Yankton is an active city and the county seat of Yankton County, South Dakota. Originally founded in 1869, Yankton was the first capital of the Dakota Territory. The new city was named after the Yankton tribe of the Western Dakota Native Americans. Yankton features several historical sites, including the Human Services Center, which was founded in 1882 as a psychiatric hospital and has a place on the National Register of Historic Places. The city lies along the banks of the Missouri River, which played a crucial role in its development. For these reasons, Yankton is often referred to as the "River City."
Yankton has always been a relatively small city, but it's one of the larger communities in southeastern South Dakota. As of 2023, the Yankton population is roughly 15,700. The city is revered for its wonderful music, fine arts and performing arts scenes. While visiting Yankton, you should check out the town's popular landmarks, like the Meridian Bridge. The bridge was built back in 1924, and you can take the opportunity to drive your RV, ride your bike or walk across it. Other unique landmarks worth seeing include the Dakota Territorial Capitol Replica, the Bishop Marty Memorial Chapel and the Jack McCall Historical Marker.
Museum buffs will have plenty to do in the Yankton area. You could stop by the Mead Cultural Education Center to learn about the region's history. You may also want to check out the National Field Archery Foundation Museum, where you can browse a variety of artifacts relating to the history of archery. If you want to get some fresh air, consider playing some disc golf at Fantle Memorial Park or catching an outdoor concert at Riverside Park. Another activity to consider is spending an exciting afternoon at Karttrax Family Fun Park, where you can enjoy go-karts, bumper cars, and lots of other fun rides and games.
During your time in the Yankton area, you can camp at Sioux Falls KOA Journey, an hour and 20 minutes to the northeast. The family-run campground has full-hookup RV campsites available and offers numerous amenities. While you're there, you can use the covered pavilion, cable television, Wi-Fi, dog park, playground, laundry facilities, game room and much more. There are also many interesting historical sites located within a short distance of the campground.
You could also have a pleasant stay at Tower Campground, which features 116 full-hookup RV campsites available for $55 per night or $209 per week. Known for its exceptional cleanliness, the park, which is an hour and 15 minutes northeast of Yankton, features a tranquil atmosphere and lots of great amenities. These include free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, an arcade, a dog park, firewood and vending machines.
Another good choice is Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park of Sioux Falls, an hour and 20 minutes northeast of Yankton. You can snag one of the full-hookup RV campsites for $53-$60 per night. If you've got the kids with you, they'll adore the cartoon-themed campground and its many planned events and activities. Park guests have access to a heated pool, a spa area, mini golf, a corn maze, a general store, a picnic area, a propane-filling station and many more amenities.
Located in northwestern Nebraska, 45 minutes southwest of Yankton, Niobrara State Park comprises 1,640 acres of peaceful bluffs. The park is one of the region's best destinations for outdoor recreation. During your visit, you can go hiking or biking along the quiet trails, take a ranger-led horseback riding expedition, or even enjoy a refreshing swim on a hot day. Additionally, the park features an informative interpretive center and hosts weekly buffalo cookouts.
Ponca State Park is situated on the banks of the Missouri River near the town of Ponca, NE, 55 minutes southeast of Yankton. The park contains diverse geographical features, including scenic mountain bluffs, wide-open prairies, lush woodlands and forested ravines. Visitors to the area can observe many birds and other wildlife species, such as white-tailed deer, barred owls, bald eagles, bobcats, red and gray foxes, and coyotes. You can explore the picturesque park by navigating the 20-plus miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. You can also make use of the swimming pool, golf course, and boating and fishing opportunities during your visit.
Newton Hills State Park lies near Canton, an hour and 10 minutes northeast of Yankton, and is part of the unique geological formation known as the Coteau des Prairie. The Coteau des Prairie is a narrow strip of forested rolling hills that was formed due to glacial movement during the last Ice Age. The state park contains lush woodlands; Lakota Lake; and the Big Sioux River, offering excellent opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, bird-watching, fishing, swimming and boating. You can also view historic artifacts and burial mounds left by the Woodland Native Americans.
The Missouri National Recreation River site is headquartered right in Yankton and spans a large area containing a significant stretch of the Missouri River. At the site, the most popular activities are fishing, paddling, hunting and trapping. During the summer, you can even partake in a kayaking clinic at Lake Yankton. Along the banks of the mighty river, you'll also find some scenic trails for hiking and biking, such as the Paddlewheel Point and Arboretum Trails.
In Minnesota, two hours and five minutes northeast of Yankton, you can get a fascinating glimpse into Native American history and culture at the Pipestone National Monument. It features many quarries filled with soft red rock. For thousands of years, the region's Native American tribes returned to the quarries to dig out the rock and use it to carve special pipes, which they then used for sacred ceremonies and prayer. Visitors to the site can learn about the significance of the quarries and the history of the unique tradition. Make sure to stop by the visitor center, and spend some time walking around the quarries.
The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail is an extremely long trail spanning 14 different states. Originally, the route ran from Wood River, Illinois to Astoria, Oregon, but it has been extended as far east as Pennsylvania. The trail commemorates the route of the famous Lewis and Clark expedition that took place in the early 19th century. As you navigate the trail, you'll encounter many chances to learn about their journey. You can hike, bike or boat along the route and explore fascinating sites like the Lewis and Clark Boat House and Museum.
Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest is a 116,000-acre preserve located among the Nebraska Sandhills prairies, four hours southwest of Yankton. The peaceful forest contains well-maintained campgrounds and numerous nature trails, which can be navigated on foot, bike or horseback. You could also head to the Niobrara River Canoe Launch for a day of paddling; fish for trout, crappie, northern pike, and perch; or simply take some photos of the park's vivid wildflowers. If you're in the area during winter, you can go cross-country skiing along the beautiful trails.
Three hours and 50 minutes southwest of Yankton, the Nebraska National Forest encompasses 141,864 acres and is not your average national forest. While there are scattered trees throughout the area, the forest mainly consists of wide-open plains and many rows of corn. The unusual site was formed when two nature areas, which are 200 miles apart, were formed into one national forest in 1907. During your visit, you can fish in the gentle streams and ponds, take advantage of the clear skies for stargazing, and hike scenic trails such as the Soldier Creek Loop and Roberts Loop Trails.
Black Hills National Forest is the only national forest in South Dakota, comprising over 1.25 million acres and spreading across a section of Wyoming as well. The forest, which is approximately six hours northwest of Yankton, features several landmarks worth checking out, including the Mount Rushmore National Memorial and the Pactola Visitor Center at the Pactola Dam. As for recreational opportunities, the area boasts 353 miles of multi-use trails that are excellent for hiking, biking and horseback riding. The forest is also a superb fishing destination with 11 lakes and over 1,300 miles of streams.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Yankton, SD, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Yankton?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Yankton from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Yankton?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
