## Overview

Cottonwood Day Use Shelter is located near Lake Yankton in Cottonwood Day Use
Area.

## Recreation

Horse shoe pits, a disc golf course, a sand volleyball court, and a playground
all sit next to the Cottonwood Day Use Shelter. It is also close to Lake
Yankton which has plenty of shoreline access for fishing.

## Facilities

The shelter has lights, electricty, water near by, and a large grill.

## Nearby Attractions

Nearby attractions include, Gavins Point Dam, Lewis and Clark and historic
Yankton, SD.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>Cottonwood Day Use Shelter is located near Lake Yankton in Cottonwood Day Use Area. </p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Horse shoe pits, a disc golf course, a sand volleyball court, and a playground all sit next to the Cottonwood Day Use Shelter. It is also close to Lake Yankton which has plenty of shoreline access for fishing.</p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>The shelter has lights, electricty, water near by, and a large grill. </p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>Nearby attractions include, Gavins Point Dam, Lewis and Clark and historic Yankton, SD.</p>

Cottonwood Day Use Shelter

Cottonwood Day Use Area playground

Cottonwood Day Use Area

Lake Yankton

Cottonwood (NE) Day Use Shelter

## Overview

**Cottonwood Recreation Area** is located just downstream of Gavins Point Dam
and Lewis & Clark Lake along the western shore of Lake Yankton. The numerous
outdoor recreational opportunities attract more than 2 million visitors
annually to the Lewis & Clark Lake area, making it one of the most popular
recreation destinations in the Upper Great Plains. Lewis & Clark Lake is
31,400-acres in size with more than 90 miles of shoreline is impounded by
Gavins Point Dam, which was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1944,
commonly called the Pick-Sloan Plan.

For more information about Lewis and Clark Lake, please visit the Gavins Point
Project website .

## Recreation

**Cottonwood Recreation Area** is conveniently located between Lewis and Clark
Lake and Lake Yankton. Lewis and Clark Lake is known for great boating,
sailing, swimming and other water-based recreation activities. Lake Yankton is
popular with families as a popular fishing spot along with the excellent
kayaking, canoeing and paddling opportunities. Numerous paved, multi-use
trails connect the area with the additional numerous recreation areas located
along Lewis and Clark Lake, Lake Yankton and the Missouri River. Lewis and
Clark Lake attracts more than 2 million visitors each year to its shores.
Recreation opportunities around the lake include camping, fishing, hunting,
hiking, boating, sailing, swimming, bird-watching, and photography.

For the biking and hiking enthusiasts, three trails are available in the area.
They include a paved trail that runs from Yankton to the Gavins Point area, a
multi-use trail in the Gavins Point area and the Calumet Bluff hiking trail
located near the visitor center. Wintertime activities include ice fishing,
cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and sledding.

Developed public parks and recreation areas surround the lake above and below
Gavins Point Dam. Camping facilities provided by the Corps and the States of
South Dakota and Nebraska include marinas, boat ramps, trails, campsites with
electricity, modern restrooms, playground equipment and trailer dump stations.

## Facilities

All 77 campsites have electric hookups, and all sites are reservable. Two
modern shower houses with flush toilets are available for campers. A
playground, horseshoe pits and picnic shelter are available within the
campground and the adjacent Day-Use Area has a large reservable picnic
shelter, picnic area, accessible fishing dock, disc golf course and a boat
ramp for access to Lake Yankton. Nearby Training Dike Day-Use Area has a
popular swimming beach on Lake Yankton along with access to the Missouri River
downstream of Gavins Point Dam. A RV dump station is located just north of
Cottonwood Campground off of Toe Road.

## Natural Features

**Cottonwood Recreation Area** is located in the in the lush golden
chalkstone-lined Missouri River Valley. Many visitors to the lake area prefer
to stay at Cottonwood because of the calmer, quieter waters of Lake Yankton, a
much smaller lake of approximately 250-acres in size - versus the much larger
Lewis and Clark Lake upstream of the dam. Lake Yankton provides excellent
habitat for a variety of waterfowl and other bird species. The area abounds
with wildlife including Whitetail Deer, turkeys, and other game species. Bald
Eagles and other birds of prey are spotted by visitors regularly due to the
great fishing opportunities available year-round.

## Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (402) 667-2546.

## Nearby Attractions

  * The Lewis and Clark Visitor Center: Contains exhibits on the Missouri River and area history including the Lewis and Clark Expedition with stunning views of Lewis and Clark Lake along with the Missouri River. Please contact the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center at (402) 667-2546 for more information.

