Snake Creek Recreation Area

Lake Francis Case draws visitors to Snake Creek Recreation Area. The park is popular with boaters and anglers, as well those looking for scenic beauty along the Missouri River. History buffs will enjoy knowing that the Lewis and Clark expedition traveled through the area, where they were told to watch for "burning bluffs" along the river.

Visitors at Snake Creek enjoy a dip in the cool waters of Lake Francis Case.

Lake Francis Case	Located 14 miles west of Platte, SD, off SD Highway 44 Location map (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.) DOT Road Report Open year-round Park entrance license required: $6/day/vehicle or $28 for an annual pass Camping & Fees: $12/non-electrical, $16/electrical site. 115 sites in two campgrounds (111 electrical). Two accessible site. Showers. Water. Dump station. Camping Cabins: Nine cabins, four wheelchair accessible. Each sleep four people. $35/night. Reservations: (800) 710-2267 or www.CampSD.com. Up to 90 days prior to arrival. Campsites May to Sept. Cabins year-round. Group reservations available, open Nov. 1 for upcoming season. Recreation: Camping. Cabins. Basketball. Boating. Fishing. Game/equipment checkout. Hiking. Historic interest. Picnic shelter. Playground. Swimming. Volleyball. Kids' fishing pond. Horseshoes. Resort. Swimming/Beaches: Swimming beach. No lifeguard on duty. Swim at your own risk. Fishing/Boating: Fish cleaning station. Full-service marina. Boat ramps. Kids' fishing pond. Fishing license required. Park maps: PDF files. Require Adobe Acrobat Reader. - Campground map. (4 pages, 167KB) - Trail map and guide. (4 pages, 151KB) - Walking map (1 page, 166KB) Snake Creek Recreation Area 35316 SD Hwy 44 Platte, SD 57369 (605) 337-2587 Email: SnakeCreek@state.sd.us
Walleye is easily the most popular catch on this reservoir of the Missouri River. Other species you'll find on your line include smallmouth bass, northern pike, sauger, pan fish and an occasional channel catfish. Park also features a kids' fishing pond. The 107-mile long Lake Francis Case is surrounded by 540 miles of shoreline. Some of this shoreline hosts the "burning bluffs," which are created by oil-bearing shale. Lightning strikes or chemical reactions ignite the shale, which may then smoke for years.
Shannon's Story
The Lewis and Clark expedition have forever left their mark on this area with the story of Private George Shannon, who was lost in the area for nearly two weeks. An interpretive sign near the park tells of Shannon's story. Shannon, the youngest member of the expedition at 19 years old, became lost when he was sent to fetch strayed horses. Thinking the crew had moved up river, Shannon raced to meet the boats. When he was found exhausted and starving on Sept. 11, he quickly learned that the expedition had been downstream from him the entire time.
Lewis and Clark Trail
In 1804 and again in 1806, the Lewis and Clark expedition traveled through the area, where they watched for the "burning bluffs" and for their missing crew member George Shannon. Shannon was found near here after being lost for nearly two weeks.
Resort Information
Dock 44 Marina offers a marina, cabin rentals, a restaurant, bait, convenience store, and a floating fuel dock.
Nearby Attractions
Platte Creek, Buryanek recreation areas Lewis and Clark Expedition interpretive sign Red Rock - upstream rock several hundred feet high once used as a landmark for steamboat captains More attractions and events can be found at www.TravelSD.com