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Lake Poinsett Recreation Area

One of the largest lakes in the state, Lake Poinsett was named after Joel Poinsett who served as U.S. Secretary of War. He was instrumental in promoting the expedition of Joseph Nicollet and John Fremont who first explored the region in 1838. The party camped on the north side of Lake Poinsett. Today, the lakeshore still provides excellent camping opportunities, as well as many other recreational activities. A family enjoys camping along the water's edge at Lake Poinsett.
   
Camping/Cabins

  • Located 14 miles NE of Arlington off US Hwy. 81  Location map (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.)  DOT Road Report

  • Open year-round

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

  • Camping & Fees: $12/non-electrical, $16/electrical. 112 sites (108 electrical). One wheelchair accessible site. Four tent-only sites. Showers. Water. Dump station.

  • Camping Cabins: Two camping cabins, one wheelchair accessible. Each sleeps four people. $33/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. Horseshoes. Two picnic areas. Playground. Swimming. Volleyball. Visitor center/museum.

  • Swimming/Beaches: Swimming beach. No lifeguard on duty. Swim at your own risk.

  • Fishing/Boating: Boat ramp. Fish cleaning station. Walleye, bass, perch, northern pike and bullheads. License required.

  • Park maps: PDF files. Require Adobe Acrobat Reader.
    - Campground map
       (2 pages, 105KB)
    - Trail map and guide
        (4 pages, 148KB)
     - Walking map
        (1 page, 195KB)

 

Lake Poinsett
Recreation Area
c/o Oakwood Lakes State Park
20247 Oakwood Drive
Bruce, SD 57220-5146

(605) 627-5441
Email: LakePoinsett@state.sd.us
Two campgrounds offer 112 sites with two comfort stations in campground one and an additional comfort station in campground two. A number of sites are along the waterfront. Cabin #2 is also features a waterfront view. 
Recreation/Day Use

The Lake Poinsett Visitor Center/Museum is a fascinating place to learn about the history of the area. During the summer, neighbor Harlan Olson's artifacts are on display. The exhibits will take you back in time from prehistoric days to the late 1990s. Plan for plenty of time to explore this excellent museum.

Two picnic areas are located lakeside. An approximately one-mile hiking trail leads through wooded, prairie, wetland and lakeshore areas, and connects the two campgrounds. A playground is located in campground one. The park also features basketball and sand volleyball courts. Water recreation, such as swimming and fishing, is very popular at Lake Poinsett.

Nearby Attractions

  • Oakwood Lakes State Park

  • Terry Redlin Art Center, Bramble Park Zoo and Discovery Center, Watertown

  • SD Art Museum, Brookings

  • McCrory Gardens, Brookings

  • More attractions and events can be found at www.TravelSD.com

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copyright Ó 2006 State of South Dakota