Burke Lake Recreation Area
For a quiet weekend getaway in southeastern South Dakota, look no further than the Burke Lake Recreation Area! Located just a couple of miles east of Burke off US Highway 18, this 206-acre oasis features native and introduced prairie grasses and a tree-lined, 25-acre lake, making it the pawfect spot for a nature trip with the entire family. Four-legged members are also welcome, so bring your pupper along when you visit!
Burke Lake offers 15 campsites that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The only amenities in the campground are vault toilets and drinking water, so expect to be in for a no-frills camping experience. Sorry, pampered pooches! From the campground, you and Fido can access the West Shoreline Hiking Trail, which runs along the west shoreline of the lake and ends at the south picnic shelter.
As you and your pup follow this somewhat hilly, 0.75-mile trail, keep your eyes peeled for the various flora and fauna that thrive around the water. Some of the trees and shrubs that you'll encounter are cottonwood, green ash, ponderosa pine, wild rose, plum, and elderberry. You might also see mallards, widgeons, and wood ducks on the lake, as well as red-tailed hawks and northern harriers soaring overhead. If you and Fido are quiet, you might catch a glimpse of a white-tailed deer or turkey.
Don't
miss the chance to go for a relaxing paddle on Burke Lake's calm
waters if
you have your own kayak or canoe. You'll find the boat ramp on the
northeast corner of the lake. Make sure you and your pooch both have
your life jackets on before you set off.
While
exploring the park, Fido
may
go
off-leash if in a remote area and more than 200 feet from other
visitors. Otherwise,
keep your furry pal on a 10-foot leash at all times. Don't forget to
clean up after them as well—bring your own bags!
A doggone good time awaits at the Burke Lake Recreation Area!
