
About Lake Thompson Recreation Area
Once dry pasture, this lake filled past 20 feet in the mid-1980s and is now a National Natural Landmark, and one of Laura Ingalls Wilder's Twin Lakes. Stay at one of 103 campsites, five cabins, or a five-bedroom lodge that began as a farmhouse.
Things to do
- 🥾 Hiking
- 🚲 Biking
- 🛶 Paddling
- 🏊 Swimming
- 🎣 Fishing
- ⛵ Boating
- 🐦 Birding
- 🏹 Hunting
Amenities & facilities
- 🏕️ Campsites
- 🚿 Showers
- 🚻 Restrooms
- 🛖 Cabins
- 🏨 Lodge
- 🛝 Playground
- 🚤 Boat Ramp
- 🚐 RV Dump Station
- ♿ Accessible Facilities
Camping options
- Electric Campsites
- Non-electric Campsites
- Tent-only Campsites
Lodging options
- Camping Cabins — $60 per night
- Group Lodge — $280 per night
Facility hours
Between Oct. 1 and April 30, showers, flush toilets and other water systems may be closed. Please contact the park directly for current status. Vault toilets usually remain open.
Schedules for pools, museums, campgrounds, tours and other facilities inside the park, as published by SD Game, Fish and Parks — not the park's own opening hours.
Contact
Phone605-847-4893
Address21176 Flood Club Road, Lake Preston, SD 57249
🎒 Gear up for Lake Thompson Recreation Area
Popular gear for what this park offers:
- Tents
- Kayaks
- Fishing rods
- Binoculars
- Hiking boots
- Trail cameras
- Bike helmets
- Water shoes
- Life jackets
- Bug spray
- Coolers
- Sleeping bags
- Camp chairs
- Camp stoves
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