In the Midwestern region of the United States of America, lies the state of South Dakota. It is the 5th least populous state which is also 5th among the states with least population density. However, it is the 17th most expansive state in the U.S.A. In the state, Sioux Pierre is the city with the highest population and Pierre is the state capital. South Dakota gets its name from the Native American tribes of Lakota and Dakota Sioux. Historically, these tribes would dominate the area and they also make up for a large portion of the population.
Geographically, North Dakota in the north, Minnesota in the East, Nebraska to the south, Iowa to the South East, Montana to the northwest and Wyoming to the west, form the borders of South Dakota. The Missouri River divides the state into two distinct halves and the residents of the respective areas are known as ‘East River’ and ‘West River’. The state has ecology features that are typical to the North American grassland and has a temperate continental climate, with four seasons. The tourist attractions include Mount Rushmore, which is close to the site and the Black Hills, a group of low pine-covered mountains that are sacred to Sioux.
- Sage Creek Campgrounds (Badlands National Park)
This campground lies within the Badlands National Park; one of the most popular national parks in the Midwest. The landscape consists of buttes, pinnacles, spires in the grassland prairie. It also serves as a wildlife reserve that offers visitors a chance to watch animals like bighorn sheep, antelope, bison, black – footed ferrets along with the fossil remains of three – toed horses, saber – toothed cats and camels. It has a primitive set up with no electricity or water and only has pit toilets. It is an ideal location for people who want a break from the crowded city life.
Best time to visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| · Biking
· Boating · Climbing · Horseback riding · Fishing · Hiking · Wildlife watching |
· Picnic tables
· Pit toilets · Pet-friendly · Fires are allowed |
Location Details:
Wall, SD 57790, USA
Phone: +1 605-433-5361
- Borderlands Prairie and Sky (Borderlands Ranch)
Borderlands Ranch lies at the heart of the Black Hills, 16 miles from Hill City. It comprises of limestone cliffs and 135 acres of high prairie forest. The Black Hills hold regard as the spiritual center of the universe according to many people of the first nations. The area also offers fun activities like fishing in the Deerfield Lake and raspberry picking in the month of August. They provide accommodation in cabins and barns.
Best time to visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| · Biking
· Boating · Fishing · Hiking · Horseback riding · Paddling · Wind sports · OHV · Climbing · Snow sports · Swimming · Wildlife watching |
· Picnic tables
· RV sanitation · RV hookups · Trash cans · Fires are allowed · Pet-friendly · Availability of potable water |
Location Details:
23120 S Rochford Rd, Hill City, SD 57745, USA
Phone: +1 605-574-4746
- Sylvan Lake Campground (Custer State Park)
The park measures 71000 acres of open rangeland with clear mountain waters and dense pine forests. This campground also has a herd of 1300 bison that roam about freely throughout the park. It also includes mountain lakes and scenic drives that add to the appeal of this place. It also hosts an annual buffalo round up in September giving visitors a chance to get glimpses of hardcore cowboys and cowgirls. Then location of Sylvan Lake Campground is just off the highway and serves as a great destination during the summers because of the naturally cool mountains.
Best time to visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| · Biking
· Boating · Fishing · Hiking · Horseback riding · Paddling · Climbing · Swimming · Wildlife watching |
· Toilets
· Showers · Picnic tables · Potable water · Pet-friendly · Fires are allowed |
Location Details:
518 SD-87, Custer, SD 57730, USA
Phone: 605-255-4515
- Redbank Spring Campground (Black Hills National Forest SD)
Redbank Spring Campground is on the far west side of South Dakota. The park’s popularity can be credited to its unique geographical formations such as the Needles, the Badlands Wilderness, the Devil’s Tower Monument, etc. Further, it offers campers dense forests, craggy cliffs and the clear blue sky above. It also holds interpretive programs like the Black Hills Moon Walks to ensure an enriching outdoor experience for all those who visit.
