State Parks

Photo © SD Tourism

West Whitlock Recreation Area

/userdocs/West Whitlock Recreation Area

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.

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Activities

  • Biking (on park roads)
  • Birdwatching
  • Boating
  • Canoe Rental
  • Canoeing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Kayak Rental
  • Kayaking
  • Life Jacket Checkout
  • Paddleboard Rental
  • Paddleboarding
  • Picnicking
  • Snowshoe Checkout
  • Snowshoeing
  • Swimming
  • 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: $20 per night
  • Campsites - non-electrical: $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: 105 campsites and 2 camping cabins

Directions: 18 miles west of Gettysburg off US Hwy 212

Nearest Town: Gettysburg

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Make Reservations

Make reservation online or call 1.800.710.2267.

Contact Info

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

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

  • Camping Cabin(s)
  • Campsite(s)
  • Group Picnic Shelter(s)
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GPS Coordinates

Latitude: 45.0481
Longitude: -100.2661
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