Reader’s Digest rated Hartford Beach State Park the number 1 most scenic campground in South Dakota. Hartford Beach State Park is truly exceptional for its scenic views, array of activities, and history. Located in the glacial lake area of the state, in a section of River Warren dubbed Big Stone Lake, the park features sweeping views of the water, forests, and the impressive rock bluffs that tower above it all. Runoff from melting glaciers 10,000 years ago created the river Warren.
A section of the river is known today as Big Stone Lake. Rugged rock-strewn bluffs and scenic timbered shorelines surround Hartford Beach. Glacial River Warren, also known as River Warren, was a prehistoric river that drained Lake Agassiz in central North America between about 13,500 and 10,650 BP calibrated (11,700 and 9,400 14C uncalibrated) years ago. A part of the uppermost portion of the river channel was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1966.
By about 9400 BP, the ice sheet finally retreated sufficiently far to the north that Lake Agassiz permanently took another outlet and receded below the level of Traverse Gap. River Warren then ceased to run The Lake Agassiz area watershed now feeds the Red River of the North which flows north, ultimately to Hudson Bay. River Warren’s upper valley in the Traverse Gap is now occupied by the tiny Little Minnesota River, which flows into Big Stone Lake and the Minnesota River, which follows the greater river’s ancient bed to its confluence with the Mississippi River. These streams occupy only a small cross-section of River Warren’s riverbed.
In 1678, French explorers from Montreal and Quebec came searching and found fur-bearing animals. An excellent trading business with area American Indians prompted the English to claim the area. Be sure to hike the Village View Trail which guides you to viewpoints in which to take in ancient Native American mounds. Other activities include volleyball, swimming, kayaking, snowshoeing, fishing, and more. There are 91 campsites and a number of rental cabins available.
The Park is open year-round. Some amenities include:
- Beach Boat Ramp
- Campground Camping cabins
- Canoe/kayak rentals
- Drinking water
- Dump station
- Electric campsites
- Fish cleaning station
- Fishing pole checkout
- Flush toilets/showers
- Game checkout
- Paddleboard rentals
- Picnic Shelter
- Playground
- Snowshoe checkout
- Vault toilets
- Warming shelter
Hartford Beach State Park, 13672 Hartford Beach Road, Corona, SD 57227, Hartford@state.sd.us