West Bend Recreation Area RV & Campground Guide
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Located on one of the many twists and turns of the Missouri River as it flows through South Dakota, the West Bend Recreation Area is a state park that covers 151 acres along the west bank of Lake Sharpe as one of several reservoirs constructed to control the flow of the Missouri River. It sits in an area that provides access to hiking trails, hunting areas, and a lake famous for its fishing. Today, sitting beside this lake, it is hard to imagine the Lewis and Clark team found and conquered along this stretch of the Missouri. With a protected harbor, the park has the perfect place for anglers to store their boats between fishing trips. West Bend Recreation Area is situated in a sparsely populated area with towns like Stephan, SD, and Harrold, SD, the nearest to the park. South Dakota’s state capital, Pierre, is the largest population center, and it is only 35 miles away across flat prairie.
Spring 23-70 F
Summer 56-87 F
Fall 23-76 F
Winter 9-32 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in West Bend Recreation Area
The wide-open spaces of South Dakota call for the use of an RV. Vacationing families that travel through this area find many parks to visit and sites to see. An RV allows a family to stay at one park for a few nights, to pick up stakes quickly, and to move on to the next RV camping location with a minimum of fuss. Look for RVs to rent in Harrold, SD.
West Bend Recreation Area Campground
The West Bend Recreation Area Campground offers 120 RV campsites. To access the lake, the campground provides a boat ramp on a protected harbor. No matter which way the wind blows, boats are sheltered. All features of the campground are ADA accessible, including the fish cleaning station.
Water Hookup: Yes
Electric Hookup: 30/50 amps
Sewer Hook-up: No
Wi-Fi Available: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Restrooms with flush toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, warm showers, dump station
Fee: $19 to $23 per night
Farm Island Recreation Area Campground
Located about midway between Pierre and the West Bend Recreation Area, Farm Island Recreation Area Campground provides 90 RV campsites on an island in the middle of the Missouri River. The island is connected to the mainland via a causeway. Several boat ramps give access to the river for anglers, water skiers, boaters, and kayakers. Nearly 8 miles of trails are available for bicyclists and hikers. The boat ramps, fish cleaning stations, and archery range are ADA accessible.
Water Hookup: Yes
Electric Hookup: 30/50 amp
Sewer Hook-up: No
Wi-Fi Available: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Restrooms with flush toilets, warm showers, fire rings, picnic tables, dump station
Fee: $26 per night
New Frontier RV Park and Campground
Just 40 miles south of the West Bend Recreation Area lies the New Frontier RV Park and Campground. A privately owned RV park, this campground offers 59 RV campsites with pull-through access. Each campsite is 24 feet wide and 60 feet long. The road and pads are gravel, which means there is some leveling required at each campsite. A camp store provides access to firewood, ice, and typical camping supplies. Visitors enjoy a driving range, horseshoe pits, playground, and nearby hiking and biking trails.
Water Hookup: Yes
Electric Hookup: 30/50 amp
Sewer Hook-up: Yes
Wi-Fi Available: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Restrooms with flush toilets, warm showers, fire rings, picnic tables, dump station, laundry facility
Fee: $48 per night
What to Do at
West Bend Recreation Area
Inside West Bend Recreation Area
The highlight of the West Bend Recreation Area is Lake Sharpe, a 56,884-acre reservoir on the Missouri River created by the construction of West Bend Dam. Since the recreation area sits on the lake's west bank and the land beyond the lake is flat, there are mornings when the sun appears to climb out of the lake to begin the day. Fishing is excellent for walleye and smallmouth bass. Hiking trails running alongside the lake are accessible from this area. Other activities during the warm months include biking, horseback riding, and stargazing at an uninterrupted night sky; during the winter months, the recreation area is a favorite spot for cross-country skiers.
How to Get to
West Bend Recreation Area
To get to the West bend Recreation Area from Pierre, find United States Highway 83 Truck Route (US-83 Truck), and drive east for 2 miles. Merge onto South Dakota Highway 34 East (SD-34 E), and go for 27.5 miles until you reach 319th Avenue. Turn right onto 319th Avenue, and drive for 5.5 miles when it gradually bends to the left and becomes West Bend Road. Keep going for another 3.1 miles, and you find the West Bend Recreation Area entrance on the left.
Entering West Bend Recreation Area
West Bend Recreation Area is a day-use area that is open year-round from dawn to dusk.
West Bend Recreation Area Entry fee (per vehicle) : $8.0
You’ll make memories that last a lifetime when you take an RV adventure to West Bend Recreation Area. If you don’t have an RV of your own, rent one with RVshare! If you share your trip photos on social media, be sure to tag us, or send them to [email protected] for a chance to be featured on our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions About West Bend Recreation Area
Many prefer to visit West Bend Recreation Area from May to August when temperatures are in the mid-70s to mid-90s. However, those who like snowshoeing or cross-country skiing prefer the winter months when temperatures are cold with plenty of snow.
West Bend Recreation Area has an abundance of walleye and smallmouth bass, pheasants, and Canada geese. There are also numerous species of wildflowers, including prairie lilies, scarlet mallow, and goldenrod, in the spring and summer.
There are 120 camping spots available at West Bend Recreation Area. Camping spots offer water and electrical hookups with 30/50-amp service. However, there aren’t sewer hookups or Wi-Fi available. There is a dump station and restrooms on-site.
It is always best to reserve a camping spot at West Bend Recreation Area in spring and summer. Fees to stay overnight range from $19 for non-electrical-hookup sites to $23 for electrical-hookup sites per night.
Yes, you can bring your furry friend to West Bend Recreation Area. However, your pet must be on a leash no longer than 10 feet and under your control at all times.
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