Chief White Crane Recreation Area

With its 146 campsites and ten camping cabins, Chief White Crane is a great place for groups to gather to spend the weekend. Combined with its own facilities and the features of the other two state parks nearby, Lewis & Clark and Pierson Ranch, visitors can take advantage of a wide variety of recreation opportunities. Chief White Crane is one of the South Dakota state parks that offers the opportunity for visitors to see the majestic bald eagle. In South Dakota, many bald eagles spend their winters below the Missouri River dams where they are able to catch fish and prey on waterfowl attracted to the open water. They typically perch within 50 feet of the riverbank in tall cottonwood trees. The birds usually feed in the morning and rest in their roosting trees in the afternoon. Bald eagles will abandon their roosts if disturbed by humans. For this reason, the Department of Game, Fish and Parks prohibits motorized traffic in state recreation areas with winter bald eagle roosts. Walkers and cross-country skiers are allowed in these areas but must refrain from disturbing roosting bald eagles.