South Dakota Camping

Fresh air, nature, cooking over an open camp fire, it don't get no better. The campgrounds in Southeast South Dakota are second to none. So come to South Dakota, whether your spending one night or a week, camping in this region is great! We'd love to have you come and visit. What are you waiting for? Start planning now!

Big Sioux Recreation Area

(430 acres) lies on the banks of the Big Sioux River 4 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, bike trail 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: 50 total campsites - 43 electrical, 2 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) 5 miles southwest of Yankton off SD 52. Special features: Canoeing on Lake Yankton, bald eagle viewing in winter, park programs. Facilities: 146 campsites - 144 electrical, 10 camping cabins, picnic shelter, showers, dump station, playground, fishing, boat ramp, handicap access. Entrance fee. (605) 668-2985

Clay County Park and Campground

Clay County Park, four miles southwest of Vermillion off of SD Hwy 50, is 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 beautful Missouri River. (605) 624-5571, www.vermillionchamber.com.

Dells of the Sioux

Near Dell Rapids, has a campground located on the banks of the scenic Big Sioux River. Nature trail. (605) 428-4167

Lake Carthage

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

Lake Herman State Park

(227 acres) 2 miles west of Madison off SD 34, is 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 - 70 electrical, 2 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

1 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, 5 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 - 62 electrical, 3 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 SD 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: 374 campsites - 350 electrical, 13 camping cabins, 8 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

(1064 acres) 6 miles south of Canton off Co. 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 - 103 electrical, showers, dump station, 5 camping cabins, 10 horse camp sites, 5 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: 35 campsites - 16 electrical, showers, 5 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) 4 miles west of Yankton off SD 52. Special features: Paved bike trail, softball diamond, tennis court, multiple picnic shelters for reunions and large picnics. Facilities: 67 campsites - 67 electrical, 2 camping cabins, showers, dump station, playground, hiking trail, fishing, handicap access. Entrance fee. (605) 668-2985

Sand Creek

1 mile north, 3 miles east of Springfield off SD 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 - 17 electrical, showers, dump station, 2 camping cabins, playground, hiking trail, picnic shelter, handicap access fishing dock, fish cleaning station, boat ramp. Entrance fee. (605) 668-2985

Tabor Recreation Area

6 miles south of Tabor off SD 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: 24 campsites - 11 electrical, 4 horse camping sites, showers, 2 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), 9 miles southeast of Madison off SD 19. On Lake Madison, ski beach is popular with waterskiers, near Madison attractions. Facilities: 43 campsites - 42 electrical, 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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