Pelican Lake Recreation Area
Watertown, South Dakota
Book Pelican Lake Recreation Area direct
Book Pelican Lake Recreation Area direct on South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks. Everything we know about the campground is below.
As of October 2026, Pelican Lake Recreation Area is a campground in South Dakota with 86 campsites. Pelican Lake Recreation Area is booked through South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks.
- Pelican Lake Recreation Area is located at 44.8559° N, 97.2038° W.
Pelican Lake Recreation Area reservations
Campsites at Pelican Lake Recreation Area
At a glance: Setting: Lake.
Things to do: fishing, hiking, wildlife.
About 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. The park also has an archery range and course including practice target ranging 10 to 70 yards with an elevated shooting platform. The course is an NFAA approved 14-station course winding through native prairie.
Pelican Lake Recreation Area FAQ
How hard is it to get a campsite at Pelican Lake Recreation Area?
Pelican Lake Recreation Area is rated "Moderate to Book" based on historical demand. With 86 sites available, you have good chances of finding availability, especially on weekdays.
Does PermitSnag send cancellation alerts for Pelican Lake Recreation Area?
No. Pelican Lake Recreation Area books direct through South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, and this page has the booking link plus everything we know about the campground. That system does not publish this campground's availability in a form we can check, so there is no alert to set here. Cancellations still happen, usually 1-2 weeks before check-in, so check the reservation site close to your dates.
How many campsites does Pelican Lake Recreation Area have?
Pelican Lake Recreation Area has 86 campsites.
Campgrounds
Browse Campsites
Monitor campsite availability across federal and state parks. Get alerts when sites open up at sold-out campgrounds.
South Dakota
8 popular campgrounds
- Amsden Dam Lakeside Use Area Campground
- Hugh Glass Lakeside Use Area Campground
- Lake Carthage Lakeside Use Area Campground
- Lake Hiddenwood Recreation Area
- Bismark Lake Campground
- Boxelder Forks Campground
- Cedar Pass Campground
- Cold Brook Campground
California
8 popular campgrounds
- Atwell Mill Campground
- Buckeye Flat Campground
- Canyon View Group Sites
- Cold Springs Campground (Ca)
- Crystal Springs Campground (Ca)
- Crystal Springs Campground Mid-Sized Group Sites
- Death Valley Backcountry Roadside Camping
- Indian Cove Group Campground
Oregon
8 popular campgrounds
- Little Crater Lake Campground
- Cave Creek Campground
- Acorn Woman Lakes Campground
- Big Lake West Campground
- Bolan Lake Campground
- Cavitt Creek Falls Recreation Site
- Clearwater Falls Campground
- Cultus Lake Boat In - West Campground
Utah
8 popular campgrounds
- Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground
- Devils Garden Campground
- Natural Bridges Campground
- North Campground (Ut)
- South Campground (Ut)
- Sunset Campground (Ut)
- Watchman Campground
- Anderson Meadow Campground (Fishlake NF, Ut)
Ohio
8 popular campgrounds
- Grand Lake St. Marys State Park Grand Lake West Bank Marina
- Kiser Lake State Park Kiser Lake Grandview Area Tie Ups Campground
- Lake Logan State Park Lake Logan Marina Beach 1-18 Campground
- Lake Loramie State Park Earls Island Dock Back Campground
- Pike Lake State Park Pike Lake Cabins and Day Use Shelters
- Scioto Trail State Park Stewart Lake Campground
- Buck Creek State Park G Dock Campground
- Buckeye Lake State Park Fairfield Beach a Docks Campground
Minnesota
8 popular campgrounds
- Cass Lake Loop Campground
- Fenske Lake Campground
- Glacial Lakes State Park Lower Campground
- Jeanette Lake Campground
- Lake Bronson State Park Lakeside Extension Campground
- Lake Maria State Park Backpack Campsites
- Lake Shetek State Park Prairie Campground
- Maplewood State Park Grass Lake Campground: Hollow Loop
One tick helps us more than you’d think
Google lets you pick the sites it highlights for you. Add PermitSnag and our campground pages get marked as one of yours in AI Overviews and AI Mode.
Takes less than a minute.