State: South Dakota
Address 1: c/o Oakwood Lakes State Park 20247 Oakwood Drive
City: Arlington
Zip: 57220
Phone: 605-983-5085
Open: Open May through October
Number of Sites: 114
Electric: 108
Camp URL: http://www.sdgfp.info/Parks/Regions/GlacialLakes/LakePoinsett.htm
Full Hook: Yes
One of the largest lakes in the state, Lake Poinsett was named after Joel Poinsett who served as U.S. Secretary of War. He was instrumental in promoting the expedition of Joseph Nicollet and John Fremont who first explored the region in 1838. The party camped on the north side of Lake Poinsett. Today, the lakeshore still provides excellent camping opportunities, as well as many other recreational activities.
Two campgrounds offer 112 sites with two comfort stations in campground one and an additional comfort station in campground two. A number of sites are along the waterfront. Cabin #2 is also features a waterfront view.
The Lake Poinsett Visitor Center/Museum is a fascinating place to learn about the history of the area. During the summer, neighbor Harlan Olson’s artifacts are on display. The exhibits will take you back in time from prehistoric days to the late 1990s. Plan for plenty of time to explore this excellent museum.
Two picnic areas are located lakeside. An approximately one-mile hiking trail leads through wooded, prairie, wetland and lakeshore areas, and connects the two campgrounds. A playground is located in campground one. The park also features basketball and sand volleyball courts. Water recreation, such as swimming and fishing, is very popular at Lake Poinsett.