Best time to visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| · Biking
· Boating · Fishing · Hiking · Horseback riding · Paddling · OHV · Climbing · Snow sports · Swimming · Wildlife watching |
· Toilets
· Picnic tables
|
Location Details:
Briggs Springs Rd, Newcastle, SD 82701, USA
Phone: +1 605-673-9200
- Picnic Spring Campground (Custer Gallatin National Forest)
This 3.1 million acre national forest is a great place to rejuvenate tired and weary spirits. It has majestic mountains, breathing space and scenic views. It is beautiful place but it is advisable that people visit Custer Gallatin National Park during warmer times of the year because the winter is mostly unbearable, resulting in seasonal closure. It also serves as a gateway to Yellowstone National Park. Picnic Spring Campground lies in the North Hill Caves unit of the national park. It offers a wooded area for strolling and lunching activities.
Best time to visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| · Biking
· Fishing · Hiking · Horseback riding · Paddling · Climbing · Snow sports |
· Toilets
· Picnic tables · Fires are allowed |
Location Details:
Ludlow, SD 57755, USA
Phone: (406) 587-6701
- Pierson Ranch Recreational Area Campground
This is an RV friendly site ground which is suitable for camping with or even for reunions. It has a large open and grassy area and trails that connect the city of Yankton to Lewis and Clark Recreational area. The Pierson ranch is along the Missouri River. It offers a total of 69 campsites and visitors have access to the facilities of all three parks in the area.
Best time to visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| · Biking
· Boating · Fishing · Hiking · Wildlife watching |
· Toilets
· Showers · Picnic table · RV hookup · RV sanitation · Pet-friendly · Potable water · Fires area allowed |
Location Details:
Yankton, SD 57078, USA
Phone 605-668-2985
- Randall Creek Recreational Area Campground
This location, at the banks of Missouri River is ideal for outdoor lovers. People get a chance to appreciate the beautiful shoreline and wildlife. Anglers area also drawn to this place because of the northern pike, catfish and bass available in the area for fishing expeditions. Randall Creek Recreational Area offers partial shade for its visitors as well as cabins that are open for reservation. Another attraction of the place involves observing eagles in their natural habitat.
Best time to visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| · Biking
· Boating · Fishing · Paddling · Wind sports · Swimming · Wildlife watching |
· Toilets
· Showers · Picnic table · RV sanitation |
Location Details:
Pickstown, SD 57367, USA
Phone: 605-487-7046
- Richmond Lake Recreational Area Campground
This campground is a good place for those is search for a peaceful location to spend their time in northern South Dakota. It includes a 1000 acre expanse of water that offers exciting outdoor activities such as fishing and offers a variety of fish like, catfish, bass and pike. It offers visitors to explore the nearing area and wildlife. The Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge, which is a habitat of above 200 species of wild birds is a short drive from the location and serves as another place of interest. Moreover, the location is smaller than other campgrounds, hence it is less crowded.
Best time to visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| · Biking
· Boating · Fishing · Hiking · Horseback riding · Paddling · Snow sports · Swimming · Wildlife watching |
· Toilets
· Showers · Picnic table · RV hookup · RV sanitation · Pet-friendly · Availability of potable water · Fires are allowed |
Location Details:
12800 379th Ave, Aberdeen, SD 57401, USA
Phone: +1 605-626-3488
- Rocky Point Recreational Area Campground
Rocky Point Recreational Area is one of the best campgrounds in South Dakota. It comprises of an 8000 acre Belle Fourche Reservoir. Anglers like this place for its abundance of fish. Visitors can also visit the south side of the area to get valuable information about the dam. Historically, the place was also a camp for the prisoners of war during World War II, making it a very interesting location for camping. Moreover, its proximity to the George S. Mickelson trail makes the stay even more fun for campers. The campground caters to all sorts of amenities such as tents, cabins and RV accommodation.
