majestic birds roost in tall cottonwood trees along the shore. Visitors also are encouraged to visit the interactive South Dakota Prairie Butterfly Garden located near the main entrance. The park hosts a variety of recreational activities, including archery, biking, hiking, boating, canoeing, kayaking, disc golf, and fishing. Anglers are kept busy casting for walleye, northern pike, channel catfish, and smallmouth bass. Chinook salmon, native to the Pacific Northwest, are artificially maintained in Lake Oahe and are a popular target as well for anglers. For online camping reservations and to purchase daily park entrance licenses see reservations. gooutdoorssouthdakota.com or call 800-710-2276.
Lake Okeechobee
swallow-tailed kites. More rarely sighted are such species as the crested caracara, burrowing owl, and grasshopper sparrow. Ranger-led buggy tours are a highly recommended way to explore the remote backcountry areas of the park. Along with a refreshing breeze, you’ll get some amazing views from the buggy’s elevated seats. RV campers will find 35 full-service sites at Kilpatrick Hammock Campground, where amenities include centrally located restrooms, showers, laundry, and a dump station. Maximum recreational vehicle length is 65 feet. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance though the Florida State Parks reservation website: www.reservefloridastateparks.org, or by calling 800- 326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0387. Lake Oahe RV camping possibilities are plentiful along the 231- mile shoreline of Oahe, stretching north from Pierre, South Dakota, to Bismarck, North Dakota. For a number of reasons, we suggest one in particular— Oahe Downstream Recreation Area. Situated on the south side of the lake just a few miles north of Pierre, it is quick and easy to access and close to shopping and services in the state’s capital city. The park’s three campgrounds offer 205 campsites along with a dozen camping cabins and a group lodge.
Lake Oahe
Bird watchers flock (pun intended) to the place for a chance to view the park’s resident bald eagles. The
Lake Oahe
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COAST TO COAST MAGAZINE SUMMER 2026 | 27
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