Gavins Tailwaters South

Located near Aten in Cedar County, Nebraska, Gavins Tailwaters South offers a **large 2-lane boat ramp** with ample parking—ideal for launching kayaks, canoes, and motorboats onto the Missouri River. The facility also features an accessible fishing pier and multiple bank fishing areas. This access point sits just downstream of Gavins Point Dam and Lewis & Clark Lake, making it a convenient entry to one of North America's most significant river systems.

The Missouri River at this location is a major waterway (Stream Order 10) with considerable current. Paddlers should expect an average flow of over 121,000 cubic feet per second and water velocities around 7.4 feet per second, with a moderate average gradient of 3.9 feet per mile. These conditions are suitable for intermediate to experienced paddlers; beginners should exercise caution and be aware of the dam's influence on water levels and flow patterns.

The site is part of the Nebraska Tailwaters Campground, offering reserved camping accommodations. For reservations and facility information, contact 402-667-2546 or call 1-877-444-6777. The location provides excellent access to the scenic Missouri National Recreational River and the popular Lewis & Clark Lake area, which attracts over 2 million visitors annually.

Overview
Nebraska Tailwaters Campground is nestled along the Nebraska bank of the Missouri River, is a fun-filled camping destination just downstream of Gavins Point Dam and Lewis & Clark Lake. The 31,400-acre Lewis & Clark Lake and Gavins Point Dam are nestled in the golden, chalkstone-lined valley of the Missouri River growing into one of the most popular recreation destinations in the Great...

Overview
Nebraska Tailwaters Campground is nestled along the Nebraska bank of the Missouri River, is a fun-filled camping destination just downstream of Gavins Point Dam and Lewis & Clark Lake. The 31,400-acre Lewis & Clark Lake and Gavins Point Dam are nestled in the golden, chalkstone-lined valley of the Missouri River growing into one of the most popular recreation destinations in the Great Plains. 
For more information, please visit the Gavins Point Project Website.
Recreation
Located just below Gavins Point Dam in the dam "Tailwaters" provides exceptional access to the Missouri River. A large 2-lane boat ramp, large parking area is available, along with an accessible fishing pier and many areas for bank fishing. The Lewis and Clark Lake area attracts more than 2 million visitors each year to its shores. Recreation opportunities around the lake include camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, boating, sailing, swimming, bird-watching, and photography.

For the biking and hiking enthusiasts, three trails are available in the area. They include a paved trail that runs from Yankton to the Gavins Point area, a multi-use trail in the Gavins Point area and the Calumet Bluff hiking trail located near the visitor center. Wintertime activities include ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and sledding.

Developed public parks and recreation areas surround the lake above and below Gavins Point Dam. Camping facilities provided by the Corps and the States of South Dakota and Nebraska include boat ramps, picnic areas, campsites with electricity, modern restrooms, playground equipment and trailer dump stations.
Facilities
Nebraska Tailwaters offers 42 campsites, 31 of these campsites have electric hookups and 11 of the campsites are non-electric and are for tent camping only. Amenities include modern shower facilities with flush toilets, river access with shore fishing, handicap accessible fishing pier, boat ramp, fish cleaning station and RV dump station. There is also a Group Camping Area with electric hookups, picnic shelter, fire pit, grill, and vault toilet. 
Natural Features
The campground sits on the south bank of the Missouri River, along the tailwaters of Gavins Point Dam. Surrounding the area is the golden, chalkstone-lined Missouri River Valley. Nebraska Tailwaters is known for its exceptional Bald Eagle viewing year-round, along with many other birds of prey. 

Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (402) 667-2546.
Nearby Attractions

The Lewis and Clark Visitor Center , exhibits on Missouri River and area history including the Lewis and Clark Expedition with stunning views of Lewis and Clark Lake along with the Missouri River. Powerhouse Tours are available on weekends. Please contact the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center at (402) 667-2546 for more information.
The Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium 
Visit nearby Yankton, South Dakota - the historic capitol of the Dakota Territory.

Charges & Cancellations
Reservation changes and cancellations can be made on Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.  

For more information on rules and policies regarding reservation cancellations and changes, please visit: https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies.   

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