CamperWatch

National campground directory. Verified data, live availability, community tips.

info@camperwatch.org

Explore

  • Search all campgrounds
  • Free dispersed camping
  • National park campgrounds
  • When Yosemite is sold out
  • When Yellowstone is sold out
  • Availability alerts
  • Community feed
  • Baja California RV parks
  • Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe

Featured Campgrounds

  • Emerald Bay — Lake Tahoe CAState
  • Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe ParksTribal
  • Slough Creek — Yellowstone
  • North Pines — Yosemite Valley
  • Jenny Lake — Grand Teton
  • Many Glacier — Glacier NP

For Owners

  • List your campground free
  • Hipcamp alternative
  • Campspot alternative
  • Campground booking software
  • List campground free guide

© 2026 CamperWatch · Not affiliated with Recreation.gov, NPS, or USFS

TermsPrivacyCancellationContactllms.txt
CamperWatch
CommunityPlan a tripCompareTribes

Cottonwood (Ne)

Lewis and Clark Lake — lakeside, fishing, hiking

YANKTON, NE4.6 (507)
Share: X Facebook
Cell signal:

Cottonwood Recreation Area is located just downstream of Gavins Point Dam and Lewis & Clark Lake along the western shore of Lake Yankton. The numerous outdoor recreational opportunities attract more than 2 million visitors annually to the Lewis & Clark Lake area, making it one of the most popular recreation destinations in the Upper Great Plains. Lewis & Clark Lake is 31,400-acres in size with more than 90 miles of shoreline is impounded by Gavins Point Dam, which was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1944, commonly called the Pick-Sloan Plan.

Things to do nearby

Lewis and Clark LakeClark Lake

Best For

AnglersHikersBoatersWildlife watchersFamilies

Site Types

TentRV

Amenities

Fire Rings
Picnic Tables
Flush Toilets
Showers
Dump Station
Electric Hookups
Fishing
Boat Launch
Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Season

Year-round

Max/site

6 people

Known Issues

Federal campground — book early. No hookups at most sites. Seasonal operations.

Cancellation Policy

Recreation.gov: full refund if cancelled 7+ days before arrival. $10 cancellation fee applies.

Frequently asked questions

How much does Cottonwood (Ne) cost per night?+
Cottonwood (Ne) costs $20–$22 per night depending on site type and season. Hookup options: Electric hookups on select sites. No water/sewer.
What season is Cottonwood (Ne) open?+
Cottonwood (Ne) is open Year-round. Check-in is 2:00 PM, check-out is 12:00 PM.
Does Cottonwood (Ne) have hookups?+
Electric hookups on select sites. No water/sewer.
What is the maximum RV length at Cottonwood (Ne)?+
Cottonwood (Ne) can accommodate RVs up to 125 feet long.
How do I make reservations at Cottonwood (Ne)?+
Cottonwood (Ne) is a federal campground — reservations open 6 months in advance at Recreation.gov. Sites sell out quickly. Set a free CamperWatch cancellation alert to be notified the moment a site opens.
How far is Cottonwood (Ne) from the nearest town?+
Cottonwood (Ne) is located in YANKTON, NE. Check the map above for distance to nearby services.
Open in OpenStreetMap ↗

Own a campground nearby?

List free on CamperWatch — we take 5% only on bookings we send. No monthly fee.

List your campground →
$20/night
4.6(507)
🏕 Book Now — No Fees

Instant confirmation · No booking fees · Cancel free