State Parks

Photo © SD Tourism

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.

Activities

Basketball
Boating
Camping
Disc Golf
Fishing
Hiking
Horseshoes
Paddleboarding
Snowmobiling
Swimming
Volleyball

Fees

Daily: $6 per vehicle
Annual: $30 first vehicle | $15 for second vehicle | $65 transferable license
Campsites - electrical: $19
Campsites - non-electrical: $15
Camping Cabins: $40 per night

Park Specs

Open: Year-round

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

Make Reservations

Make reservation online or call 1.800.710.CAMP (2267).

Maps

Contact Info

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

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

State Parks

Lake Poinsett Recreation Area

Activities

Fees

Park Specs

Make Reservations

Maps

Contact Info

Amenities

Park Rating

Museum

ADA / Accessible

GPS Coordinates