KOA Journey campgrounds are the perfect oases after a day on the road. Whether it’s along the way or a quick getaway, they’ve got you covered. Located near the highways and byways of North America with long Pull-thru RV Sites, they deliver convenience to the traveling camper. Pull in, ease back and take a load off.
KOA Journey campgrounds are the perfect oases after a day on the road. Whether it’s along the way or a quick getaway, they’ve got you covered. Located near the highways and byways of North America with long Pull-thru RV Sites, they deliver convenience to the traveling camper. Pull in, ease back and take a load off.
Central South Dakota is a hunters paradise. While we are best known for our excellent pheasant hunting opportunities, there are many other game species in the area including grouse, prairie chicken and prairie dog.
Beginning in April prairie dog season runs through October with the best shooting being in May and June. We have many publicly accessible lands in the area as well as some privately owned lands that allow prairie dog hunting.
The third weekend in October is the traditional beginning of the pheasant season. The weekend prior to that is open for South Dakota residents only. Regardless of where you hail from, the pheasant hunting is excellent here in Lyman County. We traditionally have one of the best pheasant populations in the state and the hunting here is good. Both public and private lands are available in the area with private lands usually accessible only when working with an outfitter. Be sure to check with South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks for information on public lands or with an area outfitter for private land before setting out to hunt.
Welcome to the Great Lakes region of South Dakota. Didn't know South Dakota had Great Lakes? Don't feel bad, most people don't. However, four large dams on the Missouri River have created four incredible lakes for fishing and boating. And there are many access points within an easy drive from the campground.
Walleye are the most popularly fished species in the Great Lakes. In addition, you'll find excellent opportunities for catching white bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, sauger, northern pike, Chinook salmon and a variety of panfish.
For boaters, as if having 900 square miles of open water to explore isn't enough, the impressive scenery will complete your Great Lakes experience. The Missouri River shoreline ranges from chalk-colored cliffs in the south to grassy bluffs in the north. Many area facilities such as boat ramps, bait shops, marinas, and restaurants cater to boaters, anglers and their families.
If large expanses of water are not your style, there are a variety of small local lakes, such as Brakke and Fate, nearby. These smaller lakes offer great fishing from shore of via smaller fishing boats.
Avid bird watchers will enjoy the variety of bird life in the area. The cast of characters change from season to season, with the best viewing being in the early spring. From raptors to songbirds, waterfowl to prairie species, Central South Dakota is a birders paradise.
Be sure to visit the State Capitol building, featuring a terrazzo tile Italian floor, majestic marble staircase and 90-foot rotunda. Outside the Capitol, a memorial to World War II veterans six bronze statues representing the branches in which South Dakotans served during WWII graces the shores of Capitol Lake.
Exhibits at the nearby Cultural Heritage Center cover Lakota culture, the homesteading experience, gold mining and more.
Just across the river in Ft. Pierre you can visit the Verendrye Monument and Fischer's Lily Park. Lewis and Clark first encountered Teton Sioux in this location.
Try your luck at our area casinos, the Golden Buffalo and the LodeStar. The Golden Buffalo Casino is locate in the nearby town of Lower Brule, approximately 15 miles away. The LodeStar is located in Fort Thompson, about 20 miles from the campground. In addition to gaming opportunities, the Golden Buffalo also offers a reasonably priced prime rib dinner.
The "South Dakota Trail" outlines historical places, exhibits and events related to Lewis and Clark's Voyage of Discovery. Many significant sites are located with an easy drive from Kennebec including the "burning bluffs", Camp Pleasant, the Great Bend of the Missouri River, site where Lewis and Clark held their first council with the Teton Sioux.
Must see attractions include the Lewis and Clark Information Center in Chamberlain, Verendrye Monument and Fischer's Lily Park in Ft. Pierre and the Cultural Heritage Center Pierre, the state capital.
The Akta Lakota Museum in Chamberlain provides an insightful journey into Lakota culture. Exhibits of traditional ceremonial dress, weaponry and tools tell the story of this fascinating people.
In Pierre, the Cultural Heritage Center's exhibits cover many aspects of Lakota culture.
Summer is also the time for Pow-wows. In July, the Twin Cities Wacipi is held in Ft. Pierre. In August, the Kul-Wicasa Oyate Fair & Contest Pow-wow in Lower Brule and the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe Annual Pow-wow in Ft. Thompson. In September the Annual American Indian Days Celebration "Gathering of the Wakanyeja" Pow-wow is held in Chamberlain.
Medicine Creek Golf Course in nearby Presho offers 9 holes designed by Eddie Miller.
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout.
