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Pierson Ranch Recreation Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 129 Google reviews · Running trail in Yankton, South Dakota · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Pierson Ranch 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.
Well-equipped campsite with a park area, picnic shelters, ball courts & a playground.
What runners say about Pierson Ranch Recreation Area
“A nice wooded campsite with very clean facilities and spacious camping sites.”
“I was in one of the only campsites that only had shade in early morning and late evening.”
A State Camp on the north end of lake Yankton. It's below the dam so a little more protected from winds. Bike path from town runs thru to camp ground above dam. Large picnic area used for large events. New playgrounds. Easy access to Lake Yankton. Kayaks and canoes, no motors.
Beautiful State Park very close to the Lake. Fabulous Bike trails and decent enough bathhouse. Our site had electricity only but the dump station & potable water was very close. Large sites with great shade. No internet service through hot spot and very poor call signal with Verizon.
Great campground. Rv tent and cabin site. You don’t feel packed in like other sites. Good playgrounds for the kids. Paved Bike trail right there. Disc golf course. Tennis and basketball court. Can walk to the marina. Been here a few time and will keep coming back. Staff keeps it very clean.
The only obstacle we had at the campground was the high winds, which is out of everyone's control. We camped season opening day- tent site. Most of those sites along with the cabins are river overlook (see campground map).The tent sites come with a fire pit and a picnic table.
Trail conditions & character
“I was in one of the only campsites that only had shade in early morning and late evening.”
“However, if you are looking for a picturesque view of the Lewis and Clark lake, perhaps try the campsites to the west of the dam!”
“Pierson Ranch Recreation area is a nice SD park that offers camping, trails, picnic shelters, restrooms, ball field, and tennis courts.”
“Water was not as accessible as I would have liked.”
Plan your run at Pierson Ranch 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- 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 | 6 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–10 pm |
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.
Lake Yankton Island Trail
5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews
Lake Yankton Trail
4 ★★★★☆ 10 reviews
Lewis and Clark Recreation Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,138 reviews
Lakeside campgrounds & sandy beaches, multi-use trails, plus a resort, restaurant & boat marina.
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.