Jump to a State Park:  | Parks Home

West Whitlock Recreation Area

West Whitlock

A popular campsite for the Arikara and Mandan people in the past, West Whitlock now draws modern-day campers and fishermen to its shores. When the area became a park, it was named for Mrs. J.F. Whitlock, whose pioneering family once owned the land. Whitlock Crossing was the name given to a small settlement that operated a ferry across the river near the area.

History

The replica of an Arikara earth lodge found in the park is a reminder of the many lodges that the Lewis and Clark expedition saw as they traveled this area. Each lodge, made of cottonwood logs, willow branches and grass, could house up to 20 people. The Arikara people were farmers and grew crops such as corn, beans, squash, sunflowers and tobacco.

Restrictions / Safety

West Whitlock Recreation ARea

16157A West Whitlock Road
Gettysburg, SD 57442
605.765.9410
Email: WhitlockRec@state.sd.us

GPS Coordinates

Lat: 45.048094
Long: -100.3


 

NOTICE

Some campsites have been re-numbered since the 2011 season. See map

Activities

BoatingCampingCross country skiingFishingHikingHistorical interestHorseshoesSwimmingVolleyball

Lodging Info

Facilities / Services

  • Beach
  • Boat Ramp
  • Campground
  • Camping cabins
  • Drinking water
  • Dump station
  • Fish Cleaning Station
  • Flush toilets/showers
  • Game Checkout
  • Picnic Shelter
  • Playground
  • Ski beach
  • Vault toilets

Fishing

Fishing License Required

  • Walleye
  • Smallmouth Bass
  • White Bass
  • Sauger
  • Chinook Salmon
  • Northern Pike
  • Perch

ADA / Accessible

  • Camping Sites (31E)
  • Picnic Shelter
  • Showers

Park Specs

  • Reservations: www.campsd.com or 1.800.710.2267
    • Campsites: May - September
    • Cabins: year-round
  • Open: Year-round
  • Size: 105 campsites and 2 cabins (each sleeps 4 people)

Directions

North central South Dakota: 18 miles west of Getysburg off US Hwy 212

Maps

Location Map
Campground map
Trail map and guide
Walking map

Area Attractions

  • Dakota Sunset Museum, Gettysburg
  • East Whitlock Lakeside Use Area
  • Hiking trail at Little Bend Lakeside Use Area

Nearest Town

Gettysburg

Fees

Park entrance license required year-round

  • Temporary: Daily license $4 per person or $6 per vehicle
  • Annual: $28 first vehicle | $14 for second vehicle | $60 transferable license

Campsites:

  • $16 (all sites electrical)

Camping Cabins:

  • $37/night