🌤 Weather at Llewellyn Johns Recreation Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23–69 °F | 57–86 °F | 24–76 °F | 11–36 °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 Bonesteel, 5 mi away, elevation 1,985 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Lake Francis Case — Recreation area on Lake Francis Case — 102-mile reservoir on the Missouri River
Llewellyn Johns Recreation Area sits on Lake Francis Case — a 102-mile-long reservoir on the Missouri River created by Fort Randall Dam (completed 1956). Lake Francis Case is the third-largest Missouri River reservoir, offering walleye, smallmouth bass, and northern pike fishing. Fort Randall Dam itself is historically significant — remnants of the original Fort Randall (1856) are visible nearby. The fort was one of the most important military posts on the frontier, and Sitting Bull was held prisoner here after his surrender in 1881.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Gregory County, SD |
| Entry Fee | SD Park Entrance License required |
| Lake | Francis Case — 102 miles! |
| History | Sitting Bull imprisoned at Ft Randall! |
About Llewellyn Johns
Llewellyn Johns Recreation Area in Campbell County provides Missouri River recreation on Lake Oahe in northern South Dakota — near the North Dakota border. The area sits along one of the most remote stretches of the Missouri River corridor, where the prairie is vast and the population sparse.
Llewellyn Johns Recreation Area in Day County provides lake recreation in the Coteau des Prairies — the “highland of the prairies” — a glacial plateau in northeastern South Dakota dotted with hundreds of prairie potholes and kettle lakes. This region is one of North America’s most important waterfowl breeding areas, producing millions of ducks and geese annually for the Central and Mississippi Flyways.
Things to Do
Fishing for walleye and northern pike on Lake Oahe, camping, boating, and experiencing the wide-open northern Missouri River prairie.
Fishing, camping, birdwatching (duck and goose breeding habitat), boating, swimming, and exploring the prairie pothole region — North America’s “duck factory.”
Insider Tips
Local favorite: Llewellyn Johns is a small but popular recreation area for locals seeking a quiet day on the water. Pro tip: Good panfish and bass fishing in a peaceful setting. Camping: Basic campground facilities make this suitable for weekend getaways.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Swimming and fishing. Fall: Quiet season — excellent fishing. Spring: Bass spawning. Winter: Ice fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are South Dakota recreation areas free?
South Dakota state parks and recreation areas require a park entrance license — currently $8/day or $36/year for out-of-state visitors. Annual licenses are a good value if visiting multiple parks. Camping fees are additional and vary by campground and site type.
More parks nearby: Burke Lake Recreation Area is within about an hour’s drive, while Chief White Crane Recreation Area lies within about an hour’s drive.
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for South Dakota state parks online at reservations.gooutdoorssouthdakota.com.
🎣 Visit Llewellyn Johns Recreation Area
102-mile reservoir — where Sitting Bull was held prisoner.
Wildlife & Nature
Llewellyn Johns RA — on Lake Sharpe. The area’s Missouri River bluffs, prairie, and lake support bald eagles, white-tailed deer, and ring-necked pheasants.
Nearby Attractions
Pierre — nearby — state capital. Missouri River — at the park.
⛺ Camping at Llewellyn Johns Recreation Area: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 10 sites — 10 campsites, electrical ($23/night). |
|---|---|
| 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 | Small, quiet campground on Shadehill Reservoir, near the larger Shadehill Recreation Area. Shadehill Reservoir is a Bureau of Reclamation impoundment, but Llewellyn Johns is operated directly by SD GFP, not by a federal agency. |
| Season notes | Open year-round. Between Oct. 1 and April 30, showers, flush toilets, and other water systems may be closed; vault toilets usually remain open. |
Camping questions about Llewellyn Johns Recreation Area
Can you camp at Llewellyn Johns Recreation Area?
Yes. Llewellyn Johns Recreation Area has 10 campsites. 10 campsites, electrical ($23/night).
How do you reserve a campsite at Llewellyn Johns 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 pets allowed at the Llewellyn Johns 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 Llewellyn Johns 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 Llewellyn Johns 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 Llewellyn Johns Recreation Area
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
