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Gavins Point Recreation Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 109 Google reviews · Running trail in Yankton, South Dakota · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Gavins Point Recreation Area's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Park featuring campsites, swimming and fishing as well as trails for walking, biking and riding horses.
What runners say about Gavins Point Recreation Area
“Only problem is dog people who are NOT responsible and clean up after their dogs.”
“Beautiful campsite areas Easy to enter boat ramps with great flow of boaters Lake is large, and I've never been on it when it is overcrowded”
Excellent and well maintained park. Well maintained beaches and bathrooms. Very spacious and open campsites that are not to cramped. Well maintained bike paths with a decent amount of hiking near the end. All in all it makes for a great camping experience and the whole place has a great atmosphere.
Gavin's point beach and recreation area is super fun. There are all kinds of things to do whether it is swimming on the beach, walking or biking the trails, playing frisbee golf on the several different courses, riding horses on the trails, camping in one of the 4 different campgrounds, letting kids play in one of the…
Our campsites were overlooking the lake and we could see the bluffs in the distance. The campground was kept clean and the staff was friendly. The kids had a wonderful time at the beach and exploring the miles of shoreline bike trail with numerous playgrounds along the way.
Lovely trails with nice overlook on the river. Lot of birds, quiet, well maintained and ne family-friendly
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful campsite areas Easy to enter boat ramps with great flow of boaters Lake is large, and I've never been on it when it is overcrowded”
Plan your run at Gavins Point Recreation Area
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadrestrooms, water — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitegfp.sd.gov
- Phone+1 605-668-2985
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Yankton
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Gavins Point Nature Trail
5 ★★★★★ 4 reviews
Lewis and Clark Recreation Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,138 reviews
Lakeside campgrounds & sandy beaches, multi-use trails, plus a resort, restaurant & boat marina.
Pierson Ranch Recreation Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 129 reviews
Well-equipped campsite with a park area, picnic shelters, ball courts & a playground.
Lake Yankton Trail
4 ★★★★☆ 10 reviews