South Dakota Camping

Fresh...air...nature...cooking over an open camp fire. The campgrounds in Southeast South Dakota are second to none. Bring your tent or camper for a family vacation you won't soon forget. Whether you're spending one night or a whole week, the memories will last a lifetime!

Big Sioux Recreation Area

(430 acres) lies on the banks of the Big Sioux River four miles south of Brandon off I-90, exit 406. Special features: 1869 homestead cabin, some of the oldest trees in the state, wooded and prairie trails, GPS trail, a bike trail that connects with Brandon, canoeing/kayaking on the Big Sioux River, park programs. Winter hosts cross-country skiers and snowmobilers that gather at the warming house. Facilities: 49 total campsites, 3 camping cabins, playground, picnic shelter, showers, dump station, fishing, archery range, handicap access. Entrance fee. (605) 582-7243. A great option for all of your South Dakota camping needs!

Chief White Crane Recreation Area

(169 acres) five miles southwest of Yankton off Hwy. 52. Special features: Canoeing on Lake Yankton, bald eagle viewing in winter, park programs. Facilities: 146 campsites, 10 camping cabins, picnic shelter, showers, dump station, playground, fishing, boat ramp, handicap access. Entrance fee. (605) 668-2985

Clay County Campground

Four miles southwest of Vermillion off of SD Hwy 50. Situated on the last natural stretch of the Missouri River. Enjoy 34 acres of a vast and beautiful wilderness with breathtaking views.
Facilities: 32 electrical campsites, restrooms with showers, dump station, picnic shelters, playgrounds, boat ramp and fishing dock.
Special features: Volleyball courts, horseshoe court, three mile paved nature trail that showcases the beautiful and diverse plant and wildlife - accommodates hiking, bicycling or horseback riding and includes a lookout area over the beautiful Missouri river. (605) 624-5571, www.vermillionchamber.com.

Dells of the Sioux

Located in the city limits of Dell Rapids, on the banks of the Big Sioux River, you'll find the Dell Rapids Campground and the Sioux River Red Rock Trail. For more information call (605) 428-3595

Lake Carthage

1/2 mile northeast of Carthage, provides boat launch, swimming, playground, picnic shelter and camping.

Lake Herman State Park

(227 acres) two miles west of Madison off Hwy. 34, is a popular South Dakota camping destination among fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts. Special features: Historic 1871 cabin (Nat'l Historic Structure) and cemetery, trails through grass prairie, wetlands and historic sites, canoe rental, bird watching, park programs. Facilities: 72 total campsites, two camping cabins, showers, dump station, playground, fishing dock, boat ramp, swimming beach & bath house, picnic shelters, cross-country ski trails, handicap access. Entrance fee. (605) 256-5003

Lake Mitchell Campground

One mile north of Mitchell on Hwy. 37. Facilities: 70 camping sites with electric, water and sewer hookups, swimming beach, showers, dump station, playground, campground store, laundry, fishing, boating, canoe & paddle boats, hiking trails. (605) 995-8457

Lake Vermillion Recreation Area

(267 acres) near Canistota, five miles south of I-90 at Montrose exit, is known for its clear waters and abundant fish. Fall sportsmen can find waterfowl and upland game nearby, making it an ideal hunting camp. The South Dakota camping facilities include: 66 total campsites - 66 electrical, 5 camping cabins, showers, dump station, fishing dock, fish cleaning station, boat ramp, playground, swimming beach, hiking trail, sand volleyball, picnic shelter, handicap access. Entrance fee. (605) 296-3643

Lewis & Clark Recreation Area

(864 acres) Situated on beautiful Lewis & Clark Lake 6 miles west of Yankton off Hwy. 52. Features: largest marina in the state, restaurant, campground and resort with pool, three swimming beaches, paved bicycle trail follows the lake, mountain bike area, visitor center, park programs. Facilities: 417 campsites, 17 camping cabins, horse camp sites, 8 picnic shelters, showers, dump station, playground, fishing /boat docks, bridle trail, hiking trail with lookout over lake, archery trail, sand volleyball and horseshoe, snowmobiling, handicap access. Entrance fee. (605) 668-2985

Newton Hills State Park

(1063 acres) six miles south of Canton off County road 135, part of the Coteau des Prairie. Special features: Woodland Trail is a National Recreational Trail, multi-use trail and arboretum trail, look-out tower, bird watching area, canoeing on the Big Sioux River, park programs, canopy tent rentals for special events, rent-a-camper available. Facilities: 118 campsites, showers, dump station, 8 camping cabins, horse camp sites, 6 picnic shelters, swimming beach, playground, basketball court, sand volleyball and horseshoe, bridle trail, equestrian camps with corrals, fishing, boat ramp, cross country skiing, warming shelter, handicap access. Entrance fee. (605) 987-2263

Palisades State Park

(157 acres) near Garretson, 10 miles north of I-90 from Brandon, exit 406. Special features: Rock climbing, walking trails through quartzite formations, historic sites, bridge is a Nat'l Historic Structure, and a nearby golf course make the Palisades a popular South Dakota camping destination. Split Rock Creek flows through the park. Facilities: 34 campsites, showers, 6 camping cabins, playground, picnic shelter, fishing, handicap access. Great place for weddings. Canopy tents available for group rentals. Entrance fee. (605) 594-3824

Pierson Ranch Recreation Area

(60 acres) four miles west of Yankton off Hwy. 52. Special features: Paved bike trail, softball diamond, tennis court, multiple picnic shelters for reunions and large picnics. Facilities: 67 campsites, two camping cabins, showers, 4 picnic shelters, dump station, playground, hiking trail, fishing, handicap access. Entrance fee. (605) 668-2985

Sand Creek

One mile north, three miles east of Springfield off Hwy. 37. Day use and camping.

Springfield Recreation Area

(45 acres) Special features: Adjacent nine-hole golf course overlooking the Missouri River, good base for waterfowl hunting in the fall. Facilities include: 21 campsites, showers, dump station, two camping cabins, playground, hiking trail, picnic shelter, handicap access fishing dock, fish cleaning station, boat ramp. Entrance fee. (605) 668-2985

Tabor Recreation Area

Six miles south of Tabor off Hwy. 52 provides boat launch, day use and camping.

Union Grove State Park

(499 acres), 11 miles south of Beresford off I-29, Special features: Large variety of trees provide impressive fall colors, bird watching. Facilities: 25 campsites, horse camping sites, showers, two picnic shelters, hiking trail, bridle trail, historic interest, equestrian camps with corrals, cross country skiing. Entrance fee. (605) 987-2263

Walkers Point Recreation Area

(41 acres), nine miles southeast of Madison off Hwy. 19. On Lake Madison, ski beach is popular with waterskiers, near Madison attractions. Facilities: 43 campsites, 2 camping cabins, showers, dump station, handicap access fishing dock, fish cleaning station, boat ramp, picnic shelter, playground, park programs. Entrance fee. (605) 256-5003

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