🌤 Weather at Oahe Downstream Recreation Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21–70 °F | 55–89 °F | 24–78 °F | 8–34 °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 Oahe Dam, 2 mi away, elevation 1,663 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Below the Giant — Premier tailwater fishery below Oahe Dam — world-class walleye fishing in the turbulent waters below the world’s second-largest earth dam
Oahe Downstream Recreation Area lies below Oahe Dam near Pierre — offering world-class tailwater fishing where cold, oxygenated water rushing through the dam’s turbines creates a supercharged fishery. Oahe Dam is staggering in scale — 245 feet high and 9,300 feet long, it’s the world’s second-largest earth-rolled dam (after Fort Peck in Montana). The tailwater below the dam is one of the premier walleye fisheries in North America, consistently producing trophy walleye and chinook salmon. The area also provides camping, hiking, and access to Lewis & Clark’s historic campsite.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Pierre, SD (below Oahe Dam!) |
| Entry Fee | SD Park Entrance License required |
| Dam | 245ft high, 9,300ft long — 2nd largest earth dam! |
| Fishing | World-class walleye + SALMON! |
Frequently Asked Questions
Salmon in South Dakota?
Yes! Lake Oahe is stocked with chinook (king) salmon — originally a Pacific Ocean species. The cold, deep water of Oahe provides ideal conditions, and salmon exceeding 15 pounds are regularly caught. The tailwater below the dam is especially productive because the turbines concentrate baitfish, attracting trophy walleye and salmon.
About Oahe Downstream
Oahe Downstream Recreation Area near Pierre provides premier recreation below Oahe Dam — one of the largest earth-rolled dams in the world. The cold-water discharge from Lake Oahe creates exceptional tailwater fishing — trophy walleye, sauger, and catfish congregate in the current. The area is one of South Dakota’s most popular fishing destinations and hosts major fishing tournaments.
Things to Do
Trophy walleye and sauger fishing in the dam tailwaters (consistently ranked among the best in the U.S.), camping (200+ sites), boating, hiking, and visiting the Oahe Dam visitor center. One of the premier walleye fishing spots in North America.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with LaFramboise Island Nature Area (a short drive away) or Farm Island Recreation Area (a short drive away).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for South Dakota state parks online at reservations.gooutdoorssouthdakota.com.
Wildlife & Nature
Oahe Downstream RA — below the Oahe Dam — one of the largest earth-rolled dams in the world (245 feet high, 9,300 feet long). The area’s Missouri River tailwaters, prairie, and cottonwood groves support bald eagles (large wintering concentrations), white pelicans, and ring-necked pheasants. Walleye fishing in the tailwaters is legendary.
Nearby Attractions
Pierre — adjacent — state capital. Cultural Heritage Center — in Pierre. Missouri River — at the park.
⛺ Camping at Oahe Downstream Recreation Area: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 205 sites — 3 campgrounds with 205 campsites total: electrical campsites $30/night; tent camping and non-electrical sites also available. Showers and flush toilets (may close Oct. 1-April 30); vault toilets remain open year-round. Campgrounds 1 and 2 close to camping Nov. 15 through the last Friday of March for bald eagle winter roosting; the day-use area and Campground 3 remain open year-round. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 8 camping cabins at $60/night: heat, A/C, electricity, bunk bed plus double bed, table and benches, fire grate, picnic table, porch; no restroom, running water, linens or kitchen. 4 modern cabins at $120-$150/night. |
| Pets | Statewide SD GFP rule applies: April 1-Sept. 30 pets must be under immediate control on a leash no longer than 10 ft; Oct. 1-March 31 leash not mandatory but pet must be under immediate control. Pets (except service animals) prohibited on swimming beaches and in park buildings. |
| Reservations | Book online at reservations.gooutdoorssouthdakota.com or call 1.800.710.2267. Reservation window opens 90 days before arrival. Phone reservations carry a $6 non-refundable fee; nonresident sites carry an additional $10 non-refundable fee. South Dakota park entry license required per vehicle: residents $10/day or $40/year, nonresidents $15/day or $60/year. |
| Special sites | Group lodge: $125/night standard rate, $40/night for nonprofit youth groups. Dump station on site. ADA-accessible campsites, camping cabins, modern cabins, group lodge, paved trails, fishing piers and vault toilets. Located 5 miles north of Fort Pierre on Highway 1806, south side of Oahe Dam (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dam on the Missouri River/Lake Oahe); recreation area operated by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks. |
| Season notes | Campgrounds 1 and 2 closed to camping Nov. 15 through the last Friday of March for bald eagle roosting. Day-use area and Campground 3 open year-round. Between Oct. 1 and April 30, showers, flush toilets and other water systems may be closed elsewhere in the park. |
Camping questions about Oahe Downstream Recreation Area
Can you camp at Oahe Downstream Recreation Area?
Yes. Oahe Downstream Recreation Area has 205 campsites. 3 campgrounds with 205 campsites total: electrical campsites $30/night; tent camping and non-electrical sites also available. Showers and flush toilets (may close Oct. 1-April 30); vault toilets remain open year-round. Campgrounds 1 and 2 close to camping Nov. 15 through the last Friday of March for bald eagle winter roosting; the day-use area and Campground 3 remain open year-round.
How do you reserve a campsite at Oahe Downstream Recreation Area?
Book online at reservations.gooutdoorssouthdakota.com or call 1.800.710.2267. Reservation window opens 90 days before arrival. Phone reservations carry a $6 non-refundable fee; nonresident sites carry an additional $10 non-refundable fee. South Dakota park entry license required per vehicle: residents $10/day or $40/year, nonresidents $15/day or $60/year.
Are there cabins at Oahe Downstream Recreation Area?
8 camping cabins at $60/night: heat, A/C, electricity, bunk bed plus double bed, table and benches, fire grate, picnic table, porch; no restroom, running water, linens or kitchen. 4 modern cabins at $120-$150/night.
Are pets allowed at the Oahe Downstream Recreation Area campground?
Statewide SD GFP rule applies: April 1-Sept. 30 pets must be under immediate control on a leash no longer than 10 ft; Oct. 1-March 31 leash not mandatory but pet must be under immediate control. Pets (except service animals) prohibited on swimming beaches and in park buildings.
Source: gfp.sd.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Oahe Downstream 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 Oahe Downstream 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 Oahe Downstream Recreation Area
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