  * The Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium

  * Visit nearby Yankton, South Dakota \- the historic capitol of the Dakota Territory.

  * Located both upstream and downstream of Lewis and Clark Lake, visit the Missouri National Recreational River .

## 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.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p><strong>Cottonwood Recreation Area</strong> is located just downstream of Gavins Point Dam and Lewis & Clark Lake along the western shore of Lake Yankton. The numerous outdoor recreational opportunities attract more than 2 million visitors annually to the Lewis & Clark Lake area, making it one of the most popular recreation destinations in the Upper Great Plains. Lewis & Clark Lake is 31,400-acres in size with more than 90 miles of shoreline is impounded by Gavins Point Dam, which was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1944, commonly called the Pick-Sloan Plan.  </p>
<p>For more information about Lewis and Clark Lake, please visit the Gavins Point Project <a href="https://www.nwo.usace.army.mil/Missions/Dam-and-Lake-Projects/Missouri-River-Dams/Gavins-Point/" rel="nofollow">website</a> . </p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p><strong>Cottonwood Recreation Area </strong>is conveniently located between Lewis and Clark Lake and Lake Yankton. Lewis and Clark Lake is known for great boating, sailing, swimming and other water-based recreation activities. Lake Yankton is popular with families as a popular fishing spot along with the excellent kayaking, canoeing and paddling opportunities. Numerous paved, multi-use trails connect the area with the additional numerous recreation areas located along Lewis and Clark Lake, Lake Yankton and the Missouri River. Lewis and Clark Lake attracts more than 2 million visitors each year to its shores. Recreation opportunities around the lake include camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, boating, sailing, swimming, bird-watching, and photography. </p>
<p>For the biking and hiking enthusiasts, three trails are available in the area. They include a paved trail that runs from Yankton to the Gavins Point area, a multi-use trail in the Gavins Point area and the Calumet Bluff hiking trail located near the visitor center. Wintertime activities include ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and sledding. </p>
<p>Developed public parks and recreation areas surround the lake above and below Gavins Point Dam. Camping facilities provided by the Corps and the States of South Dakota and Nebraska include marinas, boat ramps, trails, campsites with electricity, modern restrooms, playground equipment and trailer dump stations.</p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>All 77 campsites have electric hookups, and all sites are reservable. Two modern shower houses with flush toilets are available for campers. A playground, horseshoe pits and picnic shelter are available within the campground and the adjacent Day-Use Area has a large reservable picnic shelter, picnic area, accessible fishing dock, disc golf course and a boat ramp for access to Lake Yankton. Nearby Training Dike Day-Use Area has a popular swimming beach on Lake Yankton along with access to the Missouri River downstream of Gavins Point Dam. A RV dump station is located just north of Cottonwood Campground off of Toe Road. </p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p><strong>Cottonwood Recreation Area</strong> is located in the in the lush golden chalkstone-lined Missouri River Valley. Many visitors to the lake area prefer to stay at Cottonwood because of the calmer, quieter waters of Lake Yankton, a much smaller lake of approximately 250-acres in size - versus the much larger Lewis and Clark Lake upstream of the dam. Lake Yankton provides excellent habitat for a variety of waterfowl and other bird species. The area abounds with wildlife including Whitetail Deer, turkeys, and other game species. Bald Eagles and other birds of prey are spotted by visitors regularly due to the great fishing opportunities available year-round. </p>

<h2>Contact Info</h2>
For facility specific information, please call (402) 667-2546.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<ul><li><p>The <a href="https://www.nwo.usace.army.mil/Missions/Dam-and-Lake-Projects/Missouri-River-Dams/Gavins-Point/" rel="nofollow">Lewis and Clark Visitor Center</a>: Contains exhibits on the Missouri River and area history including the Lewis and Clark Expedition with stunning views of Lewis and Clark Lake along with the Missouri River.  Please contact the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center at (402) 667-2546 for more information.</p></li><li><p>The <a href="https://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/fisheries/gavinsPoint.php" rel="nofollow">Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium</a> </p></li><li><p>Visit nearby <a href="https://www.visityanktonsd.com/" rel="nofollow">Yankton, South Dakota</a> - the historic capitol of the Dakota Territory.</p></li><li><p>Located both upstream and downstream of Lewis and Clark Lake, visit the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/mnrr/index.htm" rel="nofollow">Missouri National Recreational River</a> .</p></li></ul><h2>Charges & Cancellations</h2>
<p>Reservation changes and cancellations can be made on Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.  </p>

<p>For more information on rules and policies regarding reservation cancellations and changes, please visit: <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies" rel="nofollow">https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies</a>.   </p>

Camping reservations can be made at Recreation.gov or by calling
1-877-444-6777.

