State Parks

Photo © SD Tourism

Pelican Lake Recreation Area

Naturalists enjoy the migrating birds and vast numbers of prairie grasses and wildflowers at Pelican Lake Recreation Area. Winter enthusiasts appreciate the park's cross-country ski trails, snowshoeing and ice fishing.

Pelican Lake is a popular stopping point for migrating waterfowl. Each fall, geese and ducks use the lake's open waters as a resting area. A variety of shore birds spend their entire summer in or near the park.

Most noticeable are the large white pelicans that frequent the lake. Pelicans were so numerous when the region was first settled that the lake was named in their honor. An observation tower on one of the hiking trails gives visitors a bird's-eye view of the area.

NFAA approved 14-station course plus practice facility. Stations range in distance from 20 feet to 80 yards.

Activities

Archery range
Basketball
Biking
Birdwatching
Boating
Camping
Canoeing/Kayaking
Cross country skiing
Fishing
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Horseshoes
Snowmobiling
Soccer
Swimming

Fees

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

Park Specs

Open: Year-round

Park Size: 76 campsites, 2 cabins (each sleeps 4 people) and 6 horse camp sites

Directions:

9 miles SW of Watertown off US Hwy 212

Nearest Town: Watertown

Make Reservations

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

Maps

Contact Info

Pelican Lake Recreation Area
17450 450th Avenue
Watertown, SD 57201
605.882.5200
Email: PelicanLake@state.sd.us

Amenities

Beach
Boat Ramp
Campground
Camping cabins
Drinking water
Dump station
Electric campsites
Fishing pole checkout
Flush toilets/showers
Game checkout
Horse camp
Kayak Rentals
Picnic Shelter
Playground
Vault toilets

Park Rating

Archery Range

NFAA approved 14-station with practice facility. Stations range in distance from 20 feet to 80 yards

ADA / Accessible

Camping Cabins
Camping Site
Picnic Shelter

GPS Coordinates

Latitude: 44.85222
Longitude: -97.20845