Summary
The area is situated on the picturesque shore of Lake Oahe and is known for its stunning natural beauty, wildlife, and fishing opportunities.
Some good reasons to visit Llewellyn John's Memorial State Recreation Area include its peaceful and serene setting, the opportunity to engage in outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and camping, and the chance to experience the stunning natural beauty of the area. Visitors can enjoy a picnic or swim at the beach, hike along the scenic trails, or simply relax and take in the views.
Some specific points of interest to see at Llewellyn John's Memorial State Recreation Area include the stunning lake views, the varied wildlife, and the historic sites in the area. Visitors can explore the Lewis and Clark Trail, which runs through the park, as well as the nearby Fort Pierre National Grasslands.
Interesting facts about the area include that Lake Oahe is one of the largest reservoirs in the United States, and that the park is named after Llewellyn John, a South Dakota state representative who was passionate about conservation and the outdoors.
The best time of year to visit Llewellyn John's Memorial State Recreation Area is in the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. Visitors can enjoy swimming, hiking, and other outdoor activities during this time. However, the park is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy winter activities like ice fishing and cross-country skiing during the colder months.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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