Overview

Nebraska Tailwaters Campground is nestled along the Nebraska bank of the Missouri River, is a fun-filled camping destination just downstream of Gavins Point Dam and Lewis & Clark Lake. The 31,400-acre Lewis & Clark Lake and Gavins Point Dam are nestled in the golden, chalkstone-lined valley of the Missouri River growing into one of the most popular recreation destinations in the Great Plains. 

For more information, please visit the Gavins Point Project Website.

Facilities

Nebraska Tailwaters offers 42 campsites, 31 of these campsites have electric hookups and 11 of the campsites are non-electric and are for tent camping only. Amenities include modern shower facilities with flush toilets, river access with shore fishing, handicap accessible fishing pier, boat ramp, fish cleaning station and RV dump station. There is also a Group Camping Area with electric hookups, picnic shelter, fire pit, grill, and vault toilet. 

Natural Features

The campground sits on the south bank of the Missouri River, along the tailwaters of Gavins Point Dam. Surrounding the area is the golden, chalkstone-lined Missouri River Valley. Nebraska Tailwaters is known for its exceptional Bald Eagle viewing year-round, along with many other birds of prey. 

Recreation

Located just below Gavins Point Dam in the dam "Tailwaters" provides exceptional access to the Missouri River. A large 2-lane boat ramp, large parking area is available, along with an accessible fishing pier and many areas for bank fishing. The Lewis and Clark Lake area attracts more than 2 million visitors each year to its shores. Recreation opportunities around the lake include camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, boating, sailing, swimming, bird-watching, and photography.

For the biking and hiking enthusiasts, three trails are available in the area. They include a paved trail that runs from Yankton to the Gavins Point area, a multi-use trail in the Gavins Point area and the Calumet Bluff hiking trail located near the visitor center. Wintertime activities include ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and sledding.

Developed public parks and recreation areas surround the lake above and below Gavins Point Dam. Camping facilities provided by the Corps and the States of South Dakota and Nebraska include boat ramps, picnic areas, campsites with electricity, modern restrooms, playground equipment and trailer dump stations.

Nearby Attractions

• The Lewis and Clark Visitor Center , exhibits on Missouri River and area history including the Lewis and Clark Expedition with stunning views of Lewis and Clark Lake along with the Missouri River. Powerhouse Tours are available on weekends. Please contact the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center at (402) 667-2546 for more information.
• The Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium 
• Visit nearby Yankton, South Dakota - the historic capitol of the Dakota Territory.

Contact Info

Important Notices

• • Check-In Time is 4:00 P.M., Check-Out Time is 2:00 P.M.
  • All campers must check-in and register with the campground host.
  • Each campsite is limited to a maximum of: (a) One (1) wheeled camping unit and two (2) sleeping tents OR (b) three (3) sleeping tents. Tent-Only campsites are limited to three (3) sleeping tents. A maximum of (8) people are allowed per campsite and daily occupancy is required. 
  • All vehicles must be parked in designated parking areas or campsite pads. Vehicles parked at campsites must have at least two (2) wheels on the campsite pad, with a maximum of two (2) wheels permitted on grass. 
  • All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs/UTVs), golf carts, and non-highway licensed vehicles are not permitted. 
  • Quiet hours are 10:00 P.M. to 6:00 A.M.
  • Fireworks are prohibited. 
  • All pets must be on a leash of 6 feet in length or less. Pet waste must be picked up and properly disposed of promptly.
  • All fires must be contained in campfire rings or grills. Fires along the river bank or on shore are not permitted. 

• Firewood Alert! Don't Move Firewood: Due to the spread of invasive insects such as Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Help protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

• Attention Boaters, Paddlers, and Anglers - Protect Your Waters! Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) are present in Lewis & Clark Lake, Lake Yankton and the Missouri River below Gavins Point Dam - including Zebra Mussels and Bighead/Silver Carp. Do your part to help stop the spread of these and other aquatic invasives by remembering to always Clean, Drain, and Dry! For more information, click here. Special laws and regulations are currently in place to help prevent the spread of these and other aquatic invasive species. For more information, click here. 

  For questions or to contact park staff, please call: 402-667-2546 or email: gavinspoint.nwo@usace.army.mil. Reservations can not be made at this number.

Available Activities

• Fishing - Fishing
• Camping - Camping
• Boating - Boating
• Photography - Photography
• Picnicking - Picnicking
• Water Access - Water Access
• Wildlife Viewing - Wildlife Viewing
• Biking - Biking

Directions

<p>From Yankton, South Dakota, go south on U.S. Highway 81 for 2 miles, then west on Nebraska Highway 121 for 4 miles, campground entrance will be on your right.</p>

Cancellation Policy

<p>Reservation changes and cancellations can be made on Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.  </p> <p>For more information on rules and policies regarding reservation cancellations and changes, please visit: <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies" rel="nofollow">https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies</a>.   </p>

Contact Information

Phone: 402-667-2546. FOR RESERVATIONS, CALL 877-444-6777.

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip