🌤 Weather at Shadehill Recreation Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19–68 °F | 51–86 °F | 18–76 °F | 6–34 °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 Shadehill Reservoir, 10 mi away, elevation 2,450 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Northwest SD Oasis — 5,000-acre reservoir in the remote northwestern prairie — the largest lake in a 100-mile radius with outstanding walleye fishing
Shadehill Recreation Area centers on the 5,000-acre Shadehill Reservoir in Perkins County — the largest body of water in the remote northwestern corner of South Dakota. Built on the Grand River in 1951, Shadehill Reservoir is an oasis of water in the vast, treeless prairie. The reservoir offers some of the best walleye and northern pike fishing in the state — with far fewer anglers than eastern SD lakes. This is truly remote country — the nearest town (Lemmon, pop. 1,200) is 17 miles away. Hugh Glass, the famous frontiersman attacked by a grizzly bear (portrayed in “The Revenant”), was mauled near here in 1823.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Perkins County, SD |
| Entry Fee | SD Park Entrance License required |
| Lake | 5,000 acres — largest in 100mi! |
| History | Hugh Glass/”The Revenant” nearby 1823! |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Hugh Glass story real?
Yes! In 1823, fur trapper Hugh Glass was attacked by a grizzly bear near the Grand River (near present-day Shadehill). Left for dead by his companions, Glass crawled 200+ miles to Fort Kiowa. The story inspired the 2015 film “The Revenant” starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
About Shadehill
Shadehill Recreation Area in Perkins County provides recreation on Shadehill Reservoir — a 5,200-acre lake in the remote northwestern corner of South Dakota. The reservoir sits on the Grand River in the Missouri Plateau country — vast, open grassland with few trees (the “shade hill” was likely named for a rare shady spot). The area is one of the most remote recreation areas in the state.
Things to Do
Fishing for walleye, northern pike, and perch, boating on the large reservoir, camping (100+ sites), swimming, hunting (seasonal), and experiencing the extraordinary remoteness of northwestern South Dakota.
More parks nearby: West Whitlock Recreation Area is elsewhere in the state, while Little Moreau Recreation Area lies elsewhere in the state.
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for South Dakota state parks online at reservations.gooutdoorssouthdakota.com.
🐻 Visit Shadehill Recreation Area
5,000 acres — remote SD oasis, Hugh Glass “Revenant” territory!
Wildlife & Nature
Shadehill RA — on Shadehill Reservoir (5,000 acres) in northwestern South Dakota. The area’s rugged prairie, buttes, and lake support mule deer, pronghorn, and sharp-tailed grouse. Walleye and northern pike fill the lake.
Nearby Attractions
Lemmon — 20 miles north — home of the Petrified Wood Park. Perkins County — surrounding. Grand River — at the park.
⛺ Camping at Shadehill Recreation Area: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 85 sites — 85 campsites, electrical, $30/night. Dump station, flush toilets and showers (may close Oct. 1-April 30); vault toilets remain open year-round. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 7 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. |
| Pets | No pets allowed inside the group lodge; service animals allowed with advance notice to the park. Statewide SD GFP campground rule also 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 (CampSD.com) or call 1.800.710.2267. Reservation window opens 90 days before arrival. South Dakota park entry license required per vehicle: residents $10/day or $40/year, nonresidents $15/day or $60/year. |
| Special sites | 3-bedroom group lodge sleeps up to 12, $300/night, favored for family retreats and hunting groups. ADA-accessible campsites, cabins, fishing stations, showers and vault toilets. Located on Shadehill Reservoir, 12 miles south of Lemmon. |
| Season notes | Open year-round. Between Oct. 1 and April 30, showers, flush toilets and other water systems may be closed; vault toilets remain open year-round. |
Camping questions about Shadehill Recreation Area
Can you camp at Shadehill Recreation Area?
Yes. Shadehill Recreation Area has 85 campsites. 85 campsites, electrical, $30/night. Dump station, flush toilets and showers (may close Oct. 1-April 30); vault toilets remain open year-round.
How do you reserve a campsite at Shadehill Recreation Area?
Book online at reservations.gooutdoorssouthdakota.com (CampSD.com) or call 1.800.710.2267. Reservation window opens 90 days before arrival. South Dakota park entry license required per vehicle: residents $10/day or $40/year, nonresidents $15/day or $60/year.
Are there cabins at Shadehill Recreation Area?
7 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.
Are pets allowed at the Shadehill Recreation Area campground?
No pets allowed inside the group lodge; service animals allowed with advance notice to the park. Statewide SD GFP campground rule also 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 Shadehill 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 Shadehill 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 Shadehill Recreation Area
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
