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. Stake out your territory at Lake Poinsett Recreation Area by booking a campsite or camping cabin. Two campgrounds at the park offer both electric and non-electric sites. Showers and flush toilets are found in the comfort stations. You can stay any time of year in the camping cabins, furnished with beds and heating/air conditioning. The one-room, log-style cabins sleep four. Cooking is not permitted indoors, so bring utensils for use on the outdoor fire grate. The large expanse of water at Lake Poinsett Recreation Area invites you to swim, water ski, boat and fish for walleye, bass, perch, northern pike and bullhead. The Lake Poinsett Visitor Center and Museum is a fascinating place to learn about the history of the area. The Museum is home to a variety of artifacts that came from the collection of Harlan Olson and were donated to South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks by his family. The exhibits will take you back in time from prehistoric days to the late 1990s.Hike or bike along the Vista, Woodland, or Lakeshore Trail where you will see wooded, grass, and wetland areas.