Camp Observer1 of 9 photos
Left Tailrace
$16.00–$22.00/night
Overview
Left Tailrace Campgound at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Big Bend Project, sits on the shore of Lake Francis Case on the Missouri River below Big Bend Dam. Just upstream of Left Tailrace, Lake Sharpe, a popular recreation destination in the Great Plains,was created by the completion of Big Bend Dam in 1966.
Today, approximately 80,000 acres of public lands and water provide a variety of benefits to the public including flood control, recreation, conservation of our natural resources, fish and wildlife habitat, irrigation, and hydropower production.
It is possible to view many types of wildlife on the Missouri River at Lake Sharpe. Tribal bison herds can be seen grazing the lake area's grasslands north of the towns of Fort Thompson and Lower Brule. The shoreline areas of the lake also offer excellent waterfowl, upland game birds and big game hunting opportunities. Big game animals include whitetail and mule deer, elk, bison, coyotes and wild turkeys. Waterfowl and upland game birds include ducks, geese, pheasants, prairie chickens, and grouse. Hunting regulations are established and enforced by the State of South Dakota, and the Lower Brule and Crow Creek Tribes.
For more information, visit the Big Bend Project website .
Recreation
Lake Sharpe provides many opportunities for outdoor recreation. Recreation areas vary from primitive to highly developed areas like the Left Tailrace area located below the dam. Facilities at the Left Tailrace include campsites with electrical hookups, comfort stations with showers, a dump station, boat ramp, fish cleaning station, courtesy dock, picnic shelters, tables, grills, drinking water, disc golf, etc.Fishing is the main attraction to the area, with walleye being the primary sport fish, although sauger, smallmouth bass, white bass, channel catfish and northern pike also provide great fishing action.
Facilities
Left Tailrace Campground offers 81 electrical hookups and 12 non-electrical tent sites. Electrical sites have a 30 and 50 amp pedastal, paved pull-thru and back-in sites. Left Tailrace Campground also offers men's and women's comfort stations with showers and toilet stalls. Each site has a picnic table and most with shelter covering, fire ring and shade nearby. Tents sites have fire rings and picinic tables. The area also offers large day use areas with shelters and grills, play grounds and a nine-hole disc golf range.Natural Features
Left Tailrace Campground is located in central South Dakota, three miles from the town of Fort Thompson, 20 miles from Chamberlain and 65 miles from Pierre, which is the state capitol.Lake Sharpe was the last of the Missouri River reservoirs completed and follows a serpentine course of 80 miles between Big Bend Dam and Pierre, SD.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (605) 245-2255.Nearby Attractions
Charges & Cancellations
Reservation changes and cancellations can be made on Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
For more information on rules and policies regarding reservation cancellations and changes, please visit: https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies.
Camp site features
Across 91 camp sites:
- Electric hookups: 79 of 91 sites
- Picnic table: all 91 sites
- Pets allowed: all 91 sites
- ADA accessible: 2 of 91 sites
- Longest rig: 89 ft
- Largest party: 8 people
- Power up to 50 amps
- Equipment: RV, Tent, Trailer
Fees
Camping reservations can be made at Recreation.gov or by calling
1-877-444-6777.
Directions
* From west bound I-90 take exit 265 at Chamberalin SD, turn right on to Highway 50 travel approximatly 16 miles, turn left on to BIA Highway 4, travel 8 miles to FT. Thompson SD, turn left on to highway 47 travel 3 miles then take a left at the Left Tailrace Campground sign on Big Bend Dam then travel approximately 1 mile to the Left Tailrace Campground.
* From East bound I-90 take exit 248 at Reliance SD take a left onto Highway 47 north bound, travel 18 miles to Big Bend Dam. Turn right after crossing the Power House bridge, then turn right at the Left Tailrace Campground sign, and travel about 1 mile to the Left Tailrace Campground.
Stay Limit
Check in from 4 PM, check out by 4 PM.
Reviews
Ratings (457)
5 stars
301
4 stars
112
3 stars
26
2 stars
16
1 stars
2
Dorothy C
Loop:Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
Site:22A
Reviewed a day ago
The campground was very neat and clean, and a beautiful view of the water. The restrooms were clean and my Xfinity cell service was good. The host advised me of the best water view site #22A coming available for additional three nights which I reserved to stay longer. It was one of the most beautiful sites I have camped at. The hosts were very friendly and helpful. One day I drove to Chamberlain, SD to visit the Akta Lakota Museum which was very educational, Dignity Statue at the South Dakota Welcome Center and had lunch in town. I would definitely stay there again.
