State Parks

Photo © SD Tourism

Oahe Downstream Recreation Area

The park's three campgrounds give visitors a variety of recreational opportunities, from boating to hiking to disc golf. The Corps of Engineers began building the Oahe Dam in 1948 and in 1962 started generating electricity. It's one of the largest constructed reservoirs in the United States, measuring 231 miles connecting the capital cities of South Dakota and North Dakota.

Oahe Downstream is one of the South Dakota state parks that offers the opportunity for visitors to see the majestic bald eagle. During winter, bird watchers can view eagles that roost in the treetops below the dam. They typically can be viewed perching within 50 feet of the riverbank in tall cottonwood trees.

Everyone is encouraged to visit the interactive South Dakota prairie butterfly garden located near the main entrance at Oahe Downstream. Find 17 species of native prairie plants, identify some of common butterflies, and learn something new about butterflies of South Dakota.

Activities

Archery
ATV & Off-highway Vehicles
Biking (on park roads)
Biking (on trails)
Binocular Checkout
Birdwatching
Boating
Canoeing
Disc Golf
Disc Golf Checkout
Fishing
Fishing Pole Checkout
Geocaching
GPS Unit Checkout
Hiking
Historical Interest
Horseshoe Checkout
Horseshoes
Hunting
Interpretive Signs
Kayaking
Lawn Game Checkout
Life Jacket Checkout
Paddleboarding
Picnicking
Shooting Sports
Stargazing
Swimming
Volleyball
Volleyball Checkout
Walking (on park roads)
Wildlife Watching

Fees

Daily: $8 per vehicle
Annual: $36 first vehicle | $18 second vehicle (with coupon) | $80 transferable license
Purchase Online
Campsites - electrical: $23 per night
Camping Cabins: $55 per night
Modern Cabins: $120-$150 per night
Group Lodge: $125 per night

Park Specs

Open: Year-round. Campgrounds closed to camping Nov. 15 through the last Friday of March for bald eagle winter roosting. Day-use area remains open year-round. Between Oct. 1 and April 30, water systems may be closed.

Park Size: 3 campgrounds with 205 campsites, 8 camping cabins, 4 modern cabins, and group lodge

Directions: 5 miles north of Fort Pierre on Highway 1806, on the south side of Oahe Dam

Nearest Town: Pierre

Make Reservations

Make reservation online or call 1.800.710.2267.

Maps

Contact Info

Oahe Downstream Recreation Area
20439 Marina Loop Road
Fort Pierre, SD 57532
605.223.7722
Email: Oahe@state.sd.us

Amenities

ADA/Accessible Features
Archery Range
Archery Trail(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)
Historical Site(s)
Modern Lodging
Off-highway Vehicle Area
Paved Trail(s)
Picnic Tables
Playground(s)
Pollinator Plot(s)
Self-serve Entrance Kiosk(s)
Shooting Range
Shore Fishing Access
Showers
Ski Beach(es)
Swim Beach(es)
TRACK Trail(s)
Vault Toilets (open year-round)
Visitor Center(s)

Park Rating

Modern Lodging

The modern lodging accommodations at Oahe Downstream offer increased comforts in an outdoor setting any time of the year.

ADA / Accessible

Boat Ramp Access
Camping Cabin(s)
Campsite(s)
Fish Cleaning Station(s)
Fishing Access
Fishing Pier(s)
Flush Toilets
Group Lodge
Modern Cabin(s)
Paved Trail(s)
Picnic Tables
Shooting Range(s)
Showers
Vault Toilets (open year-round)
Visitor Center(s)

GPS Coordinates

Latitude: 44.43694
Longitude: -100.3998

Additional Info

Oahe Downstream Modern Lodging