🌤 Weather at Lake Cochrane Recreation Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21–68 °F | 57–83 °F | 24–73 °F | 5–28 °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 Canby, 10 mi away, elevation 1,210 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
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.
⛺ Camping at Lake Cochrane Recreation Area: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 30 sites — 30 campsites; electrical campsites $30/night. Boat ramp, drinking water, dump station, entrance booth, fishing pier, playground, restroom/shower. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 1 log camping cabin at $60/night. Sleeps four comfortably (bunk beds and a double bed); table and benches inside; porch, picnic table, and fire grate outside. |
| 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 | Reserve online or call 1.800.710.2267. Statewide 90-day advance reservation window. South Dakota park entrance license required per vehicle: daily $10 resident/$15 nonresident, annual $40 resident/$60 nonresident. |
| Special sites | Located between Lake Cochrane and Lake Oliver on the Minnesota border. Dump station on-site. |
| Season notes | Open year-round. Between Oct. 1 and April 30, showers, flush toilets, and other water systems may be closed. |
Camping questions about Lake Cochrane Recreation Area
Can you camp at Lake Cochrane Recreation Area?
Yes. Lake Cochrane Recreation Area has 30 campsites. 30 campsites; electrical campsites $30/night. Boat ramp, drinking water, dump station, entrance booth, fishing pier, playground, restroom/shower.
How do you reserve a campsite at Lake Cochrane Recreation Area?
Reserve online or call 1.800.710.2267. Statewide 90-day advance reservation window. South Dakota park entrance license required per vehicle: daily $10 resident/$15 nonresident, annual $40 resident/$60 nonresident.
Are there cabins at Lake Cochrane Recreation Area?
1 log camping cabin at $60/night. Sleeps four comfortably (bunk beds and a double bed); table and benches inside; porch, picnic table, and fire grate outside.
Are pets allowed at the Lake Cochrane 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 Lake Cochrane 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 Lake Cochrane 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
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