Lake Vermillion Recreation Area

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Canistota, SD
Lake Vermillion Recreation Area

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Lake Vermillion was created by impounding waters from the east fork of the Vermillion River in 1958. The word vermillion means vivid red color.

The river itself was first noted on an 1801 map by a French trapper who called it Otter Stream. Some say the stream got its name from the outcropping of red quartzite along its bank.

10/16/2026

Oak comfort station is now closed as well.

We are planning, weather permitting, to keep the East and Juniper bathrooms open a few more weeks till around the end of October.

Fall color is coming along as well. We have some highs in the 70s next week - dont miss out! Plenty of campsites open!

10/08/2026

Maple comfort station is closed for the season! We are planning to keep Juniper and East bathrooms open for a few more weeks, weather permitting.

The fall color is really starting to develop, as you can see in the photo. Dont miss these last few weekends of good camping weather - book online at gooutdoorssouthdakota.com or call 1-800-710-2267

10/02/2026

We have one cabin open for the weekend and some amazing fall weather. Call the park at 605-773-5877 to book! Or reach us through the call center at 1-800-710-2267.

10/01/2026

2027 Park Entrance Licenses are available! You can buy these online at gooutdoorssouthdakota.com, any state park, and some local vendors in the Sioux Falls area like Ace Hardware or Scheels.

Note that this does not mean the 2026 annual licenses are now expired or invalid. The 2026 license is valid until May 23rd 2027.

09/27/2026

Looking ahead, it seems we are FINALLY pulling out of this gloomy drizzle and should get a beautiful first part of October. This is the perfect opportunity for some fall camping!

We have plenty of open sites for the next few weekends. You can also track how the leaves are changing at Lake Vermillion and other parks via the link below. Don't miss out - winter is right around the corner...

Check the Fall Foliage Tracker at https://bit.ly/4yxdNla
Choose your campsite at http://reservations.gooutdoorssouthdakota.com/

09/26/2026

Entrance Under Construction!

As of today, our old entrance booth has been removed to make way for a new, larger building. We've set up a temporary entrance station with firewood, a kiosk, and our cabin key box. You can purchase firewood or entrance passes here via cash or credit card on the kiosk.

We are expecting this new building to be complete by May of 2027. It will come with a drive up window for easier sales and a larger visitor area for customers.

09/21/2026

Update: the dog has been picked up by his owner!

Dog found! This dog was found today in the East campground with no tags. If he is yours, or if you know the owner, please contact the park office at (605) 773-5877.

09/03/2026

UPDATE - All nights are now booked.

Another rare opportunity available!

Cabin 4 just opened up for the ENTIRE Labor Day weekend.

If you want to book for tonight or Friday, give us a call at 1-800-710-2267 or call the park directly at 605-773-5877.

08/29/2026

The final golden fish of the year has been found!

Congratulations to the winners, and thank you to everyone who participated.

Thank you to Scheels for providing the winners with gift cards as well!

08/28/2026

The Golden Fish has been hidden for the last time this season. Don't miss your chance to search! Here is the clue:

The golden fish is hidden away, seek on foot or be led astray, take the north, loop until halfway, then take a rest before the coordinates show you the way

Address

26140 451st Avenue
Canistota, SD
57012

Telephone

+18007102267

Website

http://gfp.sd.gov/state-parks/directory/lake-vermillion/

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