Fort Thompson, S.D. — The Left Tailrace Campground at the Big Bend Dam has reopened to the public.
The campground had been closed since flooding in 2011 caused extensive damage, which required repair work that began in mid 2012.
Technical difficulties and inclement weather delayed contract completion but the campground reopened May 3. Some chip sealing work remains with partial closures expected while the work is completed.
During the Missouri River Flood of 2011, the Left Tailrace Campground at Big Bend Dam sustained substantial damages to roads, camp pads and the site’s electrical system. The opening of this popular campground and its adjoining parking were delayed to allow roughly $1 million in repairs to take place.
The North Shore Campground is open to the public and provides paved camp pads with a fire ring at each site and one vault toilet in the campground. There is no fee to camp at North Shore Campground.
Flood-related repair work included the Right Tailrace, Left Tailrace, Spillway Dike, Old Fort Thompson and North Shore Beach recreation areas.
These repairs were funded as a result of the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act from Congress that was signed by the President on Dec. 23, 2011.