Where the Missouri River Opens Up
Why Rent On Lewis and Clark Lake
Lewis and Clark Lake stretches 25 miles through southeastern South Dakota along the Nebraska border, formed by the Gavin’s Point Dam near the town of Yankton. This is one of four large reservoirs on the Missouri River, and its wide sandy beaches, calm coves, and accessible recreation areas have made it one of the most family-friendly lakes in the entire Great Plains region.
The Case for a Lakeside Rental
Cabins and vacation homes near Lewis and Clark Lake put your family directly inside one of South Dakota’s most actively used outdoor destinations. A rental gives you a full kitchen, private outdoor space, and the lake as your morning view, which is a different experience entirely from a Yankton motel. Cozy camping cabins and cottages are available within the recreation area itself, and private rentals in the surrounding communities offer more space and amenities for larger groups.
Beaches, Boating, and the Gavin’s Point Fish Hatchery
The Lewis and Clark Recreation Area has four modern campgrounds, a boat launch, a swimming beach, and trails for hiking and biking that wind through the landscape along the river. Disc golf on the recreation area’s course is a reliable family activity, and the Gavin’s Point National Fish Hatchery and indoor aquarium, operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is one of the most engaging free attractions in the region for children curious about aquatic life and river ecology.
History at Every Turn
The Bishop Marty Memorial Chapel, a landmark of Catholic mission history in the Dakotas, stands near the lake and is worth a quiet visit. Spirit Mound, associated with the Lewis and Clark Expedition’s 1804 visit, is a short drive north and provides both historical meaning and a genuinely pleasant hike with wide views of the surrounding prairie. The area’s connection to the Corps of Discovery gives the whole stay a sense of place that feels earned.
Yankton and the Missouri River Character
Yankton, South Dakota, is the closest city to the dam and has good restaurants, grocery stores, and a Main Street that still functions as a real downtown. The river and lake together create a landscape that is wider and more dramatic than most Midwestern lake destinations, and the combination of sandy beaches, family-friendly infrastructure, and accessible history makes Lewis and Clark Lake one of the best all-around lake vacation destinations in the northern plains.
- Surface area (mi)
- 7891.41
- Max depth (ft)
- 44.95
- Elevation (ft)
- 1207.35
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 90
Popular activities
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Hiking
Planning a trip?
Tell us about your upcoming trip and how we can help!
Marinas on Lewis and Clark Lake
Nearby lakes
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Lewis and Clark Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
-
Yes, there are designated swimming areas at Lewis and Clark Lake. These areas include swimming beaches at the Lewis & Clark Recreation Area in South Dakota and the Nearby Training Dike Day-Use Area on Lake Yankton.
-
People visit Lewis and Clark Lake because it offers swimming, walking trails, and water activities like fishing and boating. The lake’s diverse recreational opportunities attract a large number of visitors each year, with over 287,000 people visiting in 2018.
-
When fishing on Lewis and Clark Lake in South Dakota, you must drain all water from your bait buckets before leaving the shore or removing your boat from the water to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. This regulation is part of the general rules to protect the lake’s ecosystem. Bait must also be free of aquatic vegetation.
-
The best beach for families at Lewis and Clark Lake is one of the many beaches along the shoreline, which offer various sizes and shade options. These beaches are scattered throughout the area, allowing families to find a spot that suits their needs, with some beaches even accessible by bike trails and offering shade from trees.
-
Towns near Lewis and Clark Lake include Yankton, South Dakota, and Crofton, Nebraska. These towns are located on the border of the U.S. states of Nebraska and South Dakota where the lake is situated on the Missouri River. Yankton is a significant community with various amenities, while Crofton is closer to the lake’s recreational areas.
