Left Tailrace

Lake Sharpe

Left Tailrace Campgound at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Big Bend Project, sits on the shore of Lake Francis Case on the Missouri River below Big Bend Dam. Just upstream of Left Tailrace, Lake Sharpe, a popular recreation destination in the Great Plains,was created by the completion of Big Bend Dam in 1966.

Today, approximately 80,000 acres of public lands and water provide a variety of benefits to the public including flood control, recreation, conservation of our natural resources, fish and wildlife habitat, irrigation, and hydropower production.

It is possible to view many types of wildlife on the Missouri River at Lake Sharpe. Tribal bison herds can be seen grazing the lake area's grasslands north of the towns of Fort Thompson and Lower Brule. The shoreline areas of the lake also offer excellent waterfowl, upland game birds and big game hunting opportunities. Big game animals include whitetail and mule deer, elk, bison, coyotes and wild turkeys. Waterfowl and upland game birds include ducks, geese, pheasants, prairie chickens, and grouse. Hunting regulations are established and enforced by the State of South Dakota, and the Lower Brule and Crow Creek Tribes.

For more information, visit the Big Bend Project website .

Left Tailrace Campground offers 81 electrical hookups and 12 non-electrical tent sites. Electrical sites have a 30 and 50 amp pedastal, paved pull-thru and back-in sites. Left Tailrace Campground also offers men's and women's comfort stations with showers and toilet stalls. Each site has a picnic table and most with shelter covering, fire ring and shade nearby. Tents sites have fire rings and picinic tables. The area also offers large day use areas with shelters and grills, play grounds and a nine-hole disc golf range.

Need to Know

• Summary of Campground Rules & Policies:

  • All public-use of Corps of Engineers lands and waters are governed by Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). 
  • Maximum length of Reservation: Each person and camping unit is limited to a 14 day stay in a 30 day period, 14 day stay 16 days away. Reference Title 36 Sec. 327.7(b).
  • Standard Electric Campsites are limited to one (1) wheeled camping unit and one (1) tent. If there is no wheeled camping unit then two (2) tents are allowed.
  • Tent-only campsites are limited to two (2) tents. 
  • All motor vehicles are restricted to designated roadways only, off-road use is prohibited. 
  • All motor vehicles parked at campsites are restricted to two (2) wheels on pavement and two (2) on grass.
  • No All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs/UTVs), golf carts, or dirt bikes - unless licensed and considered street legal. 
  • Pets are allowed, but must be kept on a leash of no more than six feet (6').
  • Fireworks are prohibited. 
  • For more information, please call (605) 245-1800.

• Firewood Alert! Don't Move Firewood: Due to the spread of invasive insects such as Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Help protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit DontMoveFirewood.org for further information.

• Protect Your Waters! Attention Boaters, Paddlers and Anglers: Do your part to help stop the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) by remembering to always Clean, Drain, and Dry! Visit SDLeastWanted.com for more information. 

• Want to know the latest happenings at Big Bend Dam? Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook at USACE Big Bend Dam for up-to-date information.Big Bend: Social Media 

Natural Features

Left Tailrace Campground is located in central South Dakota, three miles from the town of Fort Thompson, 20 miles from Chamberlain and 65 miles from Pierre, which is the state capitol.
Lake Sharpe was the last of the Missouri River reservoirs completed and follows a serpentine course of 80 miles between Big Bend Dam and Pierre, SD.

Nearby Attractions

Recreation

Lake Sharpe provides many opportunities for outdoor recreation. Recreation areas vary from primitive to highly developed areas like the Left Tailrace area located below the dam. Facilities at the Left Tailrace include campsites with electrical hookups, comfort stations with showers, a dump station, boat ramp, fish cleaning station, courtesy dock, picnic shelters, tables, grills, drinking water, disc golf, etc.
Fishing is the main attraction to the area, with walleye being the primary sport fish, although sauger, smallmouth bass, white bass, channel catfish and northern pike also provide great fishing action.

