How much does camping cost at Cottonwood?

Camping fees at Cottonwood range from $20-$22/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cottonwood first-come first-served or reservation?

Cottonwood accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Cottonwood before I book?

Yes! Cottonwood has 13 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Cottonwood?

Cottonwood is open April 16 to October 18. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Cottonwood?

Yes, Cottonwood has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Cottonwood?

Cell phone service at Cottonwood is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Cottonwood have?

Cottonwood has 77 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cottonwood?

Yes, pets are allowed at Cottonwood. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Cottonwood?

Cottonwood offers: Restrooms, Showers, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Sewer Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Cottonwood?

Popular activities at Cottonwood include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Cottonwood (Ne)

4.29

462 reviews

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND, 198 TOE RD, YANKTON, SD, 57078

Top 24% in SDSpring

Summer Destination

Featured in:RV Camping South Dakota#3 Family-Friendly Campgrounds South Dakota#3 Spring Camping South Dakota +4 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,194 ft

Price

$20 - $22/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

77 campsites

Season

Open from April 17 t...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,194 ft

Price

$20 - $22/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

77 campsites

Season

Open from April 17 t...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Cottonwood (Ne)

$20.00 - $22.00 / night

Campsite Fees

PRIME CAMPSITES: $22.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

402-667-2546. FOR RESERVATIONS, CALL 877-444-6777.

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND, 198 TOE RD, YANKTON, SD, 57078

Cottonwood (Ne)

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND, 198 TOE RD, YANKTON, SD, 57078

Nearby places

Yankton, SD: Approximately 4 miles (10-minute drive)

Weather at Cottonwood (Ne)

Best Time to Camp at Cottonwood (Ne)

Best season: summer. Summer offers the fullest range of activities at Cottonwood — warm, sunny days for swimming, boating and peak fishing on Lake Yankton with daytime highs typically around 75–90°F (24–32°C) and cool evenings in the 50s–60s°F (10–20°C). All campground facilities (hot showers, electric hookups, playground and the 18‑hole disc golf course) are fully available and long daylight gives more time on the water and trails. Expect higher occupancy and busy holiday weekends, so reserve early for prime sites. Peak months: June, July, August Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer (peak) offers full activities, best weather and long days; can be crowded but highly active.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 16 to October 18. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from April 17 to October 19 (peak season).

About Cottonwood (Ne)

Cottonwood sits on Lewis and Clark Lake near Yankton, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This large foothills campground offers both tent and RV sites with electric and sewer hookups, hot showers, and a dump station. Campers fish, boat, hike, and bike during the seasonal operating window, with spacious sites and clean facilities drawing consistent praise.

Cottonwood Recreation Area provides reservable camping options, including sites with electric hookups. Primitive camping is not mentioned.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the fullest range of activities at Cottonwood — warm, sunny days for swimming, boating and peak fishing on Lake Yankton with daytime highs typically around 75–90°F (24–32°C) and cool evenings in the 50s–60s°F (10–20°C). All campground facilities (hot showers, electric hookups, playground and the 18‑hole disc golf course) are fully available and long daylight gives more time on the water and trails. Expect higher occupancy and busy holiday weekends, so reserve early for prime sites. Peak months: June, July, August Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation1194 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryGolden chalkstone cliffs line the Missouri River Valley here, creating dramatic geology visible from camp. Lake Yankton provides calmer water than the main river channel. The cottonwood groves and wooded areas attract bald eagles, whitetail deer (especially at dawn and dusk), and wild turkeys that wander through campsites. The lake itself has some moss and vegetation in the water, which reviewers note when planning swimming or water sports. Elevation is 1,194 feet.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground provides standard campsites with electric hookups, featuring paved and pea gravel pads. However, no hotel-style lodging exists on-site. Reviews commend the spaciousness and scenic beauty of sites, especially those overlooking Lake Yankton.

Programs & ActivitiesEducational programs are accessible at the nearby Lewis and Clark Visitor Center, including exhibits on the Missouri River and the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is 15 nights
maximum total stay is 14 nights within rolling 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum 8 people allowed per campsite.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov, the mobile app, or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

AccessibilityCampsites include accessible fishing docks and paved trails. Users highlighted the accessibility of restrooms and picnic facilities.

Site SizeCampsites are described as spacious and capable of accommodating larger rigs, though specific dimensions are not provided.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by campsite, with some sites being well-shaded and secluded, while others are noted for a lack of ground-cover separation between sites.

Total Campsites77 campsites

Recommended SitesRecommend sites 11, 10, 9 for proximity to the water and trees for hammocks. Larger rigs should be cautious about site lengths.

Best CampsitesSite 04P gets high marks for views directly over the lake from camper doors and windows. Privacy varies across the campground. Some sites have good shade and seclusion, while others lack ground cover between neighbors.

Need help booking Cottonwood (Ne)?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Cottonwood Recreation Area offers extensive amenities catering to diverse camping needs. All 77 campsites include electric hookups, modern shower houses with flush toilets, playgrounds, picnic shelters, and facilities such as horseshoe pits and disc golf courses. A boat ramp provides access to Lake Yankton, and an accessible fishing dock further enhances the recreational experience. Trash collection is available, but reviews highlight shortcomings in signage and maintenance for navigating the campground. "Very clean bathrooms available," said multiple users, though issues like low water pressure and lack of toilet paper were noted. Cell phone service is reportedly accessible but lacks clarity on specific networks.

