State Parks

Photo © SD Tourism

Randall Creek Recreation Area

Randall Creek Recreation Area is located on the banks of the Missouri River, downstream from Fort Randall Dam. Spend hours peacefully watching the water flow, observing the animals and birds that frequent the area, and enjoying he breathtaking beauty of the surrounding shoreline.

The US Army Corps of Engineers began building the dam in 1946 and started generating electricity in 1954.

Randall Creek is one of the South Dakota state parks that offers the opportunity for visitors to see the majestic bald eagle. The eagle roost area in the park is a designated National Natural Landmark.

In South Dakota, many bald eagles spend their winters below the Missouri River dams where they are able to catch fish and prey on waterfowl attracted to the open water.

They typically perch within 50 feet of the riverbank in tall cottonwood trees. The birds usually feed in the morning and rest in their roosting trees in the afternoon.

Bald eagles will abandon their roosts if disturbed by humans. For this reason, the Department of Game, Fish and Parks prohibits motorized traffic in state recreation areas with winter bald eagle roosts. Walkers and cross-country skiers are allowed in these areas but must refrain from disturbing roosting bald eagles.

Activities

Basketball
Birdwatching
Boating
Camping
Canoeing/Kayaking
Disc Golf
Fishing
Golf
Historical interest
Horseshoes
Volleyball

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; vehicle traffic and camping prohibited in campgrounds November 15 through the third Friday in March due to bald eagle roosting

Directions:

1 mile west of Pickstown off US Highway 281, below Fort Randall Dam on the west side.

Nearest Town: Pickstown

Make Reservations

Make reservation online or call 1.800.710.2267.

Maps

Contact Info

Randall Creek Recreation Area
136 Randall Creek Road
Pickstown, SD 57367
605.487.7046
Email: RandallCreek@state.sd.us

Amenities

Boat Ramp
Campground
Camping cabins
Drinking water
Dump station
Electric campsites
Fish cleaning station
Fishing dock
Flush toilets/showers
Game checkout
Picnic Shelter
Playground
Vault toilets

ADA / Accessible

Camping Cabins
Camping Site
Fishing Dock
Picnic Shelter

GPS Coordinates

Latitude: 43.05102
Longitude: -98.55514