Home › Nebraska › Nebraska Tailwaters
Nebraska Tailwaters
USACEU.S. Army Corps of Engineers — CROFTON · Nebraska · Lewis and Clark Lake
| Agency | USACEU.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
|---|---|
| Area | Lewis and Clark Lake |
| Location | CROFTON · Nebraska · Lewis and Clark Lake · 42.84889, -97.47028 · Map |
| Sites | 37 public sites counted from the federal listing — 34 standard electric; 2 tent only nonelectric; 1 group standard area electric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 35 of 37 sites (up to 50 amp where reported) Water hookups at 1 of 37 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 37 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 37 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 84 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 32 sites · 30 ft: 31 sites · 35 ft: 31 sites · 40 ft: 31 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Camping reservations can be made at Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. |
| Check-in / out | In 4:00 PM · Out 2:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 37 sites, as reported |
| Accessible sites | 2 marked accessible in the listing |
| Accessibility | N |
| Amenities, as reported | Drinking waterVault toilets |
| Phone | 402-667-2546. FOR RESERVATIONS, CALL 877-444-6777. |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-03-11.
From the official listing
Overview Nebraska Tailwaters Campground is nestled along the Nebraska bank of the Missouri River, is a fun-filled camping destination just downstream of Gavins Point Dam and Lewis & Clark Lake. The 31,400-acre Lewis & Clark Lake and Gavins Point Dam are nestled in the golden, chalkstone-lined valley of the Missouri River growing into one of the most popular recreation destinations in the Great Plains.
For more information, please visit the Gavins Point Project Website .
Recreation Located just below Gavins Point Dam in the dam "Tailwaters" provides exceptional access to the Missouri River. A large 2-lane boat ramp, large parking area is available, along with an accessible fishing pier and many areas for bank fishing. The Lewis and Clark Lake area attracts more than 2 million visitors each year to its shores. Recreation opportunities around the lake include camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, boating, sailing, swimming, bird-watching, and photography.
For the biking and hiking enthusiasts, three trails are available in the area. They include a paved trail that runs from Yankton to the Gavins Point area, a multi-use trail in the Gavins Point area and the Calumet Bluff hiking trail located near the visitor center. Wintertime activities include ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and sledding.
Developed public parks and recreation areas surround the lake above and below Gavins Point Dam. Camping facilities provided by the Corps and the States of South Dakota and Nebraska include boat ramps, picnic areas, campsites with electricity, modern restrooms, playground equipment and trailer dump stations.
Facilities Nebraska Tailwaters offers 36 campsites, 34 of these campsites have electric hookups and 2 of the campsites are non-electric and are for tent camping only. Amenities include modern shower facilities with flush toilets, river access with shore fishing, handicap accessible fishing pier, boat ramp, fish cleaning station and RV dump station. There is also a Group Camping Area with electric hookups, picnic shelter, fire pit, grill, and vault toilet.
Natural Features The campground sits on the south bank of the Missouri River, along the tailwaters of Gavins Point Dam. Surrounding the area is the golden, chalkstone-lined Missouri River Valley. Nebraska Tailwaters is known for its exceptional Bald Eagle viewing year-round, along with many other birds of prey.
Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (402) 667-2546. Nearby Attractions The Lewis and Clark Visitor Center , exhibits on Missouri River and area history including the Lewis and Clark Expedition with stunning views of Lewis and Clark Lake along with the Missouri River. Please contact the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center at (402) 667-2546 for more information.
The Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium
Visit nearby Yankton, South Dakota - the historic capitol of the Dakota Territory.
Charges & Cancellations Reservation changes and cancellations can be made on Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
For more information on rules and policies regarding reservation cancellations and changes, please visit: https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies .
Directions, from the listing
From Yankton, South Dakota, go south on U.S. Highway 81 for 2 miles, then west on Nebraska Highway 121 for 4 miles, campground entrance will be on your right.
Nearest federal campgrounds
0 mi straight-line · Crofton NebraskaUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersCunningham Lake Dam Site 11 Campground
127 mi straight-line · Omaha NebraskaUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersPawnee Dam-Site 14 Campground
142 mi straight-line · Lincoln NebraskaFSU.S. Forest ServiceBessey Recreation Complex
159 mi straight-line · Halsey NebraskaUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersHunter Cove
212 mi straight-line · REPUBLICAN CITY Nebraska
Trip Card — Nebraska Tailwaters
CROFTON · Nebraska · Lewis and Clark Lake
| Agency | USACE · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
|---|---|
| Location | CROFTON · Nebraska · Lewis and Clark Lake |
| Fees | Camping reservations can be made at Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | Electric at 35 |
| Max RV | Up to 84 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 37 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233561 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.