Camping

Pierson Ranch Campground, Yankton

Relax in South Dakota’s beautiful parks and campgrounds

Big Sioux Recreation Area

Situated on the banks of the Big Sioux River near Brandon this park has easy access to Sioux Falls attractions. Features include campground, disc golf course, hiking/biking trails, canoeing/kayaking, archery range, park programs, 1869 homestead cabin. It provides a warming house for crosscountry skiers and snowmobilers in winter. Entrance fee. 605-582-7243

Chief White Crane Recreation Area

Located five miles west of Yankton off SD 52, it offers a campground as well as waterfront camping cabins. Canoe/ kayak on Lake Yankton, picnic, fish, and you may even glimpse the majestic bald eagles that nest here in the winter. Entrance fee. 605-668-2985

Clay County Park & Campground

Four miles SW of Vermillion off SD 50. On the last natural stretch of the Missouri River, this park encompasses 34 acres of vast beautiful wilderness. It offers camping, showers, boat ramp, fishing dock, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and a paved nature trail. 800-809-2071

Goat Island Recreation Area

This densely forested 800 acres island offers opportunities for visitors looking for a quiet getaway. With 2 miles of meandering trails, primitive camping sites and gentle river views, camping here is a truly an adventure. Located between Myron Grove River Access and Clay County Park, this island is only accessible by watercraft. 605-665-0209

Green Island Recreation Area

Camp, canoe, kayak, hike and more at this remote site. There are 5 non-fee primitive campsites accessible only by watercraft. Green Island is located on the south side of the Missouri National Recreational River, adjacent to the Discovery Bridge, Yankton. 605-665-0209

Lake Herman State Park

History and water recreation attract many campers to this park near Madison. Nestled on a peninsula, the park boasts gorgeous views of Lake Herman. Melting glacial ice formed this 1,350 acre lake. An 1871 cabin built by some of the first settlers to the area, Herman Luce and his son, William, has been restored. Visitors to the park can camp, fish, play disc golf and horseshoes, explore trails through prairie, wetlands and historic sites, enjoy swimming beaches in summer and cross-country skiing trails in winter. Canoe/kayak rental is available. Entrance fee. 605-256-5003

Lake Vermillion Recreation Area

Two hundred sixty-seven acres Located five miles south of I-90 at Montrose Exit 374, it is popular among fishermen, boaters, canoers and swimmers. Activities include hiking trails, basketball, volleyball and horseshoes. Canoe and kayak rental is available. It is an ideal hunting camp with waterfowl and upland game nearby. Entrance fee. 605-296-3643

Lewis & Clark Recreation Area

On beautiful Lewis & Clark Lake six miles west of Yankton, it is one of the state’s most popular camping destinations. Looking out on scenic limestone cliffs and the Missouri River, the park offers prime waterfront campsites and camping cabins as well as resort facilities with a modern cabins, a pool and a spacious lodge. There is also a marina and restaurant. Park amenities include swimming beaches, several trails including a paved trail that follows the lake shore, equestrian campground/ trails, archery area, disc golf, and soccer field. Entrance fee. 605-668-2985

Newton Hills State Park

Six miles south of Canton, part of the Coteau des Prairie, Newton Hills is a wooded oasis providing shaded campsites and scenic vistas from the lookout tower. Lake Lakota offers fishing, swimming, and kayaking/ canoeing. There are several hiking/biking trails to explore including a woodland trail and a multi-use trail which is also used by horses in summer and cross-country skiers in winter. The park provides an equestrian campground with corrals. Over 200 species of birds visit the area each year, making it ideal for birdwatching. A fully equipped lodge and modern cabin are available for rent. Entrance fee. 605 987-2263

Palisades State Park

Near Garretson, this is one of the most unique parks in the region. Split Rock Creek, which flows through the park, is lined with quartzite formations varying from shelves several feet above the water to 50-foot vertical cliffs. The park is popular with campers, sightseers, picnickers, rock climbers, canoers and hikers. A comfortable fully equipped lodge is perfect for family gatherings. Entrance fee. 605-594-3824

Pierson Ranch Recreation Area

Located four miles west of Yankton, Pierson Ranch offers a campground, paved trail, tennis and basketball courts, soccer, a softball diamond, and disc golf course. Picnic shelters make it ideal for large gatherings. Entrance fee. 605-668-2985

Split Rock Park Campground

Enjoy camping, canoeing, fishing, hiking and picnicking at this park in Garretson. A beautiful “back to nature” area for tent camping only is located on the north side. You’ll find camping pads with or without electricity as well as a tent area on the south side. Enjoy quartzite rock formations along Split Rock River and architecture of the WPA, built in the 1930’s, featuring a dam with waterfall, bath-house, bridges and rock wall with flower garden. Reservations - www.splitrockparkcampground.com

Springfield Recreation Area

A smaller and quieter park just upriver from Lewis & Clark Recreation Area. The park is located on the shores of the Missouri National Recreational River. The park offers camping, boating, hiking/biking, picnicking, and some great bass fishing. It is a good base for waterfowl hunting. An adjacent golf course is situated on bluffs that offer spectacular panoramas of the Missouri River. Entrance fee. 605-668-2985

Tabor Lakeside Use Area

Located six miles south of Tabor off SD 52, this remote area offers a primitive campground with beautiful unspoiled views of the Missouri River if you don’t mind roughing it. For boaters and anglers, a boat ramp and dock are available. 605-668-2985

The Dells Campground

A beautiful park located at the headwaters of the Dells channel, on banks of the Big Sioux River. It features campsites with electricity, access to water, picnic table and fire ring. It also has a playground to keep the kids entertained. A highlight is the scenic Sioux River Red Rock Trail which crosses the Big Sioux River and provides scenic overlooks with views of the “The Dells” quartzite formations along the river. 605-428-3595

Union Grove State Park

South of Beresford, this park features over 180 species of trees and shrubs which provide impressive fall colors. Wildlife, including deer, wild turkeys, marmots, rabbits, fox and squirrels, thrive in the park. Over 200 species of birds visit the area, providing excellent opportunities for birdwatching. There is also a bridle trail as well as equestrian camps with corrals. Entrance fee. 605-987-2263

Walkers Point Recreation Area

Tucked along the shore of Lake Madison, this small but complete park attracts campers and anglers. Campsites near the water offer picturesque views of the lake. Other activities include canoeing/kayaking, fishing, and picnicking. Canoe rental is available. Entrance fee. 605-256-5003

State Park Lodges

If you prefer all the comforts of home as you explore nature, the beautiful lodges located at Newton Hills and Palisades State Parks are just right for you. Lodges are fully equipped and perfect for larger groups. Newton Hills State Park also has the option of a new modern cabin.