Gravel pads, level terrain, and open sightlines toward the Missouri River define Farm Island State Recreation Area, a full-hookup campground on the eastern edge of Pierre where the lake formed by the river wraps around a significant portion of the sites. The campground is part of a state park that requires a separate entrance fee on top of the nightly rate, a detail worth budgeting for before arrival. Many sites sit close enough to the water that fishing and swimming are accessible directly from camp.
Shade is the most consistent limitation reviewers raise. Trees have been planted throughout the grounds, but most are still young, and afternoon sun hits the sites with little buffer. As Dexter E. puts it, "shade is a commodity very hard to find." The bathhouse, by contrast, draws consistent praise. Multiple reviewers describe the shower and restroom facilities as among the cleanest they have encountered in any state park, and the grounds overall are well maintained.
Water hookups are available at some sites, though earlier reviewers noted water was only accessible at the dump station, shower house, or two hydrants in the park. Campers should confirm current hookup availability when booking. Electric service runs 30 and 50 amp. The campground accommodates RVs up to 70 feet, and a dump station is on site. Kayak and canoe rentals, a playground, beach access, and bike paths give families and paddlers a range of activity options without leaving the park.
Reservations are available online, though walk-in sites have been available during shoulder season visits. The park operates year-round, but amenities may be reduced between October and April. Bugs are notable in summer, particularly for sites near the water. Camping near Farm Island draws a mix of RV travelers and tent campers using Pierre as a base for day trips to the Badlands or Custer State Park. The campground is a solid match for families with kids, RV travelers needing full hookups, and anglers who want direct water access from their site.
Map & DirectionsFarm Island State Recreation Area is located in South Dakota near Pierre
Directions
In Central South Dakota: 4 miles east of Pierre of SD Hwy 34.
Address
1301 Farm Island Rd
Pierre, SD 57501
Coordinates
44.34300043 N
100.27800018 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/19/26
Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/7/26- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/7/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/19/26
- Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/7/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/7/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 35 min from Rapid City, SD
- 3 hrs 9 min from Sioux Falls, SD
- 3 hrs 14 min from Bismarck, ND
- 4 hrs 11 min from Sioux City, IA
