Shadehill Recreation Area

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, ammunition, 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!

07/23/2026

Registration will be open by this weekend! Until then, mark your calendars!!

07/21/2026

Who decided camping has to wait until Friday?

Trade an ordinary weeknight for supper outside, a quiet evening beside Shadehill Reservoir and a morning cup of coffee with a much better view. You do not need a week off, a complicated itinerary or a long road trip—sometimes one or two nights close to home are exactly the reset you need.

Pack the cooler, grab the sleeping bags and make the middle of the week feel a little more like vacation.

While you are here, add a little Adventure 250 to your stay by exploring Shadehill’s history and completing the Shadehill Story Scout challenge.

Reserve your campsite or camping cabin:
https://reservations.gooutdoorssouthdakota.com/

Your getaway may be closer than you think.

06/26/2026

Looking for a weekend getaway?

Shadehill Recreation Area has you covered.

Spend the day on the water, cast a line, swap fish stories, roast marshmallows around the campfire, and fall asleep under a sky full of stars.

The best part? Some of the best summer memories don't require a long drive or a hefty price tag—just a campsite, good company, and a little time outdoors.

Gather the family, pack your favorite snacks, and make this weekend one you'll be talking about long after summer ends.

Because sometimes the best vacations are the simple ones.

Wide Open Water. Wide Open Weekend.

Make Shadehill Recreation Area your destination this weekend.