Family-oriented campgrounds dominate the area surrounding Jasper, Minnesota, where the elevation sits at approximately 1,730 feet above sea level. The prairie landscape features rolling hills and agricultural surroundings, with summer temperatures typically reaching 80-85°F and winters dropping below freezing. Most campgrounds in this region operate seasonally from May through October due to the harsh winter conditions that make camping impractical.
What to do
Hiking at Palisades State Park: Located about 40 miles southeast of Jasper, this park features distinctive quartzite rock formations along Split Rock Creek. "This local spot is an unexpected beautiful spot in the landscape. The amenities are limited but its refreshing," notes one Palisades State Park Campground visitor.
Kayaking on rivers: The Big Sioux River provides paddling opportunities for campers. At River of the Double Bend Campground in Trent, one camper shared: "We rented kayaks and went up river, then floated to our camp site. Half way we ran out of beer - AND THEY BROUGHT US SOME!!!"
Swimming at Lake Vermillion: This recreation area features a sandy beach for summer swimming. A visitor mentioned, "There is a very nice sand beach, playgrounds, fishing, star gazing, and four campgrounds," making it ideal for hot summer days when temperatures reach the mid-80s.
What campers like
Family-friendly amenities: Sioux Falls Yogi Bear campground receives praise for its child-focused offerings. One camper explained: "Our family spent a long weekend here enjoying all of the activities they had to offer. Everything from laser tag to chocolate milk chugging contests. The sites were extremely well maintained."
Clean facilities: Lake Vermillion Recreation Area stands out for its maintenance. A reviewer stated: "Definitely not roughing it but beautiful setting with possibly the best kept campsites and restrooms I've experienced on public ground!" The shower houses are frequently cited as being exceptionally well-maintained.
Spacious sites: Big Sioux Recreation Area offers good site spacing. "We have stayed here many times. Nice quiet state campground. Our site was nice, level, spacious, and had plenty of grass coverage (instead of dirt)," noted a regular visitor.
What you should know
Additional fees for non-residents: South Dakota state parks charge extra for out-of-state visitors. A camper at Lake Vermillion detailed: "We had already paid the $30 a night plus $10 nonresident reservation fees, to find out starting this year we needed to pay a non-resident $15 a night state park fee or $60 for a year pass."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during summer months. At Lake Vermillion Recreation Area, a camper advised: "Residents of South Dakota love their camping, so book a site as early as allowable."
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds in the area have limited winter operations. River of the Double Bend Campground remains open year-round but with reduced services during cold months when temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-focused activities: Jellystone Park offers structured programming. A camper reported, "Saturday night was the yogi bear parade and it was the highlight of our entire stay," showing how organized activities enhance family camping experiences.
Playground access: Pipestone Family Campground provides recreational options for children. One visitor noted, "Campground was nearly full of local campers but the kids played great together. Decent pool & showers, fun activities like bags tournaments and a potluck."
Educational opportunities: Combine camping with learning at nearby Pipestone National Monument. "The national pipestone monument area is right across the road. Really neat interactive place to visit," mentioned a camper, highlighting educational opportunities within walking distance.
Tips from RVers
Easy access sites: Pipestone RV Campground provides convenient pull-through options. A recent visitor explained, "It was raining super hard and this is an easy place to check in very friendly swimming pool kids. Able to camp in a quiet spot by the cornfield."
Site leveling challenges: Pay attention to the terrain when selecting sites. At Pipestone Family Campground, one RVer mentioned, "We had a pull thru spot, leveling was tricky. They let us put up a tent for no additional cost."
Internet connectivity: Many rv campgrounds near Jasper, Minnesota now offer WiFi. At Palisades State Park, a camper noted, "King also offers free Wi-Fi with a download speed of 22 Mbps," important information for remote workers staying at RV campgrounds in the Jasper area.
