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Lewis and Clark Recreation Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,138 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 Lewis and Clark 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.
Lakeside campgrounds & sandy beaches, multi-use trails, plus a resort, restaurant & boat marina.
What runners say about Lewis and Clark Recreation Area
“Its the perfect family campground with wonderful facilities and extremely clean”
“The lake is beautiful and the park staff are very knowledgeable and friendly.”
There are trails to hike, a swim beach, a small playground. There is a golf disc course too. The marina has a small general store that also serves some hot food, think has station burgers. They also sell ice cream and firewood.
Beautiful park!! Lots of trees and grass. Great water views, but if you camp across from the water sites, you have a huge open grassy area for the dogs or kids. Water sites do have the bike/walking path, so you get foot traffic on and off. Would definitely go back and camp on the inside loop sites.
We were there post season and the place was quite. Never more than 4 other campers in a unit that can place 40. Grounds are well cared for. Electrics worked flawlessly (30 amp hook up). Roads and camper platforms freshly paved and sealed. Showers had hot water and bathrooms were clean and well lit.
Hiked on the Gavins Point Trail at west end of rec area. A very nice hike mostly in trees, with some up and down places, and nice views of lake. We will return in the fall.
Trail conditions & character
“Many people flock to the pads overlooking the river and their nice but if you want less wind and large trees I recommend staying at a site back a little.”
“Showers had hot water and bathrooms were clean and well lit.”
“Showers had hot water and bathrooms were clean and well lit.”
Plan your run at Lewis and Clark 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.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- 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
Gavins Point Recreation Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 109 reviews
Park featuring campsites, swimming and fishing as well as trails for walking, biking and riding horses.
Pierson Ranch Recreation Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 129 reviews
Well-equipped campsite with a park area, picnic shelters, ball courts & a playground.
Lake Yankton Island Trail
5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews