South Dakota State Parks

Camping in a trailer, tent or in one of the on-site cabins, the campgrounds in Southeast South Dakota are waiting for you. Many of our parks have hiking trails for human feet, horse hooves or bicycles. The park and campgrounds at Lewis and Clark, near Yankton, is number two on the list of 10 most visited state parks in South Dakota per the 2009 South Dakota State Park Facts sheet. So don't wait, plan to come visit us, plan on staying, we'd love to have you visit us.

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve

(1,500 acres) 2 miles southwest of McCook, exit 4 off I-29 Along the Missouri River. Donated by the Adams sisters as a "place for inner renewal". Special features: Several restored historical buildings, visitor center, bird watching blinds, hiking trails, cross country skiing, picnic shelter, guided golf cart tours available by reservation for visitors with physical limitations. (605) 232-0873

Beaver Creek Nature Preserve

(165 acres) 5 miles southeast of Brandon, off I-90, exit 406. Great area to view a variety of wildlife. Special features: Historic 1870s log cabin, handicap accessible hiking trail and picnic shelter, fishing. (605) 594-3824

Big Sioux Recreation Area

(430 acres) lies on the banks of the Big Sioux River 4 miles southeast 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, disc golf course, volleyball, archery range, 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 shelters, showers, dump station, fishing, game/equipment checkout, snowshoe checkout, handicap access. Entrance fee. (605) 582-7243

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, volleyball, horseshoe pits, park programs. Facilities: 146 campsites - 144 electrical, 10 camping cabins, picnic shelter, showers, dump station, playground, hiking/biking trail, game/equipment checkout, fishing, boat ramp, handicap access. Entrance fee. (605) 668-2985

Lake Alvin Recreation Area

(59 acres) 4 miles east, 1 mile north of Harrisburg, off Co. 135. Facilities: swimming beach, picnic shelter, fishing, fishing dock, handicap access, boat ramp. Entrance fee. (605) 987-2263

Lake Herman State Park

(227 acres) 2 miles west of Madison off SD 34, is popular among fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts. Special features: Historic 1871 cabin (Nat'l Historic Structure) and cemetery, trails through grass prairie, wetlands and historic sites, trail, disc golf course, horseshoe pits, canoe/kayak 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, game/equipment checkout, handicap access. Entrance fee. (605) 256-5003

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. Facilities include: 66 total campsites - 62 electrical, 1 camping cabin, showers, dump station, fishing dock, fish cleaning station, boat ramp, playground, swimming beach, hiking trail, sand volleyball, canoe rental, 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, disc golf course, 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, soccer field, game/equipment checkout, canoe rental, snowmobiling, handicap access. Entrance fee. (605) 668-2985

Newton Hills State Park

(1,064 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 game/equipment checkout. 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, nearby golf course. Split Rock Creek flows through the park. Facilities: 35 campsites - 16 electrical, showers, 5 camping cabins, playground, sand volleyball and horseshoe, game/equipment checkout, picnic shelter, fishing, handicap access. 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, basketball court, soccer field, sand volleyball and horseshoe, multiple picnic shelters for reunions and large picnics. Facilities: 67 campsites - 67 electrical, 2 camping cabins, showers, dump station, playground, game/equipment checkout, hiking trail, fishing, handicap access. Entrance fee. (605) 668-2985

Spirit Mound Historic Prairie

(320 acres) 5 miles north of Vermillion, off SD 19. Over 300 acres of prairie is being restored. According to journals, this is a site where Lewis and Clark actually stood. Facilities: 3/4 mile hiking trail to summit, interpretive signs, handicap access. (605) 987-2263

Springfield Recreation Area

(45 acres) Special feature: 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

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, game/equipment checkout, canoe rental, park programs. Entrance fee. (605) 256-5003