State Parks

Photo © SD Tourism

Lake Vermillion Recreation Area

/userdocs/Lake Vermillion Recreation Area

Known for its clear waters and abundant fish, Lake Vermillion Recreation Area is a popular area among fishermen, boaters and swimmers. During the fall, sportsmen can find waterfowl and upland game within minutes from the park. This 512-acre reservoir is located 27 miles west of Sioux Falls.

Lake Vermillion was created by impounding waters from the east fork of the Vermillion River in 1958. The river itself was first noted on an 1801 map by a French trapper who called it Otter Stream.

The word vermillion means vivid red color. Some say the stream got its name from the outcropping of red quartzite along its bank.

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Activities

  • Basketball
  • Basketball Checkout
  • Biking (on park roads)
  • Biking (on trails)
  • Birdwatching
  • Boating
  • Canoe Rental
  • Canoeing
  • Fishing
  • Fishing Pole Checkout
  • Geocaching
  • Hiking
  • Horseshoe Checkout
  • Horseshoes
  • Interpretive Signs
  • Kayak Rental
  • Kayaking
  • Lawn Game Checkout
  • Life Jacket Checkout
  • Paddleboard Rental
  • Paddleboarding
  • Picnicking
  • Snowshoeing
  • Swimming
  • Volleyball
  • Volleyball Checkout
  • Walking (on park roads)
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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
  • Campsites - non-electrical: Tent-Only: $15 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: 3 campgrounds with 130 campsites and 9 camping cabins

Directions: 5 miles south of I-90, Exit 374

Nearest Town: Canistota

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Make Reservations

Make reservation online or call 1.800.710.2267.

Contact Info

Lake Vermillion Recreation Area
26140 451st Ave
Canistota, SD 57012
605.773.5877
Email: LakeVermillion@state.sd.us
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Amenities

  • ADA/Accessible Features
  • Basketball Hoop(s)
  • Biking Trail(s)
  • Boat Ramp(s)
  • Campground(s)
  • Camping Cabin(s)
  • Drinking Water
  • Dump Station
  • Electrical Campsite(s)
  • Fish Cleaning Station(s)
  • Fishing Pier(s)
  • Flush Toilets
  • Group Picnic Shelter(s)
  • Hiking Trail(s)
  • Picnic Tables
  • Playground(s)
  • Self-serve Entrance Kiosk(s)
  • Shore Fishing Access
  • Showers
  • Swim Beach(es)
  • Tent-only Campsite(s)
  • Vault Toilets (open year-round)
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ADA / Accessible

  • Camping Cabin(s)
  • Campsite(s)
  • Fish Cleaning Station(s)
  • Fishing Pier(s)
  • Flush Toilets
  • Group Picnic Shelter(s)
  • Picnic Tables
  • Showers
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GPS Coordinates

Latitude: 43.59476
Longitude: -97.18517
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