Pelican Lake Recreation Area
Naturalists enjoy the migrating birds and vast numbers of prairie grasses and wildflowers at Pelican Lake Recreation Area. Winter enthusiasts appreciate the park's cross-country ski trails, snowshoeing and ice fishing.
Wildlife Viewing
Pelican Lake is a popular stopping point for migrating waterfowl. Each fall, geese and ducks use the lake's open waters as a resting area. A variety of shore birds spend their entire summer in or near the park.
Most noticeable are the large white pelicans that frequent the lake. Pelicans were so numerous when the region was first settled that the lake was named in their honor. An observation tower on one of the hiking trails gives visitors a bird's-eye view of the area.
Restrictions / Safety
Pelican Lake Recreation Area
17450 450th Avenue
Watertown, SD 57201
605.882.5200
Email: PelicanLake@state.sd.us
GPS Coordinates
Lat: 44.852222
Long: -97.208448
Activities
Lodging Info
Facilities / Services
- Beach
- Boat Ramp
- Campground
- Camping cabins
- Drinking water
- Dump station
- Electric campsites
- Fishing pole checkout
- Flush toilets/showers
- Game checkout
- Horse camp
- Picnic Shelter
- Playground
- Vault toilets
Fishing
Fishing License Required
- Walleye
- Northern pike
- Perch
- Bullheads
Horse Camp
- Electric campsites
- Water
- Vault Toilets
- Fire Grates
- Hitching Posts
- Corrals
- Trails
Archery
NFAA approved 14-station with practice facility. Stations range in distance from 20 feet to 80 yards.
ADA / Accessible
- Camping Sites (72E)
- Camping Cabins (Cabin 1)
- Picnic shelter
