Forest camping in South Dakota with swimming

Black Hills, Badlands, and presidential icons await intrepid campers.

99% (663 reviews)

United States
—
South Dakota

99% (663 reviews)

Popular camping styles for South Dakota

Dog-friendly getaways

Renegades Ranch

6 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Corona, SD

This is a beautiful older farm site, with the original home and outbuildings. On the property is a horse pasture, a walking trail, a pond and several friendly animals. There are several acres of trees with a walking trail and campsites within. The farm historically was the top farm in the area. Rooms are spacious. Some remodeling has been done with windows and doors all upgraded. Learn more about this land:12 acre hobby farm with chickens, a dog, a cat, and a horse. We have grapes, raspberries, mulberry fruit trees and make our own wine. There is a trail going through the trees where there are several campsites and fire pits to choose from. As well as open areas to camp or park your camper. There is a small stage and central fire pit with many chairs, electricity and tables available. One 30 amp camper plugin. We are only 2 miles from Big Stone Lake, or within 4 miles you can kayak whetstone creek (weather/water level permitting). We have kayaks available for rent. Also this location is only 2 miles from gourmet bar and restaurants on the lake, and additional walking trails. We can also provide farm fresh eggs for your meal, or for additional fee cook breakfast or grill gourmet meals by request.

Plenty Star Ranch Retreat

35 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Custer, SD

Property description Bring your hiking shoes, bicycles or motor bikes, your RVs, tents, car tents, and hammocks or stay in one of our 2 one-room camping log cabins. Plenty Star Ranch Retreat is a peaceful 10-acre private property, surrounded by National Forest, just a few miles South of Custer, in the Southern Black Hills, of South Dakota, and conveniently located along Hwy 385 and directly on the Mickelson Trail at mile markers 34/35, about 10 miles South of Custer, SD. From May through December we are hosting a limited number of camping guests at our home place. Your children and pets (max 2 on a leash) are welcome. You will have access to spacious camping and parking options on pasture grass and gravel parking lots, as well as under the barn roof if needed to avoid hail damage. Long term storage for RVs, ATVs, or boats in our 80' x 100' pole barn. There is a restroom, and shower cabin, several picnic tables, and campfire pits. Our strong WiFi reaches every corner of the property, All hydrants are connected to our well with very good drinking water. Black top driveway and parking available under the pole barn roof to escape bad weather. We keep our property clean and smoke free. From its location along Hwy 385, both, Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park, as well as all the other Black Hills attractions, such as Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse Monument as well as numerous hiking trails and lakes are within short driving distance. Smaller towns like Custer, 10 miles North or Hot Springs, 24 miles South, offer a variety of interesting shops and some really good restaurants.

Black Elk Resort

1 site · RV5 acres · Rapid City, SD

Black Elk Resort is one of the finest cottages and RV resorts in South Dakota, nestled in a beautiful wooded setting and only a short drive to Mount Rushmore. We feature 9 cottages sleeping 2 to 5 people, 8 Full Hook-up Pull-Thru 50 ft. RV sites with 30/50 Amp, picnic tables, & park style charcoal grills available for the ultimate RV experience. Whether taking advantage of our cottages, RV sites or the Palmer Creek Taproom, our long list of amenities are available for your use and enjoyment. We are proud of our family-oriented reputation and continually strive to make the Black Elk Resort as beautiful as the nature that surrounds it.

Crow Peak’s Last Best Place

3 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Spearfish, SD

We purchased this property in 1990, with no home or buildings on it. The trees were so little you could see OVER them!! We’ve since built our home and life here, as well as raised our family. We think our little corner of the world is perfect and just want to share it with others!!Nestled deep in the Black Hills of South Dakota, this camp site is sure to be a relaxing retreat!! With full hookups, and Spearfish just 10 minutes away, you’ll have all the amenities you need. Spearfish has plenty of restaurants, shopping and entertainment for the whole family. The Black Hills offers something for all ages. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a history buff, you’ll find your niche here. There are winter sports and gaming just 20 miles from camp in Deadwood. These campsites are quaint and clean for your perfect getaway!!

