Lake Poinsett Recreation Area

Fees

Daily: $8 per vehicle
Annual: $36 first vehicle | $18 for second vehicle | $80 transferable license
Campsites: - electrical: $26 per night
Campsites: - non-electrical: $22 per night
Cabins:: $55 per night

Make Reservations

Make reservation online or call 1.800.710.2267.
Amenities
  • Beach
  • Boat Ramp
  • Campground
  • Camping cabins
  • Drinking water
  • Dump station
  • Electric campsites
  • Fish cleaning station
  • Fishing pole checkout
  • Flush toilets/showers
  • Game checkout
  • Picnic Shelter
  • Playground
  • Ski beach
  • Vault toilets
  • Visitor Center

ADA/Accessible

Camping Cabins
  • Camping Site
  • Activities
    • Basketball
    • Boating
    • Camping
    • Disc Golf
    • Fishing
    • Hiking
    • Horseshoes
    • Paddleboarding
    • Swimming
    • Volleyball

    Address

    Lake Poinsett Recreation Area
    45617 South Poinsett Recreation Area
    Arlington, SD 57212
    605.983.5085
    Email: LakePoinsett@state.sd.us
    Home » Lake Poinsett Recreation Area

    One of the largest lakes in the state, Lake Poinsett was named after Joel Poinsett who served as U.S. Secretary of War. He was instrumental in promoting the expedition of Joseph Nicollet and John Fremont who first explored the region in 1838. The party camped on the north side of Lake Poinsett. Today, the lakeshore still provides excellent camping opportunities, as well as many other recreational activities.

    The Lake Poinsett Visitor Center and Museum is a fascinating place to learn about the history of the area. During the summer, neighbor Harlan Olson’s artifacts are on display. The exhibits will take you back in time from prehistoric days to the late 1990s.

    Park Specs

    Open: Year-round. Between Oct. 1 and April 30, showers, flush toilets and other water systems may be closed. Please contact the park directly for current status. Vault toilets usually remain open.

    Park Size: 2 campgrounds with 114 campsites and 4 cabins (2 sleep 4 people; 2 sleep 5 people)

    Directions:

    14 miles northeast of Arlington off US Hwy 81

    Nearest Town: Arlington

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