Permits & Reservations

Special Use Permits

The National Park Service may require a special use permit (SUP) for certain activities to occur at Missouri National Recreational River.

Missouri National Recreational River offers primitive, Leave-No-Trace camping that is available at Bow Creek, Green Island, and Goat Island Recreation Areas. All visitors are required to fill out a free camping permit form prior to their visit. Please call 605-665-0209 with any questions.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Campgrounds: (Cottonwood and Nebraska Tailwaters, both in Nebraska); call 1-877-444-6777 or visit reservations to reserve your campsite. Reservations are taken for the period Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
Nebraska's Lewis and Clark Lake State Recreation Area, Ponca State Park or Niobrara State Park: To make reservations call 402-471-1414 or visit reservations.
South Dakota's Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area, Randall Creek RA and Springfield RA: To make reservations call 1-800-710-2267 or visit reservations.
Clay County Park: Just west of Vermillion, first come sites are available. This is a quiet, secluded campground with tall trees and nearby access to the Missouri River.

All of the above campgrounds have both reservable and first-come sites in addition to electric hook-ups.

Last updated: April 3, 2025

508 East 2nd Street
Yankton, SD 57078

605-665-0209 x21