Star Hosts in South Dakota

Rustic Rendezvous

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Hermosa, SD

Semi secluded on 5 acres camping has a large cement pad with a bathroom that has shower, toilet, and sink. Nearby is Mt Rushmore, Custer State Park, Black Hills Playhouse, Rush Mountain Adventure Park, Keystone, Wind Cave, Jewel Cave, numerous off roading trails, and hiking trails, Iron Mountain Road, Needles Highway. A short drive away is Deadwood, Sturgis and Spearfish Canyon. Devils Tower and Badlands are within driving distance History in the Black Hills is unlimited, along with off roading adventures.

Crow Peak’s Last Best Place

3 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Spearfish, SD

We purchased this property in 1990, with no home or buildings on it. The trees were so little you could see OVER them!! We’ve since built our home and life here, as well as raised our family. We think our little corner of the world is perfect and just want to share it with others!!Nestled deep in the Black Hills of South Dakota, this camp site is sure to be a relaxing retreat!! With full hookups, and Spearfish just 10 minutes away, you’ll have all the amenities you need. Spearfish has plenty of restaurants, shopping and entertainment for the whole family. The Black Hills offers something for all ages. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a history buff, you’ll find your niche here. There are winter sports and gaming just 20 miles from camp in Deadwood. These campsites are quaint and clean for your perfect getaway!!

Black Elk Resort

1 site · RV5 acres · Rapid City, SD

Black Elk Resort is one of the finest cottages and RV resorts in South Dakota, nestled in a beautiful wooded setting and only a short drive to Mount Rushmore. We feature 9 cottages sleeping 2 to 5 people, 8 Full Hook-up Pull-Thru 50 ft. RV sites with 30/50 Amp, picnic tables, & park style charcoal grills available for the ultimate RV experience. Whether taking advantage of our cottages, RV sites or the Palmer Creek Taproom, our long list of amenities are available for your use and enjoyment. We are proud of our family-oriented reputation and continually strive to make the Black Elk Resort as beautiful as the nature that surrounds it.

Bear Den Cabins & Camp

8 sites · Lodging, Tents2 acres · Hermosa, SD

Bear Den is a small camp with 3 Glamping Tents, 2 cabins and shower house. Outdoor spaces for relaxing. We are located approximately 5 miles from Custer State Park, 11 miles from Keystone the Gateway to Mt. Rushmore in the beautiful southern Black Hills. Cabins have electricity, our tents do not have electricity. All sites including bring your own tent sites have access to the shower house and outdoor grilling areas. Pick a spot to pitch your own tent, one tent per space. If you have 2 tents please book 2 sites. We have 3 spots cleared. Hang your hammock in trees around the property. This option includes all access to the shower house and outdoor grilling areas!

8 top forest campgrounds in South Dakota with swimming

Bear Den Cabins & Camp

8 sites · Lodging, Tents2 acres · Hermosa, SD

Bear Den is a small camp with 3 Glamping Tents, 2 cabins and shower house. Outdoor spaces for relaxing. We are located approximately 5 miles from Custer State Park, 11 miles from Keystone the Gateway to Mt. Rushmore in the beautiful southern Black Hills. Cabins have electricity, our tents do not have electricity. All sites including bring your own tent sites have access to the shower house and outdoor grilling areas. Pick a spot to pitch your own tent, one tent per space. If you have 2 tents please book 2 sites. We have 3 spots cleared. Hang your hammock in trees around the property. This option includes all access to the shower house and outdoor grilling areas!

Plenty Star Ranch Retreat

35 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Custer, SD

Property description Bring your hiking shoes, bicycles or motor bikes, your RVs, tents, car tents, and hammocks or stay in one of our 2 one-room camping log cabins. Plenty Star Ranch Retreat is a peaceful 10-acre private property, surrounded by National Forest, just a few miles South of Custer, in the Southern Black Hills, of South Dakota, and conveniently located along Hwy 385 and directly on the Mickelson Trail at mile markers 34/35, about 10 miles South of Custer, SD. From May through December we are hosting a limited number of camping guests at our home place. Your children and pets (max 2 on a leash) are welcome. You will have access to spacious camping and parking options on pasture grass and gravel parking lots, as well as under the barn roof if needed to avoid hail damage. Long term storage for RVs, ATVs, or boats in our 80' x 100' pole barn. There is a restroom, and shower cabin, several picnic tables, and campfire pits. Our strong WiFi reaches every corner of the property, All hydrants are connected to our well with very good drinking water. Black top driveway and parking available under the pole barn roof to escape bad weather. We keep our property clean and smoke free. From its location along Hwy 385, both, Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park, as well as all the other Black Hills attractions, such as Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse Monument as well as numerous hiking trails and lakes are within short driving distance. Smaller towns like Custer, 10 miles North or Hot Springs, 24 miles South, offer a variety of interesting shops and some really good restaurants.

