Camp Iyataka

**Introduction / Overview**

Nestled in the beautiful and rugged landscape near Wilmot, South Dakota, **Camp Iyataka** offers a unique and valuable outdoor experience for groups, organizations, and those seeking a more traditional, nature-focused camping getaway. This facility is proudly owned and operated by the Sioux Council of the Boy Scouts of America, but its mission extends beyond scouting, offering facility rentals and opportunities for use by non-scouting units and organizations across South Dakota and the wider region.

Camp Iyataka has been designed to provide a rich environment for learning, adventure, and camaraderie, with its heavily wooded areas and abundance of natural resources. It truly is a place where young people and adults alike can reconnect with nature, develop practical skills, and enjoy the peace of the outdoors. Visitors often praise the camp's well-maintained grounds and the overall positive atmosphere, noting, "We took a group here for an early May campout. Weather was beautiful. Camp was well maintained and everyone had a ton of fun." The facilities are open year-round, accommodating everything from warm-weather campouts to winter sledding and cross-country skiing adventures.

While offering a more primitive feel in many areas—a feature cherished by those who value true outdoor immersion—the camp does provide key amenities to ensure a safe and successful trip. If you are looking for a dedicated facility that emphasizes group engagement and a diverse, natural setting, Camp Iyataka stands out as a prime choice in eastern South Dakota.

**Location and Accessibility**

Camp Iyataka is strategically situated in Roberts County, South Dakota, providing a convenient and accessible location for local groups from Sioux Falls, Watertown, and surrounding areas, as well as those coming from border states like Minnesota and Iowa. Its address places it in a rural, secluded setting that ensures peace and quiet away from the noise of city life.

The official address for the camp is:

**47218 131st St, Wilmot, SD 57279, USA**

The camp's proximity to Wilmot offers ease of access from major routes in the area, allowing organizations to transport gear and groups without extensive travel time on back roads. The location is ideal for facilitating diverse outdoor activities, as the property itself is heavily wooded and crisscrossed with trails, providing ample space for hiking, exploration, and nature study. While secluded, the camp has accounted for modern necessities, offering on-site Wi-Fi and even EV/camper charging outlets, blending rustic charm with practical accessibility for today's user.

**Services Offered**

Camp Iyataka caters primarily to group reservations and organizational use, offering a range of facilities from modern indoor spaces to rustic campsites:

• **Facility Rental for Non-Scouting Groups:** The camp is available for reservation by various non-scouting organizations, schools, and private groups looking for a dedicated retreat or camping venue.
• **Gail Hauck Lodge:** A main facility providing crucial indoor amenities, including running water, and serves as a central hub for meetings, meals, and emergency shelter.
• **Developed Campsites:** Sites 1 through 11 are considered developed, featuring covered shelters, picnic tables, and fire rings for a more structured camping experience.
• **Primitive Camping Areas:** Extensive wooded areas are designated for primitive camping, perfect for groups practicing outdoor skills like lashing and pioneering, or those seeking deeper solitude.
• **Restroom Facilities:** The camp provides two vault latrines near the lodge and six porta-potties scattered throughout the grounds to accommodate large groups across the property.
• **Utilities:** Limited electricity is available, including two 50-amp outlets on the garage exterior and program shelter for EV charging or camper hookups. Rural water hydrants are available on-site (locked, with the camp gate key providing access).
• **Wi-Fi Access:** Instructions for connecting to the camp’s Wi-Fi network are posted in the lodge and garage, allowing groups to maintain essential communication and coordination.
• **Seasonal Equipment:** The camp garage houses sleds, cross-country skis, snowshoes, and inner tubes, along with required safety helmets, for winter recreational use.

**Features / Highlights**

The enduring popularity of Camp Iyataka among local South Dakota users stems from its unique natural features and its commitment to facilitating outdoor education and adventure:

• **Abundant Wooded Environment:** Much of the property is heavily forested, which is a key advantage for projects requiring abundant natural resources like lashing and pioneering, and for providing natural shade and shelter.
• **Extensive Trail Network:** The camp features a widespread network of trails, perfect for hiking, nature exploration, and year-round use with the available snowshoes and skis during the winter months.
• **Resource-Rich Area:** The property is a haven for local wildlife, including deer, rabbits, wild turkeys, and pheasants, making it an excellent spot for nature observation and photography.
• **Fishing and Water Activities:** The camp provides access to water activities like fishing, canoeing, and boating, with a large beach area available on the lower level, enhancing the recreational options for all visitors.
• **Year-Round Operation:** Unlike many seasonal campgrounds, Camp Iyataka is open all year, offering winter recreational opportunities like sledding on the designated hill, complete with supplied safety helmets.
• **Plentiful Firewood:** Firewood is highly abundant throughout the camp, with numerous woodpiles available for use, ensuring groups can easily manage their campfires and cooking needs.

**Contact Information**

For information regarding facility reservations, availability, or general inquiries for both scouting and non-scouting organizations at **Camp Iyataka**:

**Address:** 47218 131st St, Wilmot, SD 57279, USA

**Primary Contact Phone (Center for Scouting):** (605) 361-2697

**Mobile Phone (Center for Scouting):** +1 605-361-2697

It is recommended that non-scouting units or organizations contact the Center for Scouting directly to check availability and current rental rates for the camp's facilities. The volunteer caretaker can also be a valuable resource for on-site information.

**What is Worth Choosing**

**Camp Iyataka** is the ideal choice for any South Dakota-based organization, school, or large family group seeking a **versatile, purpose-built outdoor retreat center with a focus on education and activity.**

While a previous visitor noted a temporary "major tick problem," which is a common and seasonal issue in heavily wooded areas throughout South Dakota and should be prepared for with appropriate repellent and checks, the fundamental value of the camp remains its structure and setting. The combination of the rentable Gail Hauck Lodge, the separate developed and primitive camping areas, and the extensive recreational facilities (trails, beach, winter equipment) means the camp can support a wide array of activities—from formal training and meetings to rugged camping and team-building exercises. It offers the rare opportunity to conduct a truly primitive campout or host a large group event with the reassurance of crucial facilities like the lodge and basic utilities nearby. Choosing Camp Iyataka means selecting a location with a proven track record of facilitating fun, memorable, and adventurous group experiences in the heart of the South Dakota wilderness.