Left Tailrace Campground

Is your ideal getaway defined by waterfront tranquility, abundant wildlife, and top-tier fishing access? Left Tailrace Campground, located just three miles from Fort Thompson, South Dakota, is a premier camping destination along the Missouri River, offering a blend of comfort, natural splendor, and recreational activities.

This Army Corps of Engineers-managed campground is situated below the Big Bend Dam, adjacent to Lake Sharpe, an 80-mile-long reservoir celebrated for its recreational opportunities. With 81 paved electric sites (including 30 and 50-amp hookups) and 12 non-electric tent sites, Left Tailrace accommodates RVs, campers, and tents alike. Each site boasts shaded picnic tables, fire rings, and access to modern comfort stations with hot showers, providing an ideal mix of convenience and outdoor charm. Key amenities include a boat ramp, fish cleaning station, playground, nine-hole disc golf course, and large day-use picnic shelters.

The campground is particularly popular among anglers, thanks to its easy access to Lake Sharpe's renowned walleye fishing, alongside opportunities to catch smallmouth bass, sauger, and northern pike. Wildlife enthusiasts will be thrilled by the chance to spot bison herds grazing nearby, as well as deer, pheasants, and waterfowl native to the region. The area’s scenic shoreline and expansive public lands also make it a draw for birdwatching, photography, and peaceful lakeside relaxation.

Set within 30 minutes of Chamberlain and offering proximity to the cultural and natural richness of the Crow Creek and Lower Brule Sioux Tribes, Left Tailrace Campground appeals to both short-term visitors and those seeking an extended outdoor retreat.