Rustic Rendezvous

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Hermosa, SD

Semi secluded on 5 acres camping has a large cement pad with a bathroom that has shower, toilet, and sink. Nearby is Mt Rushmore, Custer State Park, Black Hills Playhouse, Rush Mountain Adventure Park, Keystone, Wind Cave, Jewel Cave, numerous off roading trails, and hiking trails, Iron Mountain Road, Needles Highway. A short drive away is Deadwood, Sturgis and Spearfish Canyon. Devils Tower and Badlands are within driving distance History in the Black Hills is unlimited, along with off roading adventures.

Crow Peak’s Last Best Place

3 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Spearfish, SD

We purchased this property in 1990, with no home or buildings on it. The trees were so little you could see OVER them!! We’ve since built our home and life here, as well as raised our family. We think our little corner of the world is perfect and just want to share it with others!!Nestled deep in the Black Hills of South Dakota, this camp site is sure to be a relaxing retreat!! With full hookups, and Spearfish just 10 minutes away, you’ll have all the amenities you need. Spearfish has plenty of restaurants, shopping and entertainment for the whole family. The Black Hills offers something for all ages. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a history buff, you’ll find your niche here. There are winter sports and gaming just 20 miles from camp in Deadwood. These campsites are quaint and clean for your perfect getaway!!

Black Elk Resort

1 site · RV5 acres · Rapid City, SD

Black Elk Resort is one of the finest cottages and RV resorts in South Dakota, nestled in a beautiful wooded setting and only a short drive to Mount Rushmore. We feature 9 cottages sleeping 2 to 5 people, 8 Full Hook-up Pull-Thru 50 ft. RV sites with 30/50 Amp, picnic tables, & park style charcoal grills available for the ultimate RV experience. Whether taking advantage of our cottages, RV sites or the Palmer Creek Taproom, our long list of amenities are available for your use and enjoyment. We are proud of our family-oriented reputation and continually strive to make the Black Elk Resort as beautiful as the nature that surrounds it.

Working Homestead Farm & Dairy

1 site · RV, Tent27 acres · Hot Springs, SD

Serendipity Farmstead is a fully operational homestead farm/ranch, cultivating more variety than you could ever imagine. Our high tunnel extends the outdoor growing season from April to October, while the tropical greenhouse boasts oranges, bananas, guava, and much more. We employ organic and regenerative farming methods across all areas of the farm, where animals grow the plants and vice versa, creating a perfectly balanced operation. A stay at Serendipity Farmstead offers an immersive experience into the workings of a homestead farm. You'll have the opportunity to learn about the symbiotic systems between yaks, cows, and chickens, how pigs enrich the soil, our milking process, and how we utilize beneficial insects to manage pests without chemicals. Animal enthusiasts will delight in interacting with our yaks, cows, llamas, and donkey.

Renegades Ranch

6 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Corona, SD

This is a beautiful older farm site, with the original home and outbuildings. On the property is a horse pasture, a walking trail, a pond and several friendly animals. There are several acres of trees with a walking trail and campsites within. The farm historically was the top farm in the area. Rooms are spacious. Some remodeling has been done with windows and doors all upgraded. Learn more about this land:12 acre hobby farm with chickens, a dog, a cat, and a horse. We have grapes, raspberries, mulberry fruit trees and make our own wine. There is a trail going through the trees where there are several campsites and fire pits to choose from. As well as open areas to camp or park your camper. There is a small stage and central fire pit with many chairs, electricity and tables available. One 30 amp camper plugin. We are only 2 miles from Big Stone Lake, or within 4 miles you can kayak whetstone creek (weather/water level permitting). We have kayaks available for rent. Also this location is only 2 miles from gourmet bar and restaurants on the lake, and additional walking trails. We can also provide farm fresh eggs for your meal, or for additional fee cook breakfast or grill gourmet meals by request.

