Lake Vermillion State Recreation Area

Relax at this top-notch outdoor recreation area in southeastern South Dakota.

Lake Vermillion Recreation Area is a peaceful park with amazing camping areas that are clean and well maintained. In the summer, Lake Vermillion is teeming with boaters, swimmers, and anglers. The lake covers 513 acres and is full of bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye, white crappie, yellow bullhead, and yellow perch. This artificial lake is 6 miles east of Canastota and was formed by a dam on the East Fork of the Vermillion River. The dam was constructed in 1958. The water is clear, and the fish are abundant.

The river was first noted on an 1801 map by a French trapper who named it Otter Stream. It is said that the stream got its name from the outcropping of red quartzite along the bank of the river. There is a fishing pier and a fish cleaning station, and visitors flock to the area to enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, jet skiing, and boating. The beaches are beautiful and offer a place to hang out after swimming. 

Consider having an extended stay if you love to camp. There are 3 campgrounds offering electrical and non-electrical sites, tent spaces, and cabins. The cabins are available year-round, and each sleeps up to four people. They are furnished with bunk beds, a double bed, a table, benches, heating, and air conditioning. There are playgrounds in each camp area, benches here and there, picnic tables, sand volleyball courts, and basketball courts. Take a hike on a trail such as the one near Otter Stream. Soak in the sights of the rolling hills and wide-open sky on vacation to South Dakota.