Pelican Lake Recreation Area South Dakota (SD) RV Rentals
RV Rentals Dates
Home / National & State Park Guides / State Parks / Pelican Lake Recreation Area
Looking for RV rentals, camper van rentals or travel trailer rentals near Pelican Lake Recreation Area?
Introduction
Pelican Lake Recreation Area is a prime destination for RV camping enthusiasts. Its rich history and cultural significance, coupled with unique natural features, make it an ideal spot for a memorable RV camping experience. This recreation area was established in the 1930s as part of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) project and has since grown to become a beloved camping spot. The park’s most distinctive feature is its glacial kettle lake, which was formed by a retreating glacier that left behind a massive block of ice. As the ice melted, it created the stunning 437-acre lake that is now home to various fish species and a favorite among anglers. RVThereYet is an RV rental company, offering a diverse fleet of motorhomes, including Class A, Class B, and Class C Rentals, Travel, Trailers, and Motorhomes for unforgettable adventures in scenic RV parks and campsites in Pelican Lake Recreation Area. Ensure early reservations for camper rentals at Pelican Lake Recreation Area.
RV Rentals in Pelican Lake Recreation Area
Coupon Code: RVTHEREYET - 10% Off
Coupon Code: RVTHEREYET - 10% Off
Coupon Code: RVTHEREYET - 10% Off
Coupon Code: RVTHEREYET - 10% Off
Coupon Code: RVTHEREYET - 10% Off
Coupon Code: RVTHEREYET - 10% Off
Coupon Code: RVTHEREYET - 10% Off
Coupon Code: RVTHEREYET - 10% Off
Transportation
-
Driving/Transportation
Visitors to Pelican Lake Recreation Area can access the park by private vehicles including RVs. The park has several entrances with the main entrance located off of Highway 59. RV renters should be aware that there are restrictions on rig sizes and vehicles over 40 feet may not be allowed in certain areas of the park. Additionally some roads within the park have low clearance so RV renters should check with park staff before embarking on any trips.
-
Parking area
RVs are welcome at the recreation area and designated parking areas are available. However overnight parking outside of designated campsites is not permitted. Camping with an RV and exploring the park using alternative transportation methods is a great way to experience all the park has to offer.
-
Public Transportation
Visitors to the recreation area can take advantage of walking paths for getting around and shuttle buses are also available during peak season. This makes it easy to explore all the park has to offer without relying on a personal vehicle.
Top Campsites in Pelican Lake Recreation Area
-
Reservations camping
The most popular campgrounds near Pelican Lake Recreation Area that require reservations are This is the largest campground in the area with 154 sites available. It’s located on the south shore of the lake and offers a variety of amenities including full hookups a swimming beach boat rentals and laundry facilities. The campground is pet-friendly and open from May to October. RVs and trailers up to 45 feet are permitted. Located on a hill overlooking the lake this campground offers 77 sites with electric hookups. It also has a swimming beach boat rentals and a playground. The campground is pet-friendly and open from May to October. RVs and trailers up to 35 feet are permitted. This campground is located on the east shore of the lake and offers 57 sites with electric hookups. It has a boat ramp swimming beach and fishing pier. The campground is pet-friendly and open from May to October. RVs and trailers up to 40 feet are permitted. This campground is located on the west shore of the lake and offers 30 sites with electric hookups. It has a playground boat ramp and fishing pier. The campground is pet-friendly and open from May to October. RVs and trailers up to 30 feet are permitted.Oakwood Campground
Hilltop Campground
Lakeview Campground
Pioneer Campground
-
First-come first-served
Here are some first-come-first-served campgrounds in Pelican Lake Recreation Area This campground offers 24 sites with electric hookups on a first-come-first-served basis. It’s located on the north shore of the lake and has a boat ramp swimming beach and fishing pier. The campground is pet-friendly and open from May to October. RVs and trailers up to 30 feet are permitted. This campground offers 18 sites with electric hookups on a first-come-first-served basis. It’s located on the west shore of the lake and has a boat ramp and fishing pier. The campground is pet-friendly and open from May to October. RVs and trailers up to 30 feet are permitted. This campground offers 14 sites with electric hookups on a first-come-first-served basis. It’s located on the south shore of the lake and has a swimming beach and fishing pier. The campground is pet-friendly and open from May to October. RVs and trailers up to 35 feet are permitted.Maplewood Campground
Birchwood Campground
Cedarwood Campground
-
Alternate camping
If the campgrounds inside Pelican Lake Recreation Area are full here are some alternative camping options There are several private campgrounds located near Pelican Lake Recreation Area including Pelican Lake Park and Campground which offers full hookups laundry facilities and a swimming pool. For a more rustic camping experience backcountry camping is permitted in the surrounding Chippewa National Forest. Campers must obtain a free permit from the Forest Service and follow Leave No Trace principles. Dispersed camping is allowed on National Forest lands outside of developed campgrounds. Campers must follow Leave No Trace principles and be at least 150 feet from any water source.Private Campgrounds
Backcountry Camping
Dispersed Camping
-
General activities
Fishing is a beloved pastime at Pelican Lake Recreation Area with the lake teeming with fish like walleye northern pike and bass. The park provides easy access to the water with several fishing piers and boat ramps. Anglers can cast their lines from the shore or rent a boat for a day on the lake. The best fishing spots are often found near the many submerged rocks and structures making for an exciting and challenging experience. Hiking and biking are popular activities with over 10 miles of picturesque trails winding through the park. These trails offer stunning views of the lake and surrounding forests and are suitable for all skill levels. The park’s hiking trails lead to several scenic overlooks while the bike trails offer a more thrilling ride with steep hills and sharp turns. Pelican Lake Recreation Area is also a popular destination for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. With over 200 species of birds and a variety of animals including deer beavers and otters there’s always something to see. The park’s quiet and serene atmosphere makes it the perfect place to connect with nature and observe wildlife in their natural habitat. For those looking for a more relaxed outdoor experience kayaking and paddleboarding are great options. The calm waters of Pelican Lake make for a peaceful and enjoyable ride and the lake’s many secluded coves and inlets are perfect for exploring. Rentals are available at the park’s visitor center. Lastly the park’s sandy beaches are a popular spot for swimming sunbathing and picnicking. With lifeguards on duty during the summer months the beaches are a safe and fun place for families to enjoy.