Dakota Dream B&B, Cabins, Glamping

5 sites · Lodging10 acres · Custer, SD

Dakota Dream B & B and Horse Hotel sits on 10 pine covered acres under the big Dakota sky. We have something for everyone: cabins, B&B lodge rooms, and our Stargazer glamping A-frames. Our property is host to miniature goats, deer, turkey, and the occasional horse, coyote, and cougar. We are less than a mile walk and a 2 minute drive from Downtown Custer SD but feel a world away. Shopping and dining are only minutes from your mountain home in Custer. The entrance to Custer state park is just 5 minutes away. Lakes, boating, hiking horse back riding, chuck-wagons, and the wildlife loop are at your doorstep. Biking the Mickelson trail is less than a mile (plus many other bike/hiking trails nearby) It does not get any better than this. Dakota Dream makes lodging part of the vacation. Your home in the Black Hills is waiting.

Cooking equipment

Available this weekend

Working Homestead Farm & Dairy

1 site · RV, Tent27 acres · Hot Springs, SD

Serendipity Farmstead is a fully operational homestead farm/ranch, cultivating more variety than you could ever imagine. Our high tunnel extends the outdoor growing season from April to October, while the tropical greenhouse boasts oranges, bananas, guava, and much more. We employ organic and regenerative farming methods across all areas of the farm, where animals grow the plants and vice versa, creating a perfectly balanced operation. A stay at Serendipity Farmstead offers an immersive experience into the workings of a homestead farm. You'll have the opportunity to learn about the symbiotic systems between yaks, cows, and chickens, how pigs enrich the soil, our milking process, and how we utilize beneficial insects to manage pests without chemicals. Animal enthusiasts will delight in interacting with our yaks, cows, llamas, and donkey.

Plenty Star Ranch Retreat

35 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Custer, SD

Property description Bring your hiking shoes, bicycles or motor bikes, your RVs, tents, car tents, and hammocks or stay in one of our 2 one-room camping log cabins. Plenty Star Ranch Retreat is a peaceful 10-acre private property, surrounded by National Forest, just a few miles South of Custer, in the Southern Black Hills, of South Dakota, and conveniently located along Hwy 385 and directly on the Mickelson Trail at mile markers 34/35, about 10 miles South of Custer, SD. From May through December we are hosting a limited number of camping guests at our home place. Your children and pets (max 2 on a leash) are welcome. You will have access to spacious camping and parking options on pasture grass and gravel parking lots, as well as under the barn roof if needed to avoid hail damage. Long term storage for RVs, ATVs, or boats in our 80' x 100' pole barn. There is a restroom, and shower cabin, several picnic tables, and campfire pits. Our strong WiFi reaches every corner of the property, All hydrants are connected to our well with very good drinking water. Black top driveway and parking available under the pole barn roof to escape bad weather. We keep our property clean and smoke free. From its location along Hwy 385, both, Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park, as well as all the other Black Hills attractions, such as Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse Monument as well as numerous hiking trails and lakes are within short driving distance. Smaller towns like Custer, 10 miles North or Hot Springs, 24 miles South, offer a variety of interesting shops and some really good restaurants.

Crow Peak’s Last Best Place

3 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Spearfish, SD

We purchased this property in 1990, with no home or buildings on it. The trees were so little you could see OVER them!! We’ve since built our home and life here, as well as raised our family. We think our little corner of the world is perfect and just want to share it with others!!Nestled deep in the Black Hills of South Dakota, this camp site is sure to be a relaxing retreat!! With full hookups, and Spearfish just 10 minutes away, you’ll have all the amenities you need. Spearfish has plenty of restaurants, shopping and entertainment for the whole family. The Black Hills offers something for all ages. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a history buff, you’ll find your niche here. There are winter sports and gaming just 20 miles from camp in Deadwood. These campsites are quaint and clean for your perfect getaway!!

Black Elk Resort

1 site · RV5 acres · Rapid City, SD

Black Elk Resort is one of the finest cottages and RV resorts in South Dakota, nestled in a beautiful wooded setting and only a short drive to Mount Rushmore. We feature 9 cottages sleeping 2 to 5 people, 8 Full Hook-up Pull-Thru 50 ft. RV sites with 30/50 Amp, picnic tables, & park style charcoal grills available for the ultimate RV experience. Whether taking advantage of our cottages, RV sites or the Palmer Creek Taproom, our long list of amenities are available for your use and enjoyment. We are proud of our family-oriented reputation and continually strive to make the Black Elk Resort as beautiful as the nature that surrounds it.