Jennifer G
Loop:Upper Loop Sites 23-72
Site:62
Reviewed 2 days ago
We were there in mid July and it was very mosquito-y. The camp sites were really close together and there was a lot of light in camp. Overall, it wasn’t bad for an overnight stop on a road trip. The bathroom was decent.
Jennifer C
Loop:Tent Area
Site:T07
Reviewed 7 days ago
The campground was clean and tidy with more shade in the tent area than expected. We were here for one night as we’re on a bike tour across country so it was a convenient stopover.
Gina P
Loop:Upper Loop Sites 23-72
Site:41
Reviewed 10 days ago
Beautiful area. Everything you would need and more. Clean and well organized.
Steven F
Loop:Upper Loop Sites 23-72
Site:29
Reviewed 14 days ago
Need to lengthen the asphalt pad on camper clean out spot, it is too short.
Fabian m
Loop:Tent Area
Site:T11
Reviewed 14 days ago
Fantastic staff and they work there hardest to make it comfortable and professional and presentable for people that’s staying there 5⭐️ out of 5 highly recommend it for anyone that a great campsite experience
brandi b
Loop:Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
Site:20B
Reviewed 16 days ago
Perfect place for a family camping trip.
Landrea D
Loop:Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles
Site:02
Reviewed 18 days ago
If you are looking for quiet, this is the place. The park was very clean. There is a casino in the tiny town and a decent grocery store. Great spot for passing through. There is a nine hole disc golf course, horseshoe pits and corn hole games. Clean boat ramp
Les B
Loop:Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles
Site:08
Reviewed 20 days ago
The campground is great, and the help is very nice.
Everything was good except a storm came through, with 65 mph winds and hail. but. that's the weather in south dakota.
Richard B
Loop:Upper Loop Sites 23-72
Site:67
Reviewed 23 days ago
Absolute must if traveling through SD, worth the drive north off I90. The campground is well maintained and groomed. The staff (volunteers) were polite pleasant, they drove around firewood in the afternoon and evening. Good shade while not overbearing, had no trouble connecting starlink.
Paul H
Loop:Upper Loop Sites 23-72
Site:38
Reviewed 23 days ago
The park was very clean all around and the host and maintenance crew were very friendly and helpful.
David H
Loop:Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles
Site:09
Reviewed a month ago
We love going here. Clean, quiet and beautiful.
Tammy M
Loop:Upper Loop Sites 23-72
Site:25
Reviewed a month ago
Basic campground near the community of Fort Thompson.
Carl G
Loop:Upper Loop Sites 23-72
Site:68
Reviewed a month ago
Very good and well-maintained. Good positioning of dumpsters around the campground. Good showers. COMPLAINT: The two access roads down to campground from the highway atop the dam when approaching from the south ARE VERY TIGHT FOR A LARGE RIG AND RIGS TOWING. We had to go past the campground about a half mile and use auxiliary roads to loop around a approach from the north. There should be a warning in the reservation process - unless I missed it!
Jeanne M
Loop:Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
Site:18A
Reviewed a month ago
Unbelievably beautiful location, camp hosts was very considerate and with it raining moved us to a site closer to the ladies rest room
Definately worth the costs and would love to visit again f we are out this way on our route
Mary G
Loop:Upper Loop Sites 23-72
Site:23
Reviewed a month ago
Well-maintained campground. Clean, stocked restrooms. Nice sun/wind screens at most sites. Loved the disc golf course and proximity to the river. Park host was VERY helpful and friendly. Cell service outstanding.
David U
Loop:Upper Loop Sites 23-72
Site:68
Reviewed a month ago
Checking in was very welcoming.
Everything was clean and in good condition!!
Tim O
Loop:Upper Loop Sites 23-72
Site:32
Reviewed a month ago
The campground was well maintained. The restrooms and grounds were clean and checked on regularly. The groundskeepers were so nice and helpful. They went above and beyond to make sure we had what we needed. They were so friendly Throughout the whole stay. We will definitely go back again!
Carol P
Loop:Upper Loop Sites 23-72
Site:25
Reviewed a month ago
Beautiful park. The very best hosts ever. Extremely helpful. Thanks for the great stay!
Sandra S
Loop:Upper Loop Sites 23-72
Site:71
Reviewed a month ago
The place was very clean and quiet. Even when it was busy it was quiet. The kale is gorgeous. Highly recommend this place.
