PIERRE, (KCCR) — Starting May 1st, the U-S Army Corps of Engineers is pulling back on some services along the Missouri River basin in Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota and Montana. The campground at North Shore in South Dakota will close. That closure could be partially or for the full season. Several day use comfort stations and vault toilets will be closed at the Good Soldier Day Use Boat Ramp, North Shore Beach Day Use Boat Ramp, Old Fort Thompson and Left Tailrace in South Dakota. The Oahe Visitor Center and Fort Randall Visitor Centers will be fully closed and powerhouse tours are being suspended at Oahe, Big Bend and Fort Randall. In addition to the closures and reductions, safety patrols will be reduced, especially during holidays and peak weekends and janitorial services, including trash collection will be cut back to three per week from seven. Those planning visits to the sites are encouraged to verify the status of recreation sites before traveling and should consider alternative locations where possible.
Recreation Impacts Starting May 1, 2025
Campground Closures
The following campgrounds will be fully or partially closed for the 2025 season:
East Totten Trail Campground, N.D.
Wolf Creek Campground, N.D.
Hazelton Campground, N.D.
Cattail Bay authorized camping area, N.D.
North Shore Campground, S.D.
Beaver Creek Campground (partial loop closure), N.D.
These closures will also impact supporting services, including contract janitorial, refuse, mowing, park attendant, fire ring cleaning and weed control. USACE will post closure signage at each location and process full refunds for any reservations through Recreation.gov.
Day Use Area Closures and Reductions
Several comfort stations and vault toilets will be closed at day use areas, including:
Good Soldier Day Use/Boat Ramp, S.D. – one vault toilet closed
North Shore Beach Day Use/Boat Ramp, S.D. – one comfort station and one vault toilet closed
Old Fort Thompson, S.D. – one comfort station closed
Left Tailrace, S.D. – one comfort station and one vault toilet closed
Visitor Center Impacts
Educational and interpretive programs at the following visitor centers will be affected:
Fort Peck Interpretive Center and Museum, Mont. – reduced to one day per week (from five)
Oahe Visitor Center, S.D. – closed
Fort Randall Visitor Center, S.D. – closed
Lewis and Clark Visitor Center at Gavins Point, Neb. – reduced hours (Wednesday-Saturday)
Powerhouse Tour Suspensions
Powerhouse tours at the following project sites will be suspended beginning mid-May:
Garrison, N.D.
Oahe, S.D.
Fort Randall, S.D.
Big Bend, S.D.
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