Best time to visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| · Biking
· Boating · Fishing · Hiking · Paddling · Swimming · Wildlife watching |
· Toilets
· Picnic table · RV sanitation · Pet-friendly · Potable water is available · Fires are allowed |
Location Details:
18513 Fishermans Rd, Belle Fourche, SD 57717, USA
Phone: +1 605-641-0023
- Roy Lake State Park Campground
Roy Lake State Park is just three miles to the southwest of Lake City. It is a camping area that has a glacial lake flowing along its side. It has cafes, convenience stores and access to water and electricity. The Roy Island Trail is also available for hiking activities. It also has a floating bridge that visitors can cross on foot. Visitors can pitch their tents or park their RVs anywhere within the 104 sites that this campground offers. Other facilities and attractions include picnic benches and sandy beaches.
Best time to visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| · Biking
· Boating · Fishing · Hiking · Paddling · Snow sports · Swimming · Wildlife watching |
· Toilets
· Showers · Picnic table · RV hookup · RV sanitation · Availability of potable water · Fires are allowed · Pet-friendly |
Location Details:
11547 Northside Dr, Lake City, SD 57247, USA
Phone: +1 605-448-5701
- Buffalo Gap National Grassland Dispersed Campground
Buffalo Gap National Grassland measures up to 600,000 acres of wild prairie land and happens to be the second largest of its kind in the entire country. It offers a diverse variety of plants and animals along with back country vibes. The rich geological landscape gives visitors an opportunity to get a glimpse of the scenic view and cherish the calm. It is accessible by drive and backpackers can pitch their tents anywhere across this large expanse of land.
Best time to visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| · Biking
· Boating · Fishing · Hiking · Horseback riding · Paddling · OHV · Snow sports · Wildlife watching |
Location Details:
1801 Highway 18 Bypass, Hot Springs, SD 57747, USA
Phone: +1 605-745-4107
- Cold Brook Lake Campground
The Cold Brook Lake Campground is an attractive location throughout the year. During the summers it provides a nice location to beat the heat and go fishing, on the other hand skiing and cross country skiing are activities that the place offers during winters. Although, Cold Brook Lake is a no-electricity site, there are many camping options and picnic treat that make the place one of the best campgrounds in South Dakota.
Best time to visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| · Biking
· Boating · Fishing · Hiking · Paddling · Climbing · Snow sports · Swimming · Wildlife watching |
· Toilets
· Picnic tables · Pet-friendly · Availability of potable water · Fires are allowed |
Location Details:
Northeast Fall River, SD, USA
Phone: 605-745-5476
- Cottonwood Springs Lake North Campground
Cottonwood Springs Lake North is a quiet and primitive campground. It is suitable for those who want to relax and enjoy all that nature has to offer. It provides refreshing activities like fishing, boating and swimming. Hiking among the evergreen trees can also be enriching experience for visitors.
Best time to visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| · Boating
· Fishing · Hiking · Paddling · Snow sports · Swimming · Whitewater paddling · Wildlife watching |
· Toilets
· Showers · Picnic tables · Pet-friendly · Fires are allowed |
Location Details:
Yankton, SD 57078, USA
Phone: +1 877-444-6777
- Fort Pierre National Grassland Campground
Fort Pierre National Grassland is a mix of rolling hills and prairie flatlands. It gives campers a chance to experience the wilderness and unpopulated world. This is not be a public campground, but visitors are free to set up their tents wherever they deem fit. Activities such as in-season hunting, fishing and horseback riding are popular in Fort Pierre.
Best time to visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| · Biking
· Fishing · Hiking · Horseback riding · Paddling · OHV · Snow sports · Wildlife watching |
Location Details:
Fort Pierre, SD 57532, USA
Phone: +1 308-432-0300
- Old Fort Thompson Campground
This campground is near Lake Sharpe which offers many recreational activities for visitors. It offers all kinds of accommodations like tents, RVs, etc. It does not have an electric hook up, however it has all the necessary amenities that visitors may require.
Best time to visit:
| Activities | Facilities |
| · Biking
· Boating · Fishing · Hiking · Paddling · Swimming · Wildlife watching |
· Toilets
· Showers · Picnic tables · RV sanitation · Pet-friendly · Availability of potable water · Fires are allowed |
Location Details:
Fort Thompson, SD 57339, USA
Phone: +1 605-350-3026
Leave a Reply