North Shore Recreation Area

Imagery: USGS / CopernicusOpen in MapAbout this site
Mananged by the Army Corps of Engineers, North Shore Recreation Area is open to the general public and costs nothing to camp there. There are no reservations, very few people camping there, and plenty of spaces to choose from. You get a beautiful view of the Missouri River, low-but-usable Verizon 4G signal, and level, paved campsites. So what’s the catch? Well, it is about 30 minutes away from the modern amenities of Chamberlain, SD, and you can expect gnats and mosquitoes during the warmer part of the year. But if free camping is your game, you may actually find North Shore Recreation Area to be a hidden gem. Additional Info: 24 campsites with lake views above Lake Sharpe. Amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, boat ramp, and beach access. Maximum stay 14 days. No hookups or dump station.
Amenities & access
Access
- Drive-in access
- Boat-in access
Amenities
- Toilets
- Fire Rings
Contact
Location
44.065385, -99.475900
Elevation · 1,460 ft
Weather
Reviews (1)
- 5C
Camper
September 7, 2025
Nice and quiet and right by the lake. We have a 44 Toy Hauler and it fits nicely into the spots, for boondocking it’s the best spot.
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