-
Alternative activities
Alternative For RV campers who prefer less strenuous activities Pelican Lake Recreation Area offers a variety of options. Sightseeing is a popular activity with several scenic drives and lookout points offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding area. The park’s visitor center provides maps and information on the best spots to visit. Nature watching is another popular alternative with several easy hiking trails and boardwalks leading through the park’s diverse ecosystems. These trails are perfect for a leisurely stroll and offer opportunities to observe wildlife up close. For those looking for a truly unique experience the park’s amphitheater hosts a variety of events and programs throughout the year. From ranger-led talks to live music performances there’s always something happening at the amphitheater. Pelican Lake Recreation Area is also a popular spot for photography with several Instagram-worthy photo opportunities. From the picturesque lake views to the vibrant fall foliage the park is a photographer’s paradise. Lastly the park’s picnic areas and playgrounds are perfect for families looking to relax and enjoy a day outdoors. With plenty of space to run and play children will love exploring the park’s many amenities.
Season-specific experiences in Pelican Lake Recreation Area
-
Spring activities
Spring in Pelican Lake Recreation Area brings a burst of color and life making it the perfect time for RV campers to explore the outdoors. One popular activity is hiking the Pelican Lake Nature Trail a 1.5-mile loop that winds through the forest offering scenic views of the lake and opportunities to spot local wildlife. Another must-see is the historic Pelican Rapids Mill a beautifully restored flour mill that dates back to the 1880s. Visitors can take a guided tour and learn about the area’s rich agricultural history. For those who love to fish spring is the perfect time to cast a line in Pelican Lake which is known for its abundant population of walleye northern pike and bass. The lake is also a popular spot for kayaking and canoeing offering peaceful views of the surrounding landscape. Finally RV campers won’t want to miss the annual Pelican Rapids Spring Festival which features live music food vendors and family-friendly activities.
-
Summer activities
As the temperatures rise RV campers flock to Pelican Lake Recreation Area to take advantage of the warm weather and beautiful scenery. One of the most popular summer activities is swimming at the lake’s designated beach area which offers crystal-clear water soft sand and plenty of space to relax. Visitors can also rent paddleboards kayaks and other watercraft from local vendors. For those who prefer to stay on land the area offers several golf courses including the popular Pelican Lake Golf Course which features 18 holes and stunning views of the lake. Another must-see is the Pelican Lake Historical Museum which showcases the area’s rich history and culture. Finally RV campers won’t want to miss the annual Pelican Fest a three-day celebration of music food and fun that attracts visitors from all over the region.
-
Fall activities
Fall is a magical time at Pelican Lake Recreation Area and RV campers flock to the area for a variety of reasons. One popular activity is the Fall Colors Tour which takes visitors through the beautiful forests surrounding the lake. The tour showcases the stunning autumn foliage which can be seen from the comfort of your RV or on foot. Another popular attraction is the historic Old Mill which dates back to the 1800s and is now a museum showcasing the area’s rich history. The mill is located on the banks of the Pelican River and visitors can take a guided tour to learn more about its past. For those who enjoy outdoor activities there are plenty of options as well. Fishing is a popular pastime at Pelican Lake and the fall is a great time to catch walleye and northern pike. The lake is also a popular spot for boating and water skiing and there are several marinas and boat launches in the area. Finally hiking is a great way to take in the fall scenery and there are several trails in the area that offer stunning views of the lake and surrounding forests.
-
Winter activities
During the winter months Pelican Lake Recreation Area transforms into a winter wonderland with plenty of activities to keep RV campers busy. One popular activity is ice fishing which is a favorite pastime for many locals and visitors alike. The lake is home to several species of fish including walleye northern pike and perch and ice fishing is a great way to catch them. There are several ice fishing houses available for rent or visitors can bring their own.
Another popular winter activity is snowmobiling and there are several trails in the area that offer stunning views of the frozen lake and surrounding forests. The trails are well-maintained and offer a range of difficulty levels making them suitable for both beginners and experienced snowmobilers. For those who prefer to stay indoors there are several museums and historical sites in the area that are open year-round. The Old Mill for example offers guided tours that showcase the area’s rich history and culture.