Home to rolling prairies, the dramatic Black Hills National Forest, and towering granite peaks from which the historical monument of Mt. Rushmore is carved, South Dakota packs a punch when it comes to the great outdoors. National and state parks and recreational areas all over the country have a plethora of campsites that offer all kinds of camping from backcountry and primitive camping to deluxe RV camping with water, electricity, and cable television. Boasting a rich Wild West history that incorporates American Indian culture with off-the-beaten-path treasures to explore, here are some of the best spots in South Dakota to head into the wild.
Angostura State Recreation Area
Nestled on the eastern side of Angostura Reservoir in Fall River County, Angostura State Recreation Area is a water-lover's haven with 36 miles of shoreline lined with beautiful sandy beaches, clear waters, breathtaking, scenic views, and an array of water sports and summer fun activities such as camping, hiking and mountain biking.
Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park is a national park in southwestern South Dakota that is renowned for its dramatic rock formations, towering spires, steep canyons, and sprawling grasslands teeming with bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs.
Buryanek State Recreation Area
The Buryanek State Recreation Area is spread along the Missouri River and boasts breathtaking scenic beauty.
Custer State Park Game Lodge Campground
Tucked away in the Black Hills of southwestern South Dakota, Custer State Park is a state park and wildlife reserve named after Lt. Colonel George Armstrong Custer. South Dakota's most significant and first state park, Custer State Park, encompasses 71,000 acres of spectacular terrain is one of the last remaining wild sanctuaries in the country where buffalo roam freely. Custer State Park Game Lodge Campground has numerous sites for tents, vans, trailers, and RVs with picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms with hot showers and flushing toilets and potable water.
Custer State Park Stockade North Campground
South Dakota's largest and first state park, Custer State Park encompasses 71,000 acres of spectacular terrain is one of the last remaining wild sanctuaries in the country where buffalo roam freely. Named after Lt. Colonel George Armstrong Custer, Custer State Park is a state park and wildlife reserve tucked away in the Black Hills of southwestern South Dakota. Custer State Park Stockade North Campground features 43 sites for tents, vans, trailers, and RVs with picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms with hot showers and flushing toilets, and potable water.
Iron Creek Horse Camp, South Dakota
Iron Creek Horse Camp, South Dakota offers a peaceful setting for camping in Southeastern South Dakota's Black Hills National Forest.
Lake Herman State Park
Lake Herman State Park is a state park in Lake County that surrounds the 1,350-acre glacial Lake Herman, which is open for year-round recreation, including boating, camping, picnicking, and swimming.
Lake Louise State Recreation Area
Created in 1932 from the damming of the south fork of Wolf Creek, Lake Louise is a 164-acre reservoir with a maximum depth of 25 feet that offers excellent fishing, boating, canoeing, and kayaking. Surrounding the lake is the Lake Louise State Recreation Area, which features year-round camping, hiking, mountain biking, wildlife watching, and seasonal hunting for pheasant and duck.
Lake Poinsett State Recreation Area
Lake Poinsett State Recreation Area is set along the shores of Lake Poinsett, one of the largest lakes in the state.
Lake Vermillion State Recreation Area
Located 27 miles west of Sioux Falls, Lake Vermillion State Recreation Area is famous for its beautifully clear waters and abundant fish.
Lewis & Clark Recreation Area
Lewis & Clark Recreation Area is a popular resort park in southeastern South Dakota near Yankton.
Mina Lake State Recreation Area
Nestled along the wooded shores of Mina Lake, Mina Lake State Recreation Area is a water-lover's paradise with an array of lake-based activities to enjoy from boating and fishing to canoeing, kayaking, and swimming.
Newton Hills State Park
Newton Hills State Park is a 1,063-acre state park in Lincoln County that rests at an elevation of 1,309 feet and is open for year-round outdoor recreation, including boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, and camping.
North Point State Recreation Area
Located on the shores of the Missouri River just above Fort Randall Dam, North Point State Recreation Area is a state park and natural sanctuary that is famous for being visited by the Lewis and Clark expedition in 1804.
Oakwood Lakes State Park
Oakwood Lakes State Park is a pristine park surrounded by eight connecting glacial lakes northwest of Brookings that provides a wealth of activities throughout the year.
Rafter J Bar Ranch
Nestled in the Black Hills near Hill City, Rafter J Bar Ranch is a 160-acre working ranch that features six camping areas surrounded by vast grassy meadows and shady forests of ponderosa pines.
Randall Creek State Recreation Area
Randall Creek State Recreation Area is a state recreation area set along the banks of the Missouri River just below the Fort Randall Dam in Gregory County.
Rocky Point State Recreation Area
Located on the 8,000-acre Belle Fourche Reservoir, Rocky Point State Recreation Area offers a wealth of year-round recreational activities both on the lake and in the beautiful surrounding landscapes.
Roy Lake State Park
Roy Lake State Park in Marshall County is divided into two sections on Roy Lake and offers year-round recreation, including camping, excellent fishing, boating, hiking, and swimming.
Walker's Point State Recreation Area
Tucked along the shore of Lake Madison, Walker's Point State Recreation Area is a small park overlooking the 2,800-acre lake that attracts campers, anglers, and boaters.
West Whitlock State Recreation Area
Named after the pioneering family that once owned the land, West Whitlock State Recreation Area is a year-round recreational area that offers a wealth of outdoor fun from hiking and horseback riding to fishing and swimming.
Wrinkled Rock Climbers Trailhead
The Wrinkled Rock Climbers Trailhead allows climbers to wind their way up Mount Rushmore and offers primitive camping sites and vault toilets.