Showers

Electricity hookups

Sewer hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

A wide range of activities are available at Cottonwood Recreation Area. Popular options include fishing, boating, hiking, biking, and disc golf. Reviews highlight the lake's suitability for kayaking and paddleboarding, though some complain about moss and plants interfering with water activities. Winter recreational opportunities include ice fishing, snowmobiling, and sledding. "The biking and hiking trails nearby were good," said one reviewer.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

462 reviews

Satisfactory

Cottonwood (Ne) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews offer a diverse range of perspectives, highlighting cleanliness, well-maintained grounds, and friendly staff. However, recurring issues such as maintenance gaps, site confusion, and wildlife disturbances are noted. "Cottonwood is only place we like to stay at," summarized one user.

Review Summaries

Based on 462 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 462 reviews.

Site 11Mentioned
Site 11 experienced wildlife disturbances post-spraying.
Site 66PMentioned
Site 66P offered scenic beauty but had tight navigation due to tree placement.
Site 71Mentioned
Site 71 had cigarette butts littering the area.
Site 40Issues noted
Site 40 faced issues with being occupied upon arrival.

What Campers Love

Clean bathrooms and shower houses, scenic beauty, spacious sites, and friendly hosts consistently earn praise. "Beautiful setting! Spacious campsites!" wrote one reviewer.

Based on 462 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative aspects include potholes, inconsistent maintenance, lack of signage clarity, and disturbances from wildlife or other campers. "We lost our $20 dollar fee. Stayed at Yankton KOA instead,"...

Based on 462 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring extra toilet paper and cleaning supplies in case of shortages. "Bathrooms were very clean, they were just out of toilet paper a lot," advised a user. Plan for water-related activities but be...

Based on 462 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Peak seasons like summer are crowded but offer excellent weather and activities. Winter months provide opportunities for ice fishing and skiing. "Time at Cottonwood is always enjoyable," a reviewer...

Based on 462 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Very clean bathrooms available." "Cottonwood campground has many families camping together throughout the summer." "Beautiful park with lots of trees, a few spots on the water." "Bathrooms were...

Based on 462 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible docks and paved trails are available, but no reviews specifically from users with disabilities emphasize accessibility experiences.

Based on 462 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies require leashes under six feet. Some reviewers mentioned issues with barking dogs and disturbances but overall pet policies seem accommodating.

Based on 462 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want spacious lakefront sites with full hookups and clean facilities for fishing and boating.

Skip if

You need smooth roads throughout or guaranteed camp host presence at your site.

Nearby Campgrounds

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, NEBRASKA TAILWATERS RECREATION AREA, 55291 HWY 121, CROFTON, NE 68730

Nebraska Tailwaters sits on the Missouri River below Gavins Point Dam at Lewis and Clark Lake, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The mid-sized campground offers electric hookups, showers, and a dump station in rolling foothills terrain near Crofton. Anglers target walleye, smallmouth bass, and catfish in the tailwater, while boaters and wildlife watchers enjoy access to the river and surrounding landscape.

$18.00 - $35.00 / night

54731 897 Rd, Crofton, Nebraska, 68730-3290, United States

Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area sits on Nebraska's second-largest lake in the northeastern corner of the state near Crofton. The recreation area offers 250 campsites across five areas, accommodating tents, RVs, and primitive campers, with fees ranging from $6 to $60 per night. Modern amenities include electric hookups, flush toilets, hot showers, and a camp store, though reviews consistently mention dirty restrooms and roads in poor condition.

$6.00 - $60.00 / night

0.0

(3)

Green Island Primitive Camping

Missouri National Recreational River

Green Island Primitive Camping sits on the Missouri National Recreational River in South Dakota at 1,171 feet elevation, accessible by boat. The five primitive sites offer fire rings and tent camping in a riparian forest setting ideal for kayakers, canoeists, and anglers seeking a true backcountry experience on the water.

Bow Creek Primitive Camping

Missouri National Recreational River

Bow Creek Primitive Camping sits in the foothills where Bow Creek flows into the Missouri National Recreational River in South Dakota. This free, no-frills site offers fire rings and access to fishing, hiking, and hunting along the river corridor. The dirt access road can be rough, but the scenic location and wildlife activity draw visitors willing to trade convenience for solitude.

Campgrounds

Lewis and Clark Lake

Cottonwood (Ne)

About Lewis and Clark Lake

Context for the broader area surrounding Cottonwood (Ne), sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Straddling the Nebraska/South Dakota border, Gavins Point Dam, SD is the smallest of the six Missouri River main stem dams and the southernmost dam on the river. Lewis and Clark Lake, named for the first documented explorers of the Louisiana Territory, is 25 miles long, has 90 miles of shoreline, and 27 recreation areas offering camping, picnicking, fishing, hunting, boating, water-skiing, swimming, bird-watching, hiking, photography, and biking opportunities.

Directions

From Yankton, west on SD 52 or north on northeast 121.