Lake Thompson Recreation Area
Originally called Dry Woods Lake by American Indians, the lake was renamed for Jacob Thompson, Secretary of the Interior under President James Buchanan. In the 1930s, the lake was completely dry and used for pasture. In the 1980s, the area was a 9,000-acre marsh. Heavy rains and snowmelt in the mid-80s filled the lake to over 20 feet deep. The lake is so distinct it was designated as a National Natural Landmark.
Home to Laura Ingalls Wilder
Laura Ingalls Wilder called the area around DeSmet her home. Lake Thompson itself is also mentioned as one of the Twin Lakes in her books, including By the Shores of Silver Lake and The Long Winter.
Restrictions / Safety
Lake Thompson Recreation Area
21176 Flood Club Road
Lake Preston, SD 57249
605.847.4893
Email: LakeThompson@state.sd.us
GPS Coordinates
Lat: 44.323468
Long: -97.434632
Activities
Lodging Info
Facilities / Services
- Beach
- Boat Ramp
- Campground
- Camping cabins
- Drinking water
- Dump station
- Electric campsites
- Fish Cleaning Station
- Fishing Pole Checkout
- Flush toilets/showers
- Game Checkout
- Lodge
- Playground
- Ski beach
- Vault toilets
Fishing
Fishing License Required
- Walleye
- Northern pike
- Crappie
- Perch
- Bass
ADA / Accessible
- Campsites (16E)
- Camping Cabins (1, 2, 3, 4)
- Lodge
- Hiking Trail
