Nebraska Tailwaters

Nebraska Tailwaters offers excellent access to the Missouri River immediately below Gavins Point Dam near Yankton, South Dakota. The site features a large 2-lane boat ramp with ample parking, making it ideal for kayakers, canoeists, and motorboats launching into the tailwaters section. Additional amenities include an accessible fishing pier, bank fishing areas, a fish cleaning station, and modern facilities with shower and restroom access. The campground is conveniently located on the Nebraska (south) bank just downstream of the dam.

This access point provides entry to a unique section of the Missouri River characterized by the cold, controlled releases from Gavins Point Dam. The tailwaters are a popular destination for both recreational paddling and fishing. For paddlers, note that the nearby Training Dike boat ramp (RM 810.1) on the north side near Chief White Crane Campground offers an alternative launch option. The surrounding Lewis and Clark Lake area is one of the region's most visited recreation destinations.

**Practical Information:** Reservations for campground sites can be made through Recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. For general facility information, contact 402-667-2546. From Yankton, travel south on U.S. Highway 81 for 2 miles, then west on Nebraska Highway 121 for 4 miles to the campground entrance.

Overview
Nebraska Tailwaters Campground is nestled along the Nebraska bank of the Missouri River, is a fun-filled camping destination just downstream of Gavins Point Dam and Lewis & Clark Lake. The 31,400-acre Lewis & Clark Lake and Gavins Point Dam are nestled in the golden, chalkstone-lined valley of the Missouri River growing into one of the most popular recreation destinations in the Great...

Overview
Nebraska Tailwaters Campground is nestled along the Nebraska bank of the Missouri River, is a fun-filled camping destination just downstream of Gavins Point Dam and Lewis & Clark Lake. The 31,400-acre Lewis & Clark Lake and Gavins Point Dam are nestled in the golden, chalkstone-lined valley of the Missouri River growing into one of the most popular recreation destinations in the Great Plains. 
For more information, please visit the Gavins Point Project Website.
Recreation
Located just below Gavins Point Dam in the dam "Tailwaters" provides exceptional access to the Missouri River. A large 2-lane boat ramp, large parking area is available, along with an accessible fishing pier and many areas for bank fishing. The Lewis and Clark Lake area attracts more than 2 million visitors each year to its shores. Recreation opportunities around the lake include camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, boating, sailing, swimming, bird-watching, and photography.

For the biking and hiking enthusiasts, three trails are available in the area. They include a paved trail that runs from Yankton to the Gavins Point area, a multi-use trail in the Gavins Point area and the Calumet Bluff hiking trail located near the visitor center. Wintertime activities include ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and sledding.

Developed public parks and recreation areas surround the lake above and below Gavins Point Dam. Camping facilities provided by the Corps and the States of South Dakota and Nebraska include boat ramps, picnic areas, campsites with electricity, modern restrooms, playground equipment and trailer dump stations.
Facilities
Nebraska Tailwaters offers 42 campsites, 31 of these campsites have electric hookups and 11 of the campsites are non-electric and are for tent camping only. Amenities include modern shower facilities with flush toilets, river access with shore fishing, handicap accessible fishing pier, boat ramp, fish cleaning station and RV dump station. There is also a Group Camping Area with electric hookups, picnic shelter, fire pit, grill, and vault toilet. 
Natural Features
The campground sits on the south bank of the Missouri River, along the tailwaters of Gavins Point Dam. Surrounding the area is the golden, chalkstone-lined Missouri River Valley. Nebraska Tailwaters is known for its exceptional Bald Eagle viewing year-round, along with many other birds of prey. 

Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (402) 667-2546.
Nearby Attractions

The Lewis and Clark Visitor Center , exhibits on Missouri River and area history including the Lewis and Clark Expedition with stunning views of Lewis and Clark Lake along with the Missouri River. Powerhouse Tours are available on weekends. Please contact the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center at (402) 667-2546 for more information.
The Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium 
Visit nearby Yankton, South Dakota - the historic capitol of the Dakota Territory.

Charges & Cancellations
Reservation changes and cancellations can be made on Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.  

For more information on rules and policies regarding reservation cancellations and changes, please visit: https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies.   

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