Shadehill Recreation Area

09/17/2026

Exciting improvements are underway at Shadehill Recreation Area!

Our staff recently installed four new vault toilets—two at Ketterling Point and two at Hugh Glass—to help make your next visit a little more convenient. Work is also underway to replace the deck on the Lodge.

We appreciate your patience while our team completes these projects and works to make Shadehill an even better place to camp, explore and enjoy the outdoors. Be sure to check out the updates during your next visit!

09/03/2026

Labor Day weekend doesn’t need a packed itinerary.

Sometimes all you need is a campsite, a little open space and nowhere you have to be. Spend the morning exploring Shadehill Recreation Area, slow down during the heat of the day and settle in for one of those prairie sunsets that makes you forget to check the time.

There’s still time to make Shadehill part of your long weekend. Pack the camper, bring plenty of water and come find your place to unwind.

Reserve your campsite: https://reservations.gooutdoorssouthdakota.com/

09/01/2026

Adventure 250 is heading into its FINAL WEEK!

There’s still time for one more lakeside adventure at Shadehill Recreation Area—and one more chance to win. This week, four winners across the state will each receive a Jackery 300W Portable Power Station, perfect for keeping your gear powered wherever the road takes you.

Complete your remaining challenges and add to your point total by Labor Day. Reach the Adventure 250 Club, and you’ll also be entered into the grand prize drawings!

One week left. What will your final Shadehill adventure be?

08/26/2026

Your Labor Day weekend doesn’t need a packed itinerary.

At Shadehill Recreation Area, the plan can be as simple as finding a quiet campsite, spending the afternoon near the water and watching the sun settle across the wide-open prairie. Bring the boat, cast a line or pull up a chair and enjoy a weekend that moves a little slower.

Make your camping reservation and give summer the peaceful send-off it deserves:
https://reservations.gooutdoorssouthdakota.com/

08/21/2026

We are SO excited to see everyone Saturday!! The weather looks like it'll be about perfect!
A few reminders:
1) Bring sunscreen & bug spray!
2) All youth must be accompanied by a guardian.
3) Follow the 🔸🔶 orange🔶🔸signs (one on the highway and one to get to the Boy Scout Cabin).
4) We love pets, but please keep them at home.
5) ALL safety equipment, weapons, am******on, and lunch are provided.
Please be sure to look through our sponsors and tell them THANK YOU!!

08/19/2026

School may be right around the corner, but summer isn’t finished quite yet.

There’s still time to squeeze in one more quick weekend at Shadehill Recreation Area—one more sunset from the campsite, one more night under the stars and one more adventure before the backpacks and alarm clocks return.

Speaking of adventures, what was your favorite one this summer? Share it in the comments, and we’ll put your name in the hat for a chance to receive some SDGFP swag.

Let’s give summer the sendoff it deserves.

08/13/2026

Before summer slips away, make time for one more Shadehill adventure.

Adventure 250 runs through September 6, and there are still points—and a few good memories—waiting to be collected at Shadehill Recreation Area.

Become a Shadehill Story Scout by visiting the interpretive signs and discovering some of the area’s history for 15 points. Or earn 25 points as a Shoreline Soundcheck by joining us for the Live at the Lake music series.

Snap a group selfie with the park sign, submit your adventure and keep working toward that 250-point milestone.

Find the complete challenge details and submission form at https://gfp.sd.gov/history2026/.

07/31/2026

Perkins County Commission has declared a burn ban effective today (7/31/26). Shadehill Recreation Area, Llewellyn Johns Recreation Area and Hugh Glass Lakeside Use Area are also implementing the burn ban. This also includes all private cabins surrounding the reservoir.

Propane and Charcoal grills will still be allowed for cooking.

The Perkins County Commission has declared an OPEN BURN BAN in Perkins County effective immediately pursuant to SDCL 7-8-20(18).

We urge all residents and visitors to Perkins County to use common sense and exercise caution with activities that involve or may cause fires due to dry conditions.

07/25/2026

No schedule. No traffic. Nowhere else to be.

Just open skies, quiet water and a whole weekend waiting for you at Shadehill Recreation Area.

What are you waiting for?

07/24/2026

‼️Links are LIVE‼️

Register by scanning the age-appropriate QR code or follow this link:
https://gfp.sd.gov/education/

Prizes are rolling in already, stay tuned for photos soon!