🏆🏆🏆🏆 Glacial Prairie Lake — 280-acre glacial lake in eastern South Dakota — popular fishing and camping destination with a 1930s CCC-built shelter
Lake Vermillion Recreation Area centers on a 280-acre glacial lake in McCook County — one of eastern South Dakota’s most popular recreation areas. The park features a beautiful stone shelter built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s — one of many CCC structures across South Dakota that transformed federal work relief into lasting recreational infrastructure. Lake Vermillion offers excellent walleye, northern pike, and bass fishing in clear glacial water.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | McCook County, SD |
| Entry Fee | SD Park Entrance License required |
| Lake | 280 acres glacial! |
| History | 1930s CCC shelter! |
About Lake Vermillion
Lake Vermillion Recreation Area near Canistota provides recreation on a 1,160-acre lake — one of the largest natural lakes in eastern South Dakota. The lake sits in the glacially-carved landscape of the Prairie Coteau — a rolling highland of lakes and wetlands created by retreating glaciers. The lake is a major regional recreation destination.
Lake Vermillion Recreation Area in McCook County provides recreation on a 1,000-acre lake in the Vermillion River basin of southeastern South Dakota. The lake is a popular fishery for walleye, northern pike, and bass. The Vermillion River valley was the route of the Dakota Territory’s first railroad (1872), which opened the southeastern corner of the state to rapid settlement.
Things to Do
Fishing for walleye, bass, and northern pike, boating, camping (100+ sites), swimming at the beach, and enjoying one of eastern South Dakota’s premier natural lakes.
Fishing for walleye, northern pike, and bass, camping (120 sites), swimming, boating, and enjoying one of southeastern South Dakota’s most popular recreation lakes.
Insider Tips
Southeast SD gem: Lake Vermillion is a popular recreation area near the Minnesota border. Pro tip: The 980-acre lake offers excellent walleye, northern pike, and bass fishing. Swimming beach: One of the better swimming beaches in southeast South Dakota.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Swimming, boating, and fishing. Fall: Pheasant hunting in surrounding farmland. Spring: Walleye run. Winter: Ice fishing — the lake freezes solid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lake Vermillion good for walleye?
Yes. Lake Vermillion is one of the better walleye lakes in southeastern South Dakota. The 980-acre lake is regularly stocked and produces quality fish. Northern pike and largemouth bass also provide good fishing. A valid South Dakota fishing license is required.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Lake Louise Recreation Area is within about an hour’s drive, and Lake Herman State Park is within about an hour’s drive.
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for South Dakota state parks online at reservations.gooutdoorssouthdakota.com.
🎣 Visit Lake Vermillion Recreation Area
280-acre glacial lake — CCC heritage, walleye and pike!
Wildlife & Nature
Lake Vermillion RA — on Lake Vermillion (1,125 acres). The area’s lake, hardwood forest, and prairie support white-tailed deer, bald eagles, and great blue herons. Walleye, northern pike, and bass fill the lake.
Nearby Attractions
Canistota — nearby. McCook County — surrounding.
Park Location
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