🌤 Weather at Burke Lake Recreation Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22–69 °F | 56–87 °F | 23–77 °F | 10–36 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Gregory, 8 mi away, elevation 2,160 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Missouri River Lake — Lakeside recreation area on Burke Lake — fishing, camping, and wide-open South Dakota skies
Burke Lake Recreation Area offers lakeside recreation on Burke Lake in Gregory County — in the rolling prairie of south-central South Dakota. The area provides fishing for walleye, northern pike, and bass in one of the state’s smaller but productive lakes. South Dakota’s wide-open grasslands stretch to the horizon in every direction, and the night skies here are among the darkest in the nation — with the Milky Way visible on clear nights from horizon to horizon.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Gregory County, SD |
| Entry Fee | SD Park Entrance License required |
| Fishing | Walleye, northern pike, bass! |
| Skies | Among the darkest in the nation! |
About Burke Lake
Burke Lake Recreation Area in Gregory County provides camping and fishing along the Missouri River corridor in south-central South Dakota. The area sits on the banks of Lake Francis Case — a 102-mile-long Missouri River reservoir created by Fort Randall Dam. The Missouri River reservoirs transformed South Dakota’s economy and landscape in the 1950s and 1960s.
Burke Lake Recreation Area in Gregory County provides lake recreation on a small Great Plains reservoir in south-central South Dakota. The park sits in the Missouri River trench country — where the Missouri carved a mile-wide valley through the Great Plains. Gregory County was part of the Rosebud Sioux Reservation until 1904, when the federal government opened it for white settlement in a controversial land rush.
Things to Do
Fishing for walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass, camping, boating, swimming, and enjoying the Missouri River reservoir landscape.
Fishing for walleye and bass, camping, boating, swimming, and exploring the Missouri River country of south-central South Dakota.
Insider Tips
Eastern SD fishing: Burke Lake offers a peaceful fishing destination in southeastern South Dakota. Pro tip: Stocked with walleye, bass, and panfish. Camping: Basic campground provides an affordable base for fishing trips in the region.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Fishing and camping. Spring: Walleye fishing. Fall: Pheasant hunting nearby. Winter: Ice fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pheasant hunting good near Burke Lake?
South Dakota is the premier pheasant hunting state in America. The farmland surrounding Burke Lake and other eastern SD recreation areas supports excellent pheasant populations. The season typically runs from mid-October through January. A South Dakota small game license is required.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Llewellyn Johns Recreation Area (within about an hour’s drive) or Platte Creek Recreation Area (within about an hour’s drive).
Wildlife & Nature
Burke Lake RA — on Lake Francis Case (a Missouri River reservoir). The area’s prairie, lake, and cottonwood groves support white-tailed deer, bald eagles, and ring-necked pheasants. Walleye and catfish fill the lake.
Nearby Attractions
Burke — adjacent. Missouri River — at the park. Gregory County — surrounding.
⛺ Camping at Burke Lake Recreation Area: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 15 sites — 15 non-electrical campsites, first-come, first-served, $16/night. Vault toilets usually remain open. |
|---|---|
| Pets | Statewide SD GFP leash rule applies (leash required April 1–Sept. 30, immediate control year-round; pets excluded from buildings and designated swim areas). |
| Reservations | First-come, first-served self-registration: remove an envelope from the station, complete the information, enclose the fee, and drop it into the tube. South Dakota park entrance license required per vehicle. |
| Special sites | 25-acre lake averaging 8 feet deep; boating, kayaking, canoeing. No electrical hookups. |
| Season notes | Open year-round. Between Oct. 1 and April 30, water systems may be closed; vault toilets usually remain open. |
Camping questions about Burke Lake Recreation Area
Can you camp at Burke Lake Recreation Area?
Yes. Burke Lake Recreation Area has 15 campsites. 15 non-electrical campsites, first-come, first-served, $16/night. Vault toilets usually remain open.
How do you reserve a campsite at Burke Lake Recreation Area?
First-come, first-served self-registration: remove an envelope from the station, complete the information, enclose the fee, and drop it into the tube. South Dakota park entrance license required per vehicle.
Are pets allowed at the Burke Lake Recreation Area campground?
Statewide SD GFP leash rule applies (leash required April 1–Sept. 30, immediate control year-round; pets excluded from buildings and designated swim areas).
Source: gfp.sd.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Burke Lake Recreation Area
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in South Dakota state parks and recreation areas, including campgrounds and most trails, but not in park buildings or on designated swim beaches.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- April 1 - September 30: leash no longer than 10 ft required at all times; October 1 - March 31: leash optional but pets must be under immediate control
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets (except service animals) are not allowed on designated swimming beaches
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Dogs and cats allowed in pet-designated lodges, cabins and suites (roughly 40 parks/recreation areas have designated pet-friendly cabins) with payment of a pet accommodation fee
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use or camping pet fee; a pet accommodation fee is charged for pet-designated lodging
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets prohibited in all park buildings and on the Summit Trail at Bear Butte State Park
Are dogs allowed at Burke Lake Recreation Area?
Pets are allowed in South Dakota state parks and recreation areas, including campgrounds and most trails, but not in park buildings or on designated swim beaches. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via gfp.sd.gov. More: South Dakota state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Burke Lake Recreation Area
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
