Lake Thompson Recreation Area — RV Camping in Lake Preston, SD

Lake Thompson Recreation Area sits 6 miles southwest of Lake Preston off US Highway 14 in northeastern South Dakota, offering 103 campsites, camping cabins, and a group lodge on the shores of a 9,000-acre lake with more than 20 feet of depth. This National Natural Landmark has a remarkable history — once completely dry in the 1930s, it was even mentioned in Laura Ingalls Wilder's writings as one of the Twin Lakes near DeSmet. Today, the park is a premier South Dakota destination for water and outdoor recreation, with boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and a swim beach drawing visitors throughout the summer. On land, campers enjoy hiking and biking trails, a playground, basketball, volleyball, horseshoes, and excellent birdwatching. Full amenities include electrical and water hookups, showers, flush and vault toilets, a dump station, grills, picnic tables, fire rings with available firewood, and fish cleaning stations. Pets are welcome at the campground. Reservations can be made online up to one year in advance. Whether you're after a quiet lakeside retreat or an action-packed family getaway in the heart of the Northern Great Plains, Lake Thompson Recreation Area delivers an authentic South Dakota outdoor experience.