Changes & 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.    

Contact Information

Mailing Address

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS BIG BEND PROJECT OFFICE 33573 NORTH SHORE RD CHAMBERLAIN SD 57325

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 605-245-2173. FOR RESERVATIONS, PLEASE CALL 1-877-444-6777.

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

• From west bound I-90 take exit 265 at Chamberalin SD, turn right on to Highway 50 travel approximatly 16 miles, turn left on to BIA Highway 4, travel 8 miles to FT. Thompson SD, turn left on to highway 47 travel 3 miles then take a left at the Left Tailrace Campground sign on Big Bend Dam then travel approximately 1 mile to the Left Tailrace Campground.
• From East bound I-90 take exit 248 at Reliance SD take a left onto Highway 47 north bound, travel 18 miles to Big Bend Dam. Turn right after crossing the Power House bridge, then turn right at the Left Tailrace Campground sign, and travel about 1 mile to the Left Tailrace Campground.
  

Available Campsites

• Site 67, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site 65, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site 71, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site 41, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site 22B, Loop Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles, Type Standard Electric
• Site 43, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site T06, Loop Tent Area, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site 21B, Loop Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles, Type Standard Electric
• Site 56, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site 17A, Loop Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles, Type Standard Electric
• Site 61, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site 29, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site 17B, Loop Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles, Type Standard Electric
• Site 51, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site 16A, Loop Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles, Type Standard Electric
• Site 14A, Loop Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles, Type Standard Electric
• Site 34, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site 49, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site 09, Loop Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles, Type Standard Electric
• Site 27, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site 01, Loop Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles, Type Standard Electric
• Site 72, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site 69, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site 14B, Loop Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles, Type Standard Electric
• Site T09, Loop Tent Area, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site 20A, Loop Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles, Type Standard Electric
• Site 54, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site 21A, Loop Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles, Type Standard Electric
• Site 38, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site 70, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site 12, Loop Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles, Type Standard Electric
• Site 59, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site 62, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site 20B, Loop Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles, Type Standard Electric
• Site 55, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site 30, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site 66, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site 48, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site 33, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site T08, Loop Tent Area, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site 10, Loop Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles, Type Standard Electric
• Site 31, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site 64, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site 35, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site 23, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site 44, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site 68, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site 18A, Loop Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles, Type Standard Electric
• Site 42, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site T02, Loop Tent Area, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site 50, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site T11, Loop Tent Area, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site 47, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site 13, Loop LEFT TAILRACE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 19B, Loop Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles, Type Standard Electric
• Site 04, Loop Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles, Type Standard Electric
• Site 25, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site 24, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site 45, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site 46, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site 02, Loop Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles, Type Standard Electric
• Site 06, Loop Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles, Type Standard Electric
• Site 08, Loop Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles, Type Standard Electric
• Site 22A, Loop Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles, Type Standard Electric
• Site 19A, Loop Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles, Type Standard Electric
• Site T05, Loop Tent Area, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site 57, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site 53, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site T07, Loop Tent Area, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site T01, Loop Tent Area, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site 16B, Loop Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles, Type Standard Electric
• Site T04, Loop Tent Area, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site 18B, Loop Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles, Type Standard Electric
• Site 15A, Loop Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles, Type Standard Electric
• Site 60, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site 15B, Loop Lower Loop Sites 14-22 doubles, Type Standard Electric
• Site T10, Loop Tent Area, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site 03, Loop Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles, Type Standard Electric
• Site 26, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site 07, Loop Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles, Type Standard Electric
• Site 36, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site 52, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site 63, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site 32, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site T12, Loop Tent Area, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site 37, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site 11, Loop Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles, Type Standard Electric
• Site 28, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site 58, Loop Upper Loop Sites 23-72, Type Standard Electric
• Site 05, Loop Lower Loop Sites 1-12 singles, Type Standard Electric
• Site T03, Loop Tent Area, Type Tent Only Nonelectric

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