This paid piece is sponsored by Travel South Dakota.
A waterfront getaway is waiting within a quick road trip of the Sioux Falls area, with recreation areas in central South Dakota ready to help you fish, hunt or relax with stunning views.
From busy recreation areas to quiet, rural spots along the river, visitors can imagine what it was like when the explorers Lewis and Clark came through the area in the early 1800s. Think open prairie, rolling hills and the vast expanse that is the Missouri River.
Current travelers can enjoy similar views – but with modern-day amenities, from camping cabins to outfitters. Plus, you can get your digital Travel South Dakota passport “stamped” and earn prizes. It’s just one more way to celebrate South Dakota.
Buryanek Recreation Area
Buryanek Recreation Area northeast of Burke is a hidden gem in the southeastern part of the state.
The park, which is on land Lewis and Clark traveled through, is on the banks of the Missouri River, giving it direct water access, said Justin Thede, district park supervisor. He said the park is small but has all the amenities of the larger ones – from campsites to camping cabins.
“It’s situated at the end of a gravel road, avoiding the noise and hustle of pavement and highways,” Thede said. “Development is very limited in the area because of land ownership surrounding the park.”
That allows for quiet places to enjoy nature and family time. It also means the nights can be starry and bright.
“There is very little light pollution in the sky, so the stars shine vibrant on clear nights,” Thede said.
But it’s more than that. Thede, who clearly loves the area, celebrates “the sounds of the waves lapping on the shoreline, cottonwood leaves rustling in the breeze and the bobwhite quail whistles crisp and clear.”
Visitors regularly see deer and turkeys and sometimes bobcats, he said.
You can’t visit a park on the river and not consider fishing. Thede said the best times are late April through the middle of June to fish for walleye, but anglers also can catch catfish, smallmouth bass, white bass and occasionally a northern pike or perch.
Swan Creek Recreation Area
Swan Creek Recreation Area southwest of Selby on Lake Oahe has a little bit of everything for visitors.
First, there’s the fishing, said Ryan Persoon, district park supervisor.
‘“Swan Creek Recreation Area is a premier walleye fishing destination located on the rolling prairie bluffs of Lake Oahe on the Missouri River,” Persoon said.
“And you can clean whatever you catch in a year-round fish-cleaning facility that’s air-conditioned in the summer and heated in the winter.”
The park has 26 campsites with electricity and modern bathroom and shower facilities. Plus, there are two boat ramps for access.
Visitors can enjoy spectacular views – either at campsites or when out on the water, he said. “Swan Creek has just enough for everyone.”
The park is close to bait shops and restaurants.
“Visitors flock to this area to some of South Dakota’s best fishing and accommodations,” Persoon said. “After a great day on the water or ice catching fish, having a facility that is air-conditioned or heated, depending on the season, is a real treat. Don’t miss the top-notch food and drinks in the local taverns while you are there!”
Indian Creek Recreation Area
Visitors to Indian Creek Recreation Area near Mobridge can see a variety of wildlife while enjoying views of the Missouri River.
“Our claim to fame is we have some really nice fishing access,” park manager Dan Richards said. “We have two boat ramps, and we have an indoor fish-cleaning station, which is open year-round. It’s very unique to have an indoor facility.”
According to the park site: “Visitors will find new adventure in this rugged land explored by Lewis and Clark in 1804. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, cowboys used the area to fatten thousands of cattle for shipment south.”
The park, with its rolling hills, is a great place to picnic, explore and camp at its two campgrounds, which include cabins as well as electric sites.
Indian Creek caters to campers in the summer, including 129 sites and 50-amp service, Richards said. Revheim Bay Recreation Area is next to the park, which includes a day-use area, trails and shelters.
“It has a volleyball court there,” Richards said, noting that it’s a popular area for birthday parties, reunions and company picnics.
If you’re into hunting and shooting, the area has a lot to offer. Richards said the park works with the Oahe Bowmen’s Club to manage an archery range that includes a trail with 16 targets and a shooting platform.
“You can go hike this trail and shoot targets as you walk,” Richards said.
There also is a rifle range for rifle and pistol shooting nearby. “The archery range and rifle range are in no-fee areas, so there is no charge to use those facilities,” Richards said, noting that they have support from local, regional and national associations.
“They are really nice facilities, and if you go to other places, you have to join and pay a membership. The no-fee is a nice draw.”
There also is an off-road track nearby for those who have an ATV or side-by-side.
“We don’t allow off-roading in the park, so this is a little loop course,” Richards said.
The Bridge City Marina and Resort is privately operated under agreement with the Division of Parks and Recreation and offers boat slip rentals, a floating fuel dock, bait, guide service, C-store and several modern cabins.
If you’d prefer to spend your time at the park on land, the recreation area offers 2.5 miles of hiking and biking trails – and bike rentals.
Guests will see deer, beavers, bull snakes, turkeys, pheasants and orchard orioles along the trails.
But the biggest draw is always the Missouri River.
“We have fantastic walleye fishing and great facilities for campers and for recreation on Lake Oahe if you want to water ski, take your pontoon out and fish,” Richards said.
“One thing that is really unique is the indoor fish-cleaning station. It’s a bug-free facility with heated floors and in the summer an air-conditioner. We had an intern this year who did a walleye mural on the side of it – and inside the mural is embedded all the activities you can do inside the park.”
He noted that the park is right on the edge of where West River meets East River.
“There are a lot of beautiful spots you can go to here,” Richards said.
West Pollock Recreation Area
The West Pollock Recreation Area, 3 miles from Pollock, is another beautiful park with access to the Missouri River and Lake Oahe. The park is named after R.Y. Pollock, a pioneer lay minister and respected citizen of the area.
Guests can stay at one of 29 campsites at the park and spend their days on the water. The recreation area is perfect, offering a boat ramp for easy access to the water to fish for walleye. Or visit in the fall, and enjoy pheasant, grouse and waterfowl hunting.
Richards, who manages the area, said it’s a great getaway – though he noted that there’s no water after October.
“It has great fishing up there. If you’re a fisherman, that’s a great place to go,” he said. “It’s a smaller campground and environment. If you want a remote, great fishing spot, it’s a good place for that.”
The park is along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.
North Wheeler Recreation Area
The North Wheeler Recreation Area southwest of Geddes is small but mighty.
Described as a great getaway for those seeking to relax, it offers 25 campsites on a first-come, first-served basis.
The area offers lake access between Pease Creek and Platte Creek for fishing.
And, don’t forget Lake Francis Case, one of the country’s largest reservoirs. The campground offers a boat launch for those who want to get out on the water. Lake Francis Case is a favorite spot for anglers and is the largest reservoir in the southern part of the state. The lake contains walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, smallmouth bass and more.
North Wheeler is just one of several small, rural towns and recreation areas that dot Lake Francis Case.
From local sounds to iconic sculptures, arts attractions are waiting via easy road trips
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