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Pelican Lake Recreation Area
4.5 ★★★★★ 159 Google reviews · Running trail in Watertown, South Dakota · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- 5.5 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Pelican Lake 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.
Relaxed, airy campground area featuring playgrounds, shelters and showers.
What runners say about Pelican Lake Recreation Area
“Huge lots trees getting bigger every year super clean bathrooms and showers nice beach and kayaks to rent horse backing and nice walking trails”
“2 playgrounds, a fishing pier, walking trails, clean bathrooms, lots of space in between sites and beautiful views of the lake.”
Love this campground! 2 playgrounds, a fishing pier, walking trails, clean bathrooms, lots of space in between sites and beautiful views of the lake. We stayed in cabin #2. It was cozy with a great deck and patio. Air conditioning in the summer too. We are excited to go back soon!
Nice clean bathrooms. Tidy campground area & walking paths. Nice little beach by campsites 47 & 49, separate from the main beach. Covered shelter with outdoor fireplace by the boat launch area. Definitely recommend!
Great quick get away. You can practically walk on beach around the whole lake.
Beautiful SD State Park for camping, hiking, fishing and just relaxing. Some sites are large and have trees for shade. Comfort stations are clean and modern.
Trail conditions & character
“2 playgrounds, a fishing pier, walking trails, clean bathrooms, lots of space in between sites and beautiful views of the lake.”
“Huge lots trees getting bigger every year super clean bathrooms and showers nice beach and kayaks to rent horse backing and nice walking trails”
“Beautiful park for camping 5 miles from Watertown South Dakota”
Plan your run at Pelican Lake Recreation Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Distance5.5 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- 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+1 605-882-5392
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–9 pm |
Running trails near Watertown
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
McKinley Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 120 reviews
Riverside park known for its playground and bike trail, plus picnics.
Lions Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 79 reviews
Small park with slides and picnic tables, plus fish and trails.
