Uniquely situated by the 512-acre Lake Vermillion is Lake Vermillion Recreation Area, a popular spot for water activities and fun RV camping holidays. Located five miles south of Interstate-90 at Moutrose, Exit 374 in Canistota, South Dakota, this recreation area is well known for its clear waters, making it a preferred destination for lovers of angling, boating and swimming. At Lake Vermillion Recreation Area, RV campers enjoy activities such as basketball, biking, birdwatching, boating, canoeing/kayaking, fishing, hiking, road walking, picnicking, skiing, horseshoes, swimming, and volleyball.
Amenities at Lake Vermillion Recreation Area include beach, boat ramp, campgrounds, camping cabins, drinking water, dump station, electric campsites, fish cleaning station, fishing dock, fishing pole checkout, flush toilets/showers, game checkout, life jacket checkout, paddleboard rentals, picnic shelter, playground, ski beach, and vault toilets. Some of the facilities such as camping cabins, camping site, fishing dock, and picnic shelter are ADA accessible.
Three campgrounds with both electric hookups campsites and non-electric sites, as well as camping cabins provide plenty of space for RV campers and visitors at Lake Vermillion Recreation Area. Whether you bring an RV, a tent or prefer the comfort of the indoors, you’re sure to enjoy your vacation.
The word vermillion means vivid red color. Some say the stream got its name from the outcropping of red quartzite along its bank.
Lake Vermillion Recreation Area is an easily accessible recreation area, whether by RVs, trailers, or cars, as it is located five miles south of Interstate-90 at Moutrose, Exit 374 in Canistota, South Dakota. You’ll find it easy to navigate to the different areas of the recreation area along the local paved roads that connect the various parts of the area.
There are two parking areas for RVs, trailers, and other motorized vehicles in Lake Vermillion Recreation Area. One of the parking lots is located in the eastern end of the area around the boat ramp, the other in the western end around the Park Shop. Overnight parking facilities are available in the Lake Vermillion Recreation Area for RV campers.
There are no public transportation facilities available at Lake Vermilion Recreation Area.
North Campground in Lake Vermillion Recreation Area features 28 standard pet-friendly campsites available for RVs and tents. One of the campsites in North Campground is ADA accessible. Electric hookups for RVs are available in all the campsites in the campground. RV length limit at the campground is 40 feet. Amenities at the campground include restroom, cabins, dump station, vault toilet, and access to the Otter Stream Trail.
West Campground in Lake Vermillion Recreation Area features 25 standard pet-friendly campsites available for RVs and tents. One of the campsites in West Campground is ADA accessible. Electric hookups for RVs are available in all the campsites in the campground. RV length limit at the campground is 40 feet. Amenities at the campground include drinking water, restroom, as well as easy access to the playground, picnic area and shelter, fish cleaning station, and the Otter Stream trailhead.
East Campground in Lake Vermillion Recreation Area features 37 standard pet-friendly campsites available for RVs and tents. Electric hookups for RVs are available in all the campsites in the campground. RV length limit at the campground is 40 feet. Amenities at the campground include drinking water, ADA accessible restroom, playground, vault toilets (one ADA accessible), and access to a boat ramp and waterfront.
Lake Vermillion Recreation Area offers wonderful hiking experiences for RV campers and visitors. The 1.25-mile Otter Stream Trail in Lake Vermillion with a moderately easy hiking difficulty is appropriate for all ages. The trailhead is located a quarter mile east of the west park entrance near facilities such as drinking water, restroom, picnic tables, swim beach, a campground, and parking lot. The trail surface is mowed grass.
Fishing is a well-loved activity by RV campers at Lake Vermillion Recreation Area, thanks to the available 512-acre clear Lake Vermillion within the park. This artificial lake which has a maximum depth of 23 feet is known to contain fish species such as walleye, northern pike, crappie, and bluegill. Even more, the fish cleaning station within the park is just the perfect place for campers and visitors to round off their wonderful fishing experience.
With its two available boat ramps at the eastern and western ends, Lake Vermillion Recreation Area provides opportunities for RV campers to enjoy boating on the warm reservoir. RV campers with their boats can therefore take full advantage by rowing or paddling with friends and/or family on the lake. Canoeing/kayaking and canoe rental facilities are available.
While at Lake Vermillion Recreation Area, RV campers step out of their rigs and enjoy up to three miles of road walking along two roads in the park. There are two roads to walk on and enjoy different scenic views of the park, one around the North and West Campground, and the other leading to the East Campground. All road walkers in the park are required to walk on the left side of the road and wear reflective clothing.
There is a designated swimming area just across from the West Campground in Lake Vermillion Recreation Area for lovers of swimming to enjoy themselves while on vacation at the park. The swim beach is very popular among RV campers and offers great experiences. The swim beach is ADA accessible. Furthermore, skiers also enjoy water skiing on their ski boards at the lake.
RV campers and visitors at Lake Vermillion Recreation Area enjoy picnicking at the picnic area in the park, located along the path to the ADA accessible fish cleaning station. The picnic area is ADA accessible and has picnic tables. While enjoying meals at the picnic area, campers enjoy scenic views of the lake located just across from the picnic area. Picnic shelters are also available at Lake Vermilion Recreation Area.