Rustic Rendezvous

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Hermosa, SD

Semi secluded on 5 acres camping has a large cement pad with a bathroom that has shower, toilet, and sink. Nearby is Mt Rushmore, Custer State Park, Black Hills Playhouse, Rush Mountain Adventure Park, Keystone, Wind Cave, Jewel Cave, numerous off roading trails, and hiking trails, Iron Mountain Road, Needles Highway. A short drive away is Deadwood, Sturgis and Spearfish Canyon. Devils Tower and Badlands are within driving distance History in the Black Hills is unlimited, along with off roading adventures.

Under $50

Working Homestead Farm & Dairy

1 site · RV, Tent27 acres · Hot Springs, SD

Serendipity Farmstead is a fully operational homestead farm/ranch, cultivating more variety than you could ever imagine. Our high tunnel extends the outdoor growing season from April to October, while the tropical greenhouse boasts oranges, bananas, guava, and much more. We employ organic and regenerative farming methods across all areas of the farm, where animals grow the plants and vice versa, creating a perfectly balanced operation. A stay at Serendipity Farmstead offers an immersive experience into the workings of a homestead farm. You'll have the opportunity to learn about the symbiotic systems between yaks, cows, and chickens, how pigs enrich the soil, our milking process, and how we utilize beneficial insects to manage pests without chemicals. Animal enthusiasts will delight in interacting with our yaks, cows, llamas, and donkey.

Renegades Ranch

6 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Corona, SD

This is a beautiful older farm site, with the original home and outbuildings. On the property is a horse pasture, a walking trail, a pond and several friendly animals. There are several acres of trees with a walking trail and campsites within. The farm historically was the top farm in the area. Rooms are spacious. Some remodeling has been done with windows and doors all upgraded. Learn more about this land:12 acre hobby farm with chickens, a dog, a cat, and a horse. We have grapes, raspberries, mulberry fruit trees and make our own wine. There is a trail going through the trees where there are several campsites and fire pits to choose from. As well as open areas to camp or park your camper. There is a small stage and central fire pit with many chairs, electricity and tables available. One 30 amp camper plugin. We are only 2 miles from Big Stone Lake, or within 4 miles you can kayak whetstone creek (weather/water level permitting). We have kayaks available for rent. Also this location is only 2 miles from gourmet bar and restaurants on the lake, and additional walking trails. We can also provide farm fresh eggs for your meal, or for additional fee cook breakfast or grill gourmet meals by request.

Rustic Rendezvous

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Hermosa, SD

Semi secluded on 5 acres camping has a large cement pad with a bathroom that has shower, toilet, and sink. Nearby is Mt Rushmore, Custer State Park, Black Hills Playhouse, Rush Mountain Adventure Park, Keystone, Wind Cave, Jewel Cave, numerous off roading trails, and hiking trails, Iron Mountain Road, Needles Highway. A short drive away is Deadwood, Sturgis and Spearfish Canyon. Devils Tower and Badlands are within driving distance History in the Black Hills is unlimited, along with off roading adventures.

Bear Den Cabins & Camp

8 sites · Lodging, Tents2 acres · Hermosa, SD

Bear Den is a small camp with 3 Glamping Tents, 2 cabins and shower house. Outdoor spaces for relaxing. We are located approximately 5 miles from Custer State Park, 11 miles from Keystone the Gateway to Mt. Rushmore in the beautiful southern Black Hills. Cabins have electricity, our tents do not have electricity. All sites including bring your own tent sites have access to the shower house and outdoor grilling areas. Pick a spot to pitch your own tent, one tent per space. If you have 2 tents please book 2 sites. We have 3 spots cleared. Hang your hammock in trees around the property. This option includes all access to the shower house and outdoor grilling areas!

