Scenic 700-Acre Glacial Lake Near the Minnesota Border — Campground With Electric Hookup Sites for Tents and RVs, Sandy Swimming Beach With Designated Swimming Area, Fishing for Walleye Largemouth Bass Smallmouth Bass Bluegill and Northern Pike in Clear Glacial Water, Concrete Boat Ramp With Courtesy Dock, Fish Cleaning Station, Modern Restrooms and Shower Facilities, Playground for Families, Covered Picnic Shelters and Open Picnic Areas With Grills, Quiet Lakeside Setting in the Glacial Lake Country of the Coteau des Prairies, Near Gary Deuel County Northeastern South Dakota
Lake Cochrane Recreation Area is a state recreation area on a scenic 700-acre natural glacial lake near Gary, Deuel County, northeastern South Dakota, managed by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks. The recreation area features a campground with electric hookup sites for tents and RVs with modern restrooms and shower facilities, a sandy swimming beach with designated swimming area ideal for families, fishing for walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, and northern pike in the clear 700-acre natural glacial lake, a concrete boat ramp with courtesy dock for easy launching, a fish cleaning station for processing your catch, a playground for children, covered picnic shelters and open picnic areas with grills, and a quiet lakeside setting in the glacial lake country of the Coteau des Prairies — the rolling prairie highlands of northeastern South Dakota near the Minnesota border.
Lake Cochrane is a glacial lake in the Coteau des Prairies — the rolling prairie highlands of northeastern South Dakota where natural lakes are abundant. The 700-acre lake provides excellent walleye and bass fishing in a less-crowded setting compared to the region’s larger reservoirs. The clear, natural water and healthy fish populations make it a favorite among local anglers.
The recreation area is popular with families — the sandy beach, playground, and calm lake waters make it an ideal swimming and camping destination for summer weekends. The proximity to the Minnesota border draws visitors from both states, and the modern shower facilities add comfort to the camping experience.
Things to Do
- Fishing — walleye, bass, bluegill, pike
- Camping — electric hookup sites, showers
- Swimming — sandy beach, family-friendly
- Boating — concrete ramp, courtesy dock
- Picnicking — covered shelters, grills
- Playground — children’s play area
Recreation Area Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Gary, Deuel County, NE South Dakota |
| Lake | Lake Cochrane — 700 ac (glacial) |
| Camping | Electric hookup sites, modern showers |
| Fishing | Walleye, bass, bluegill, pike |
| Boat Ramp | Concrete with courtesy dock |
| Managed By | SD Game, Fish and Parks |
| Coordinates | 44.5833° N, 96.4667° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Lake Cochrane RA — on Lake Cochrane in the Prairie Coteau. The area’s glacial lake, prairie, and wetlands support white pelicans, ring-necked pheasants, and white-tailed deer.
Nearby Attractions
Gary — adjacent. Deuel County — surrounding. Minnesota border — nearby.
What fish are in Lake Cochrane South Dakota?
Lake Cochrane near Gary in northeastern South Dakota supports walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, and northern pike in a 700-acre natural glacial lake. The Lake Cochrane Recreation Area managed by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks offers a campground with electric hookups and modern showers, sandy swimming beach, concrete boat ramp with courtesy dock, fish cleaning station, playground, and covered picnic shelters. Located in the glacial lake country of the Coteau des Prairies near the Minnesota border.
Last updated: May 2026
More parks nearby: Oakwood Lakes State Park is within about an hour’s drive, while Lake Poinsett State Park lies within about an hour’s drive.
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for South Dakota state parks online at reservations.gooutdoorssouthdakota.com.
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