Sunrise over Lake Yankton from Gavins Point Dam

View of Lake Yankton from Lewis & Clark Visitor Center

Kayaking on Lake Yankton with Cottonwood Campground in the background.

Kayaking near Cottonwood Campground

Playground at Cottonwood Campground

Paddling Lake Yankton

Cottonwood Campground, sunny day

Cottonwood Campground with Lake Yankton in background.

Cottonwood Campground and Lake Yankton in background.

Kayaking Lake Yankton

Cottonwood Campground entrance, located just downstream of Gavins Point Dam.

Cottonwood Campground, Gavins Point Project - Lewis and Clark Lake

Entrance Station

Fall colors at Cottonwood Campground

Sunrise over Lake Yankton & Cottonwood Campground

The sun rises above Lake Yankton, located below Gavins Point Dam.

Sunrise on Lake Yankton

Cottonwood (Ne)

## Overview

The Gavins Point Overlook Shelter sits on the south side of the Missouri River
above Gavins Point Dam.

## Recreation

Activities near the shelter include, horseshoe pits, a sand volleyball court,
and a playground.

## Facilities

There is a water-based restroom adjacent to the shelter.

## Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (402) 667-2546.

## Nearby Attractions

Nearby attractions include, Gavins Point Dam, Lewis and Clark and historic
Yankton, SD.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>The Gavins Point Overlook Shelter sits on the south side of the Missouri River above Gavins Point Dam.</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Activities near the shelter include, horseshoe pits, a sand volleyball court, and a playground. </p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>There is a water-based restroom adjacent to the shelter.</p>

<h2>Contact Info</h2>
For facility specific information, please call (402) 667-2546.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>Nearby attractions include, Gavins Point Dam, Lewis and Clark and historic Yankton, SD.</p>

Overlook Shelter

Overlook shelter

Inside of shelter

Shelter view of Gavins Point Dam

Gavins Point Overlook Day Use Shelter

## Overview

**Nebraska Tailwaters Campground** is nestled along the Nebraska bank of the
Missouri River, is a fun-filled camping destination just downstream of Gavins
Point Dam and Lewis & Clark Lake. The 31,400-acre Lewis & Clark Lake and
Gavins Point Dam are nestled in the golden, chalkstone-lined valley of the
Missouri River growing into one of the most popular recreation destinations in
the Great Plains.

For more information, please visit the Gavins Point Project Website.

## Recreation

Located just below Gavins Point Dam in the dam "Tailwaters" provides
exceptional access to the Missouri River. A large 2-lane boat ramp, large
parking area is available, along with an accessible fishing pier and many
areas for bank fishing. The Lewis and Clark Lake area attracts more than 2
million visitors each year to its shores. Recreation opportunities around the
lake include camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, boating, sailing, swimming,
bird-watching, and photography.

For the biking and hiking enthusiasts, three trails are available in the area.
They include a paved trail that runs from Yankton to the Gavins Point area, a
multi-use trail in the Gavins Point area and the Calumet Bluff hiking trail
located near the visitor center. Wintertime activities include ice fishing,
cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and sledding.

Developed public parks and recreation areas surround the lake above and below
Gavins Point Dam. Camping facilities provided by the Corps and the States of
South Dakota and Nebraska include boat ramps, picnic areas, campsites with
electricity, modern restrooms, playground equipment and trailer dump stations.

## Facilities

Nebraska Tailwaters offers 36 campsites, 34 of these campsites have electric
hookups and 2 of the campsites are non-electric and are for tent camping only.
Amenities include modern shower facilities with flush toilets, river access
with shore fishing, handicap accessible fishing pier, boat ramp, fish cleaning
station and RV dump station. There is also a Group Camping Area with electric
hookups, picnic shelter, fire pit, grill, and vault toilet.

## Natural Features

The campground sits on the south bank of the Missouri River, along the
tailwaters of Gavins Point Dam. Surrounding the area is the golden,
chalkstone-lined Missouri River Valley. Nebraska Tailwaters is known for its
exceptional Bald Eagle viewing year-round, along with many other birds of
prey.

## Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (402) 667-2546.