Plenty Star Ranch Retreat

35 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Custer, SD

Property description Bring your hiking shoes, bicycles or motor bikes, your RVs, tents, car tents, and hammocks or stay in one of our 2 one-room camping log cabins. Plenty Star Ranch Retreat is a peaceful 10-acre private property, surrounded by National Forest, just a few miles South of Custer, in the Southern Black Hills, of South Dakota, and conveniently located along Hwy 385 and directly on the Mickelson Trail at mile markers 34/35, about 10 miles South of Custer, SD. From May through December we are hosting a limited number of camping guests at our home place. Your children and pets (max 2 on a leash) are welcome. You will have access to spacious camping and parking options on pasture grass and gravel parking lots, as well as under the barn roof if needed to avoid hail damage. Long term storage for RVs, ATVs, or boats in our 80' x 100' pole barn. There is a restroom, and shower cabin, several picnic tables, and campfire pits. Our strong WiFi reaches every corner of the property, All hydrants are connected to our well with very good drinking water. Black top driveway and parking available under the pole barn roof to escape bad weather. We keep our property clean and smoke free. From its location along Hwy 385, both, Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park, as well as all the other Black Hills attractions, such as Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse Monument as well as numerous hiking trails and lakes are within short driving distance. Smaller towns like Custer, 10 miles North or Hot Springs, 24 miles South, offer a variety of interesting shops and some really good restaurants.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

Black Hills National Forest

Black Hills National Forest

Richmond Lake Recreation Area

Richmond Lake Recreation Area

Aberdeen, South Dakota

Hartford Beach State Park

Hartford Beach State Park

Corona, South Dakota

Cold Brook Lake

Cold Brook Lake

Hot Springs, South Dakota

Cottonwood Springs Lake

Cottonwood Springs Lake

Hot Springs, South Dakota

Ponca State Park

Ponca State Park

Ponca, Nebraska

Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands

Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands

Chadron, Nebraska

Newton Hills State Park

Newton Hills State Park

Fairview, South Dakota

Value Prop

Value Prop

Forest camping in South Dakota with swimming guide

Overview

South Dakota's headline acts need little introduction. This sparsely populated state is home to the most visited national park in the Midwest—Badlands National Park—and one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States—Mount Rushmore. From the craggy peaks of the Black Hills to the vast backcountry of the Great Plains and the banks of the mighty Missouri River, outdoor adventures are easy to find in South Dakota. The main camping season runs from May through October, with midsummer temperatures peaking in the mid-80s, while winters are snowy, especially in the north.

Where to go

Badlands and the Black Hills

Swathes of forested mountains blanket the southwestern corner of South Dakota, where a road trip to Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial is likely top of your to-do list. Just west of the four presidents, the Black Hills National Forest has 450 miles of hiking, biking, OHV, and horseback riding trails, plus 30 campgrounds, some with full hookups. To the east, hike beneath layer-cake cliffs and towering canyons in Badlands National Park, then camp out beneath the stars—backcountry camping is permitted throughout the park.

Great Lakes

The Missouri River flows through the heart of South Dakota, where you'll find the four man-made "great lakes"—Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, Lake Francis Case, and Lewis and Clark Lake. Campgrounds and RV parks pepper the shores, and all four lakes are popular spots for walleye and smallmouth bass fishing. Bring your own boat, paddle the lakes on a kayak, or rent a jet ski.

Glacial Lakes

The sweeping prairies and glacial lakes of northeastern South Dakota are little-explored, but you’re never far from a lakeside campground. With its chain of eight glacial lakes, Oakwood Lakes State Park affords plenty of opportunities for swimming, paddling, and ice fishing, depending on the time of year. Further south, Lake Poinsett has a sandy beach, two camping areas, and lakefront cabins.

Southeast South Dakota

The state's southeast corner is a patchwork of lakes, rivers, and vineyards, interspersed with country towns. Set up camp at Lake Vermillion and hit the water to swim, canoe, or paddleboard; enjoy hiking or rock climbing around the unique pink quartzite cliffs of Palisades State Park; or go wine tasting in South Dakota wine country. A photo stop at Sioux Falls is a must for visitors to the namesake city, but for camping, head to the nearby Big Sioux Recreation Area, a scenic stopover along the Jay Heath Canoe & Kayak Trail.

Popular South Dakota trips

Camping with showers

Lakeside camping

Rv parks & camping with electricity hookup and water hookup

Camping with swimming

Camping with fishing

Top parks in South Dakota

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Black Hills National Forest

Custer State Park

Badlands National Park

Bear Butte State Park

Jewel Cave National Monument

Rocky Point Recreation Area

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