Lake & River Life in Yankton.
Lewis and Clark Lake and the Missouri River are 10 minutes from downtown Yankton.
Lewis & Clark Lake
Lewis and Clark Lake is not a weekend getaway for Yankton residents. It is part of daily life. The lake sits just minutes west of town, created by Gavins Point Dam, stretching approximately 25 miles along the Missouri River. One of the most popular state parks in South Dakota, and it is your backyard.
25 mi
Lake Length
400
Wet Slips at Marina
418
Campsites
10 mi
Paved Bike Trails
Boating & Marina
Lewis and Clark Marina with ~400 wet slips, 24-hour fuel dock, pontoon and powerboat rentals, and multiple public launch ramps.
Swimming & Beaches
Sandy swim beaches with changing facilities. Packed with families on summer days. Feels like a lake resort, 10 minutes from home.
Fishing
Walleye, sauger, catfish, smallmouth and largemouth bass, crappie, and northern pike. Below Gavins Point Dam is a destination fishery.
Camping & Cabins
418 campsites across three campgrounds, all with electric hookups. 20 state-run camping cabins plus resort lodging at the marina.
Trails & Recreation
10–12 miles of paved bike trails, hiking, disc golf, basketball, volleyball, horseback riding, and an archery range.
Missouri River
The Missouri National Recreational River flows freely below Gavins Point Dam. World-class tailwater fishing and canoe access.
Lewis & Clark Lake by the Numbers
31,400
Surface Acres
At full pool
25 mi
Length
90+ mi shoreline
45 ft
Max Depth
Gavins Point Dam
10 min
From Downtown
Yankton to lake
Fishing by Season
Spring
Walleye & BassPre-spawn on current breaks and points. Walleye best at 42-52 degrees. Smallmouth on rock piles.
Summer
Pike & CatfishWeed edges for pike. Channel catfish are abundant. Kayak fishing popular.
Fall
Walleye & SaugerChannel edges produce. Post-spawn walleye activity strong per 2026 forecast.
Winter
Ice FishingDeep channels for walleye and sturgeon. Ice fishing is a major draw.
SD resident fishing license: $28/yr. Non-resident: $79/yr.
Camping & Marina
Lewis & Clark Recreation Area
State Park3 campgrounds, 20 cabins. Electric hookups, showers, dump station, playground, equestrian trails, disc golf.
418
campsites
Lewis & Clark Resort Marina
PrivateFuel, wet slips, boat rentals, pool, restaurant. Privately operated inside the recreation area.
3
boat ramps
Gavins Point Dam & Visitor Center
Federal1.9-mile embankment. USACE managed. Visitor center with exhibits and trails. River access below dam.
1955
built
Campsites $20-40/night. Reserve via ReserveAmerica. Summer is busiest.
Lake-Area Properties
If the lake lifestyle appeals to you, there are lake-area properties near Lewis & Clark Lake. Sundance Ridge, Lake Forest, Signal Hill, Hidden Hollows, and Marina Dell offer lots and homes near the water.
Common Questions
Campsite fees and reservations?
$20-40/night for electric sites. Reserve via ReserveAmerica. Summer fills up fast.
Fishing license costs?
SD resident: $28/year. Non-resident: $79. Check GFP for current regulations.
Marina services?
Fuel, slips, and rentals at Lewis & Clark Resort Marina. 3 public boat ramps are free.