## Nearby Attractions

  * The Lewis and Clark Visitor Center , exhibits on Missouri River and area history including the Lewis and Clark Expedition with stunning views of Lewis and Clark Lake along with the Missouri River. Please contact the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center at (402) 667-2546 for more information.

  * The Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium

  * Visit nearby Yankton, South Dakota \- the historic capitol of the Dakota Territory.

## 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.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p><strong>Nebraska Tailwaters Campground </strong>is nestled along the Nebraska bank of the Missouri River, is a fun-filled camping destination just downstream of Gavins Point Dam and Lewis & Clark Lake. The 31,400-acre Lewis & Clark Lake and Gavins Point Dam are nestled in the golden, chalkstone-lined valley of the Missouri River growing into one of the most popular recreation destinations in the Great Plains. </p>
<p>For more information, please visit the Gavins Point <a href="https://www.nwo.usace.army.mil/Missions/Dam-and-Lake-Projects/Missouri-River-Dams/Gavins-Point/" rel="nofollow">Project Website</a>.</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Located just below Gavins Point Dam in the dam "Tailwaters" provides exceptional access to the Missouri River. A large 2-lane boat ramp, large parking area is available, along with an accessible fishing pier and many areas for bank fishing. The Lewis and Clark Lake area attracts more than 2 million visitors each year to its shores. Recreation opportunities around the lake include camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, boating, sailing, swimming, bird-watching, and photography.</p>

<p>For the biking and hiking enthusiasts, three trails are available in the area. They include a paved trail that runs from Yankton to the Gavins Point area, a multi-use trail in the Gavins Point area and the Calumet Bluff hiking trail located near the visitor center. Wintertime activities include ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and sledding.</p>

<p>Developed public parks and recreation areas surround the lake above and below Gavins Point Dam. Camping facilities provided by the Corps and the States of South Dakota and Nebraska include boat ramps, picnic areas, campsites with electricity, modern restrooms, playground equipment and trailer dump stations.</p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>Nebraska Tailwaters offers 36 campsites, 34 of these campsites have electric hookups and 2 of the campsites are non-electric and are for tent camping only. Amenities include modern shower facilities with flush toilets, river access with shore fishing, handicap accessible fishing pier, boat ramp, fish cleaning station and RV dump station. There is also a Group Camping Area with electric hookups, picnic shelter, fire pit, grill, and vault toilet. </p><h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>The campground sits on the south bank of the Missouri River, along the tailwaters of Gavins Point Dam. Surrounding the area is the golden, chalkstone-lined Missouri River Valley. Nebraska Tailwaters is known for its exceptional Bald Eagle viewing year-round, along with many other birds of prey. </p>

<h2>Contact Info</h2>
For facility specific information, please call (402) 667-2546.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<ul><li><p>The <a href="https://www.nwo.usace.army.mil/Missions/Dam-and-Lake-Projects/Missouri-River-Dams/Gavins-Point/" rel="nofollow">Lewis and Clark Visitor Center</a> , exhibits on Missouri River and area history including the Lewis and Clark Expedition with stunning views of Lewis and Clark Lake along with the Missouri River. Please contact the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center at (402) 667-2546 for more information.</p></li><li><p>The <a href="https://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/fisheries/gavinsPoint.php" rel="nofollow">Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium</a> </p></li><li><p>Visit nearby <a href="https://www.visityanktonsd.com/" rel="nofollow">Yankton, South Dakota</a> - the historic capitol of the Dakota Territory.</p></li></ul><h2>Charges & Cancellations</h2>
<p>Reservation changes and cancellations can be made on Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.  </p>

<p>For more information on rules and policies regarding reservation cancellations and changes, please visit: <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies" rel="nofollow">https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies</a>.   </p>

Missouri River boat ramp at Nebraska Tailwaters

Accessible Fishing Pier on the Missouri River

Nebraska Tailwaters Campground

Campground entrance

Fishing hotspot below Gavins Point Dam

Cottonwoods provide shade at Nebraska Tailwaters

Nebraska Tailwaters entrance station

Nebraska Tailwaters boat ramp

Trail along Missouri River

Bank fishing at Nebraska Tailwaters

Nebraska Tailwaters

Along the Missouri River

Nebraska Tailwaters entrance road

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.

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.

Cottonwood (NE) Day Use Shelter

Overview

Recreation

Facilities

Nearby Attractions

Directions

Reviews

Camp Sites

Nearby Campgrounds

Cottonwood (Ne)

Gavins Point Overlook Day Use Shelter

Nebraska Tailwaters