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Lake Vermillion State Recreation Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 697 Google reviews · Running trail in Canistota, South Dakota · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Lake Vermillion State 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.
Recreational area offering fishing, boating, swimming, camping, hiking, and picnicking.
What runners say about Lake Vermillion State Recreation Area
“Well maintained and great bathroom and hot shower facility.”
“The staff are extremely friendly and helpful, they manictre the grounds as if it were a mansion, most of the camp sites are very spacious and give you a beautiful view of the lake.”
“Site 43 offered a beautiful lake view, which we enjoyed during our peaceful four-night stay in early May.”
This place's claim to fame is the lake clearly, but there is another gem in the Lake Vermilion area, and it's the mowed trails that circle the campground. Do yourself a favor and walk through these amazing grassland trails, they are absolutely beautiful.
I have now been to this campground twice. I stayed at the east campground on the south side of the lake. I found it to be very nice. The swimming beach is on the other lake at the north campgrounds. The water is nice and pretty clear, and the lake is fairly large(enough to do some boating).
Wonderful campground with friendly hosts. We enjoyed the East campground due to sites right on the river. Great view + quiet/relaxing. Picnic tables + fire pit + electric hookup. Area is beautiful and well kept. Biking/ fishing/hiking. Highly recommended. Paid $21 per night + $7.50 for out of state.
Pretty awesome place, don’t let your dogs loose on the beach though they asked us not to. It’s a very clean park and well planned. Lots of fishing and places to walk. I would be bored after a weekend there but it’s definitely a fun day trip.
Trail conditions & character
“The staff are extremely friendly and helpful, they manictre the grounds as if it were a mansion, most of the camp sites are very spacious and give you a beautiful view of the lake.”
“Site 43 offered a beautiful lake view, which we enjoyed during our peaceful four-night stay in early May.”
“The bathrooms and showers are super clean and always well stocked.”
“We continued to the end loop and backed into site 43 (50/30/20 AMP), which was easy thanks to its corner location.”
Plan your run at Lake Vermillion State Recreation Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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+1 605-773-5877
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–11 pm |
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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