I can't rate the weather, which is windy and blustery and not a good day to be on the lake,…read moreunfortunately. We camped for 2 nights on the east side in space 54 with only a few others nearby a few sites away. It's just what we needed to decompress after the College World Series in Omaha. Beautiful scenery and views! We had planned on renting kayaks and getting out on the lake, but with 26 mph winds, intermittent rain and clouds, it just wasn't happening. There is nobody at either entrance for camping or state park permits so it's a self pay kiosk. It looks like you can also pay for the firewood and just take it from the side, but not sure. We didn't take any due to the weather. I am wondering though, to rent a kayak is says to do so at the front gate, so there is nobody there and wondering how quickly someone would answer the phone number listed to call. Didn't find a camp store either which we had seen online and doubt it would be open if there was either being a week day and very few people at the park. We did drive 6 miles into the cute town of Canistota where you can still pump gas and then go in and pay afterwards. Nice people in the store. Overall, impressed with the cleanliness of all facilities. The restrooms were spotless and even free from creepy crawly bugs in the showers that we find at other campgrounds. Speaking of bugs, there is a multitude of little flies that bite that we were fighting off. Bug repellent didn't seem to "bug" them at all and they were so abundant we had to head indoors. Our poor pups were scratching and nipping as these things covered their fur. That is however, the only negative thing we could find here. If ever in the area again, we wouldn't hesitate to stay again!

Love Lake Vermilion State Park. You have alot of camping sites to choose from. They open a new…read moresection not long ago because everyone lives camping there. You can either camp on 2 different sides of the lake. They have a very good dump station to empty your tanks or fill up with fresh water. All the rangers are so nice.

Lewis and Clark Recreation Area near Yankton honestly surprised me with just how breathtakingly…read morebeautiful it was. The scenery here has this wide-open, tranquil, almost cinematic quality to it -- rolling greenery, shimmering water, peaceful shorelines, endless skies, and the quiet movement of the Missouri River weaving its way through the landscape like a living ribbon cutting through the heart of America. There is something deeply calming about this place. For visitors unfamiliar with the area, the recreation area sits along Lewis and Clark Lake, which was created by the Gavins Point Dam on the Missouri River. The region is named after the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition, which traveled through this part of the country in the early 1800s while exploring the vast Louisiana Purchase territory. Standing near the water, it is honestly not difficult to imagine how enormous and untamed this landscape must have felt to early explorers centuries ago. My husband especially wanted to stop here because one of his hobbies is flying drones, and he absolutely loves capturing aerial footage of the Missouri River as it winds across different states. At this point, I think the Missouri River and my husband are in a long-term relationship and I am simply there as emotional support and snack distribution. And honestly, I understand why he loves it so much. The Missouri has such a distinct personality depending on where you encounter it. My husband and I have followed portions of the river through several states over the years including South Dakota, Missouri, Montana, and North Dakota, and we have even taken river excursions on it in other regions. Each stretch somehow feels slightly different while still carrying that same immense presence and quiet historical weight. But this particular area near Yankton felt especially serene. The water was beautiful, the surrounding scenery was lush and vibrant, and the peacefulness of the area made it very easy to lose track of time simply standing there taking it all in while my husband happily maneuvered his drone around like a man conducting an aerial symphony. It truly was one of those unexpectedly lovely stops that quietly stays with you afterward.

This is my happy place! It's a sprawling state park with endless areas to explore. Set with the…read moreNebraska cliff side in your view, along with the lake, it's the most serene park. There are plenty of camping an RV areas to set up camp. There are also a lot of parks, and bathrooms. There are trails that outline the lake, as well as trailed set closer to the highway. There are multiple entry points, but well paved roads, and signage to guide you. All the park officials we've ever ran into are friendly and helpful. I highly recommend stopping here to stay, or on your travels.