Kennebec KOA

Hunting

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.

Fishing and Boating

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.

Birding

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.

Historic Pierre

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.

Casinos

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.