Lewis and Clark Recreation Area is a State Recreation Area in southeastern South Dakota, near Yankton. The Recreation Area is located on the northern shore of the 31,400-acre Lewis and Clark Lake, a large Missouri River Reservoir, impounded by Gavins Point Dam.[1]
| Lewis and Clark Recreation Area | |
|---|---|
 View of Lewis and Clark Lake from along a trail on the South Dakota shore. | |
  Location of Lewis and Clark Recreation Area in South Dakota | |
| Location | Yankton, South Dakota, United States |
| Nearest city | Yankton |
| Coordinates | 42°52′04″N 97°31′18″W / 42.867748°N 97.521597°W |
| Area | 928 acres (376 ha) |
| Elevation | 1,214 ft (370 m) |
| Established | 1966 |
| Named for | Lewis and Clark Lake |
| Governing body | South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks |
| Website | Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks |
Three campgrounds are located within the recreation area, called the Yankton Section, Midway Section, and Gavins Point Section - with a total of 418 campsites, along the shores of Lewis and Clark Lake. There are 19 camper cabins. Numerous biking, hiking, equestrian, and nature trails travel along Lewis and Clark Lake and the surrounding bluffs. Several beaches and boat launching facilities can be found along the lakeshore. The area also has a disc golf course and an archery range.[2]
In 2014 zebra mussels, an aquatic invasive mussel were discovered in the lake and have infested the reservoir and the Missouri River downstream of Gavins Point Dam.[3] The Lewis and Clark Marina and Resort, located within the recreation area, is privately operated under an agreement with Division of Parks and Recreation. Amenities include a motel, cabins, swimming pool, floating fuel dock, slip and boat rentals, and a full-service restaurant.[4]