State Parks

Photo © SD Tourism

Little Moreau Recreation Area

Originally Big Owl and Little Owl rivers, the sheltered watersheds of the Moreau and Little Moreau Rivers provided traditional winter campgrounds for the Cheyenne, and later the Minneconjou and Two Kettle bands of Teton Sioux. The river names were later changed from Owl to an early trader's name of Moreau. Grassland attracted the first European settlers to the Moreau Valley. During the late 1870s through 1890s, cattle barons from southern states grazed thousands of cattle on this rich grassland.

This prairie oasis is home to an abundance of animals and plants. Be on the lookout for red foxes, bobcats and coyotes. Bird species include wild turkeys, sharptail grouse, gray partridge, pheasants, and snowy and great-horned owls. In the winter, bald and golden eagles are often spotted.

Activities

Biking (on park roads)
Birdwatching
Boating
Canoeing
Fishing
Hunting
Kayaking
Picnicking
Walking (on park roads)
Wildlife Watching

Fees

No entrance fee required.

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: 5 campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis

Directions: 6 miles south of Timber Lake off SD Hwy 20

Nearest Town: Timber Lake

Maps

Contact Info

Little Moreau Recreation Area
16157 West Whitlock, Ste A
Gettysburg, SD 57442
605.937.8413
Email: WhitlockRec@state.sd.us

Amenities

ADA/Accessible Features
Boat Ramp(s)
Campground(s)
Group Picnic Shelter(s)
Shore Fishing Access
Vault Toilets (open year-round)

ADA / Accessible

Vault Toilets (open year-round)

GPS Coordinates

Latitude: 45.34919
Longitude: -101.0845