🌤 Weather at Springfield Recreation Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23–70 °F | 58–86 °F | 24–76 °F | 9–34 °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 Tyndall, 10 mi away, elevation 1,420 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Lewis & Clark Lake — Recreation area on Lewis & Clark Lake near Springfield — the most downstream Missouri River reservoir in South Dakota
Springfield Recreation Area sits on Lewis & Clark Lake near the Nebraska border — the most downstream of the four Missouri River reservoirs in South Dakota. Created by Gavins Point Dam (1957), Lewis & Clark Lake is the smallest (31 miles long) but most popular Missouri River reservoir, attracting over 1 million visitors annually. The lake was named for the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which camped near here in August 1804. Springfield itself is a tiny town (pop. ~500) but the lake makes it a summer recreation magnet. The nearby Lewis & Clark Visitor Center interprets the expedition’s journey.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Bon Homme County, SD |
| Entry Fee | SD Park Entrance License required |
| Lake | Lewis & Clark — 1M+ visitors/yr! |
| History | Lewis & Clark camped here 1804! |
About Springfield
Springfield Recreation Area in Bon Homme County provides Missouri River recreation along Lewis and Clark Lake near the town of Springfield — one of South Dakota’s oldest communities. The area offers extensive facilities on the Missouri River, with views across the wide valley that Lewis and Clark traversed in 1804.
Things to Do
Fishing for walleye and catfish, camping, boating on Lewis and Clark Lake, swimming, and exploring the Lewis and Clark heritage of the Missouri River valley.
Insider Tips
Lewis & Clark Lake: Springfield sits on Lewis & Clark Lake — created by Gavins Point Dam, the last dam on the Missouri River before it flows freely to its junction with the Mississippi. Pro tip: Below Gavins Point, the Missouri runs free for 811 miles to St. Louis — the longest free-flowing stretch of the lower Missouri. Paddlefish: Lewis & Clark Lake is one of the best paddlefish (spoonbill) fisheries in the world.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Lake recreation and beach. Spring: Paddlefish snagging season. Fall: Quiet fishing. Winter: Eagle watching.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a paddlefish?
The paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) is a prehistoric fish — virtually unchanged for 300 million years (older than dinosaurs). They can grow to 7 feet and 200 pounds. Their distinctive paddle-shaped snout contains electroreceptors that detect plankton. Paddlefish are native to the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. Lewis & Clark Lake is one of the best fisheries — paddlefish are caught by “snagging” (weighted treble hooks) during their spring spawning run.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Randall Creek Recreation Area (within about an hour’s drive) or Snake Creek Recreation Area (within about an hour’s drive).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for South Dakota state parks online at reservations.gooutdoorssouthdakota.com.
🛶 Visit Springfield Recreation Area
Lewis & Clark Lake — 1M+ visitors, expedition campsite of 1804!
Wildlife & Nature
Springfield RA — on Lewis and Clark Lake. The area’s Missouri River, lake, and prairie support bald eagles, white pelicans, and ring-necked pheasants.
Nearby Attractions
Springfield — adjacent. Lewis and Clark Lake — at the park. Bon Homme County — surrounding.
⛺ Camping at Springfield Recreation Area: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 20 sites — 20 campsites: electrical sites $30/night, non-electrical (tent-only) sites $16/night. Flush toilets and showers (may close Oct. 1-April 30); vault toilets remain open year-round. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 2 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 | 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. South Dakota park entry license required per vehicle: residents $10/day or $40/year, nonresidents $15/day or $60/year. |
| Special sites | Boat launch, fish cleaning station, fishing pier, group picnic shelter. ADA-accessible fish cleaning stations, fishing piers, flush toilets and showers. Located on Lewis and Clark Lake, a Missouri River reservoir formed by Gavins Point Dam (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers); recreation area operated by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks. |
| 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 Springfield Recreation Area
Can you camp at Springfield Recreation Area?
Yes. Springfield Recreation Area has 20 campsites. 20 campsites: electrical sites $30/night, non-electrical (tent-only) sites $16/night. Flush toilets and showers (may close Oct. 1-April 30); vault toilets remain open year-round.
How do you reserve a campsite at Springfield Recreation Area?
Book online at reservations.gooutdoorssouthdakota.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 Springfield Recreation Area?
2 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 Springfield 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 Springfield 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 Springfield 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 Springfield Recreation Area
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
