State Parks

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Pelican Lake Recreation Area

/userdocs/Pelican Lake Recreation Area

Two log camping cabins are nestled just off the campground on the shores of Pelican Lake. The beautiful views from the cabin decks provide a quiet place to enjoy breakfast or an evening campfire on the lakefront. This also provides an easy fishing or swimming hotspot just feet from the cabin decks. There are 83 spacious campsites at this family oriented campground that are all updated to include 50 amp electric service along with an updated camper fill and dump station as you come into the park. Two comfort stations with showers and flush toilets provide visitors with clean accommodations during their stays. Campground hosts are available in the park to answer questions or provide assistance should the need arise.

Pelican Lake Recreation Area is an outdoor enthusiasts dream! This state parks boast 5.5 miles of trails for those looking to hike through open prairie, woodlands, and luscious wildflower plantings all while enjoying the area birds, wildlife, and views of the lake. 4.5 miles of our trails are multi-use and allow horseback riding. There is also an archery range and 14 target course for those wishing to hone their skills for upcoming hunting seasons or have some friendly competition with their fellow shooters. Outdoor education programs, a kayak launch with kayak rentals, beach, boat ramp, fishing pier, playgrounds, and a picnic shelter also add to the opportunities that await you at Pelican Lake.

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Activities

  • Archery
  • Basketball
  • Basketball Checkout
  • Biking (on park roads)
  • Biking (on trails)
  • Birdwatching
  • Boating
  • Canoeing
  • Cross-country Ski Rental
  • Cross-country Skiing
  • Fishing
  • Geocaching
  • Hiking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Horseshoe Checkout
  • Horseshoes
  • Hunting
  • Kayak Rental
  • Kayaking
  • Lawn Game Checkout
  • Life Jacket Checkout
  • Paddleboarding
  • Picnicking
  • Snowmobiling
  • Snowshoe Checkout
  • Snowshoeing
  • Swimming
  • Walking (on park roads)
  • Wildlife Watching
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Upcoming Events

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Fees

  • Daily: $8 per vehicle
  • Annual: $36 first vehicle | $18 second vehicle (with coupon) | $80 transferable license

    Purchase Online

  • Campsites - electrical: $26 per night
  • Camping Cabins: $55 per night
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Park Specs

Open: Year-round. Between Oct. 1 and April 30, showers, flush toilets and other water systems may be closed. Please contact the park directly for current status. Vault toilets usually remain open.

Park Size: 76 campsites, 2 camping cabins, and 6 horse camp sites

Directions: 9 miles SW of Watertown off US Hwy 212

Nearest Town: Watertown

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Make Reservations

Make reservation online or call 1.800.710.2267.

Contact Info

Pelican Lake Recreation Area
17450 450th Avenue
Watertown, SD 57201
605.882.5392
Email: PelicanLake@state.sd.us
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Amenities

  • ADA/Accessible Features
  • Archery Range
  • Archery Trail(s)
  • Basketball Hoop(s)
  • Biking Trail(s)
  • Boat Ramp(s)
  • Campground(s)
  • Camping Cabin(s)
  • Cross-country Ski Trail(s)
  • Drinking Water
  • Dump Station
  • Electrical Campsite(s)
  • Fishing Pier(s)
  • Flush Toilets
  • Group Picnic Shelter(s)
  • Hiking Trail(s)
  • Horse Campsite(s)
  • Horse Trail(s)
  • Picnic Tables
  • Playground(s)
  • Pollinator Plot(s)
  • Self-serve Entrance Kiosk(s)
  • Shore Fishing Access
  • Showers
  • Swim Beach(es)
  • TRACK Trail(s)
  • Vault Toilets (open year-round)
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Archery Range

NFAA approved 14-station with practice facility. Stations range in distance from 20 feet to 80 yards

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ADA / Accessible

  • Campsite(s)
  • Fishing Pier(s)
  • Flush Toilets
  • Group Picnic Shelter(s)
  • Showers
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GPS Coordinates

Latitude: 44.85222
Longitude: -97.20845
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