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Chief White Crane Recreation Area

On the shores of Lake Yankton, Chief White Crane is in close proximity to the Missouri River and Gavins Point Dam. The park was named after Chief White Crane who met with Lewis and Clark in this area in 1804. The park has an abundance of large, mature cottonwood trees that provide excellent shade for the campground and serve as a place for bald eagles to roost during the winter. A bald eage perches majestically among the cottonwood trees at Chief White Crane Recreaion Area.
 

Photo by Doug Backlund

Camping/Cabins
  • Located 5 miles W of Yankton off SD Hwy 52  Location map (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.)  DOT Road Report

  • Open year-round. Vehicle traffic prohibited Nov. 1 through March 31 due to bald eagle nesting.

  • Park entrance license required: $5/day/vehicle or $23 for an annual pass

  • Camping & Fees: $12/non-electrical, $16/electrical, $18/prime (waterfront) site. 146 sites (144 electrical, 37 prime). Two accessible sites. Two tent-only sites. Showers. Water. Dump station.

  • Camping Cabins: 10 cabins, one wheelchair accessible. Each sleeps four people. $40/night.

  • Reservations: (800) 710-2267 or www.CampSD.com. Up to 90 days prior to arrival. Campsites May to Sept. Cabins year-round, not available Nov. 1 to March 31. Group reservations available, open Nov. 1 for upcoming season.

  • Recreation: Camping. Cabins. Biking. Boating. Canoeing on Lake Yankton. Fishing. Game/equipment checkout. Hiking. Horseshoes. Picnic shelter. Playground. Volleyball. Bald eagle viewing in winter. Paved road connects to bike trail that goes from nearby Lewis and Clark Recreation Area to Yankton.

  • Swimming/Beaches: No swimming beach within park, but one within short walking distance. No lifeguard on duty. Swim at your own risk.

  • Fishing/Boating: Fish cleaning stations. Two boat ramps. Accessible fishing dock. Bass, northern pike, walleye, panfish. Fishing license required.

  • Park maps: PDF files. Require Adobe Acrobat Reader.
    - Campground map.
       (2 pages, 136KB)
    - Trail map and guide.
       (1 page, 53KB)
    - Walking map
       (1 page, 116KB)



Chief White Crane
Recreation Area
C/O Lewis & Clark
Recreation Area
43349 SD Hwy 52
Yankton, SD 57442
(605) 668-2985
Email: Lewis-Clark@state.sd.us  

Click for more information on Lewis and Clark in SD state parks.

With its 146 campsites and ten camping cabins, Chief White Crane is a great place for groups to gather to spend the weekend. Combined with its own facilities and the features of the other two state parks nearby, Lewis & Clark and Pierson Ranch, visitors can take advantage of a wide variety of recreation opportunities.

 

Bald Eagle Viewing
Chief White Crane is one of the South Dakota state parks that offers the opportunity for visitors to see the majestic bald eagle.

In South Dakota, many bald eagles spend their winters below the Missouri River dams where they are able to catch fish and prey on waterfowl attracted to the open water.

They typically perch within 50 feet of the riverbank in tall cottonwood trees. The birds usually feed in the morning and rest in their roosting trees in the afternoon.

Bald eagles will abandon their roosts if disturbed by humans. For this reason, the Department of Game, Fish and Parks prohibits motorized traffic in state recreation areas with winter bald eagle roosts. Walkers and cross-country skiers are allowed in these areas but must refrain from disturbing roosting bald eagles. Learn more about bald eagles in South Dakota state parks.

 

Nearby Attractions
  • Lewis and Clark, Pierson Ranch recreation areas
  • Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium
  • Gavins Point Dam, Powerhouse and Visitor Center
  • Dakota Territorial Capital Replica
  • More attractions and events can be found at www.TravelSD.com

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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