Loretta P
Loop:Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles
Site:01
Reviewed a month ago
This is a great place to camp. Nice clean facilities, and the kindest camp hosts I have ever experienced. We go for a week every year.
Norm d
Loop:Upper Loop Sites 23-72
Site:44
Reviewed a month ago
Site 44 needs some drainage work, otherwise our visit was excellent.
3" of water around our motorhome after 4" rain- a bit annoying.
Raymond P
Loop:Upper Loop Sites 23-72
Site:34
Reviewed a month ago
This campground was very well maintained. The bathroom and shower was very clean. The sites were nice and level which made set up easy.
William Z
Loop:Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles
Site:10
Reviewed a month ago
Very nice campground. Well kept. All staff and contractors were very friendly.
Alyisha N
Loop:Upper Loop Sites 23-72
Site:61
Reviewed a month ago
5 Stars! It’s such a nice relaxing place with great amenities at such a low cost!
Polly M
Loop:Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles
Site:02
Reviewed a month ago
Nice clean campground and comfort facilities. Very friendly and helpful camp hosts. Really enjoyed our 13 days & nights here.
Forrest P
Loop:Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles
Site:07
Reviewed a month ago
Bathroom and showers were clean campsites were mowed and well kept. Camp host was very friendly and accommodating.
Kevin S
Loop:Upper Loop Sites 23-72
Site:23
Reviewed 2 months ago
Campground was very neat. Bathrooms were clean and had adequate supplies. Other amenities like horseshoes, air golf, beanbags, and playground. Was a nice quiet week, fishing was good but mostly to small to keep.
Jean J
Loop:Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
Site:18B
Reviewed 2 months ago
People are always so friendly.
Eric A
Loop:Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles
Site:04
Reviewed 2 months ago
Traveling to Idaho from Wisconsin. Beautiful area with lots of riding on our e-bikes. We only spent one night but we plan to stop again on our way home.
Bill h
Loop:Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles
Site:07
Reviewed 2 months ago
Hassle free and the staff is great.
Wayne G
Loop:Upper Loop Sites 23-72
Site:28
Reviewed 2 months ago
Nice place to camp. Neighbor parked his boat and trailer right next to my fire pit. Would've been nice if he asked since it was on my camp site. Other than that, all was well. Showers and bathrooms were clean.
Errick R
Loop:Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
Site:14A
Reviewed 2 months ago
The camp hosts were very helpful/friendly and the campsite neighbors were also very friendly and helpful.
George M
Loop:Upper Loop Sites 23-72
Site:51
Reviewed 2 months ago
Beautiful place. Very nice and helpful staff. If you are in a motor home or camper, it would be great, but in a tent, noisy and hard to sleep. The dam puts out a constant motor humming noise and traffic over the dam is very noisy.
Carmen S
Loop:Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
Site:19A
Reviewed 2 months ago
This was our first time here and we loved it. We will be back again.
Fred B
Loop:Upper Loop Sites 23-72
Site:61
Reviewed 2 months ago
We stayed at campsites 60. 61. 62. Rentals went from May 11 to May 17. All three campsites we left one day early due to chance of rain.
Was told by campground host he would mail a $62 check to Lincoln Nebraska. To Home address. Today is the end of the month and I haven’t seen a check yet.
Jan S
Loop:Upper Loop Sites 23-72
Site:31
Reviewed 2 months ago
It's a wonderful campsite. Well kept and a lot of different activities for families. Great fishing, too!
William H
Loop:Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
Site:14A
Reviewed 2 months ago
the camp ground was grate but the fishing wasn't
Kathy T
Loop:Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles
Site:01
Reviewed 2 months ago
The campground hosts are first rate! The campground had the water shut off and they bent over backwards to help us find some water. As far as the campground is concerned, this is one unique campround! Great views from any site, sites are very large and sites are level. It is a worthy destination campground, especially if you like to fish, either from shore or a boat. We will certainly be back. Thank you for such a nice campground.
Vicki M
Loop:Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles
Site:22A
Reviewed 2 months ago
We love camping there. It is our favorite place. Everyone is so nice and helpful. It is a beautiful view there. It’s close to home and close to a nice grocery store casinos if you care to go there and Chamberlain not that far to go either.
Popularity
Moderate · 59%
Busiest in July, when about 59% of sites are booked. Based on 7 years of reservations.
Location
CHAMBERLAIN, SD 57325