About Cottonwood (NE) Day Use Shelter
Overview Cottonwood Day Use Shelter is located near Lake Yankton in Cottonwood Day Use Area. Recreation Horse shoe pits, a disc golf course, a sand volleyball court, and a playground all sit next to the Cottonwood Day Use Shelter. It is also close to Lake Yankton which has plenty of shoreline access for fishing. Facilities The shelter has lights, electricty, water near by, and a large grill. Nearby Attractions Nearby attractions include, Gavins Point Dam, Lewis and Clark and historic Yankton, SD.
How to Get There
Take SD Hwy 52 4 miles west to the intersection with the Toe Rd. Cottonwood Day Use Area is approximately 1 mile south on the Toe Rd.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
UPF sun shirt (long sleeve)
Cooler than direct sun on bare skin.
- 🩳
Light shorts/skirt
Loose-fit, breathable.
- 🧢
Wide-brimmed sun hat
Plus a buff/bandana you can wet for cooling.
- 🕶
Polarized sunglasses
Critical for glare from sun + sand/water.
- ☔
Rain jacket / shell
51% chance of precipitation in the forecast.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 7)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
- 🛍
Dry bags for electronics
Phone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Cottonwood (NE) Day Use Shelter
Heading to Cottonwood (NE) Day Use Shelter? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Cottonwood (NE) Day Use Shelter?
No central reservation system listed for Cottonwood (NE) Day Use Shelter. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10290016) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Cottonwood (NE) Day Use Shelter?
Take SD Hwy 52 4 miles west to the intersection with the Toe Rd. Cottonwood Day Use Area is approximately 1 mile south on the Toe Rd.
How do I contact Cottonwood (NE) Day Use Shelter?
You can reach the park at phone: 402-667-2546 or email: gavinspoint.nwo@usace.army.mil.
References & Official Resources
