South Sioux City sits at the confluence of the Missouri and Big Sioux rivers at an elevation of 1,102 feet, creating a unique tri-state camping region where Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota meet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 85°F, while spring and fall provide more moderate camping conditions in the 60-75°F range. Campgrounds in this region typically operate from April through October, though weather patterns can extend or shorten the practical camping season.
What to do
Water recreation at Ponca State Park: Located about 25 miles north of South Sioux City, Riverfront Campground at Ponca State Park offers multiple fishing opportunities along the Missouri River. "So much fishing! River and lake. Very peaceful during the spring and fall. Great mushroom hunting in the hills," notes one camper. The park also features miles of trails and a water park.
Mini-golf and family activities: The KOA Campground North Sioux City provides entertainment options including mini-golf, corn hole, and a jump pad. A recent visitor mentioned, "Lots of amenities for families including pool, mini-golf, corn hole, jump pad, playground. Trees and lots of grass, fire pits."
Hiking at Stone State Park: Just 10 miles from South Sioux City, Stone State Park offers a network of wooded trails. "This is a large state park in the northwest corner of Iowa, surprisingly wooded considering how close to Sioux City it is located. Touted as a year-round park, there is a large network of trails, some of which can be used as equestrian," explains one visitor. Hikers should note that trails aren't always clearly marked, so downloading maps before arrival is recommended.
What campers like
Concrete pads and level sites: Campers frequently praise the quality of RV sites at Lazy H Campground, about 30 miles north of South Sioux City. "The pull through sites are fully concrete and level. They all have a huge table and stone fire pit. Plenty of room for a second vehicle," shares one reviewer. Another notes it's "probably the cleanest park I've ever been to."
Clean facilities: Browns Lake Bigelow Park, approximately 10 miles south of South Sioux City, maintains high standards for its amenities. "Restrooms/showers were newer, modern and spotless and also served as a tornado safe shelter. 4 individual shower rooms+ 4 individual/private toilet, sink, shower rooms handicapped accessible," reports one camper. The park remains open from May 1 to October 31.
Swimming and water activities: Lazy H Campground features a swimming beach with floating platforms. "The beach has giant floating lily pads that the kids loved. There are showers on the beach to wash off feet after you're done swimming," mentions one visitor. Another adds, "You can rent out pontoons, pedal boats, kayaks. Don't plan on bringing your own."
What you should know
First-come, first-served policy: Browns Lake Bigelow Park operates without reservations. "All sites are 1st come 1st serve. Water at each site. We came in mid Friday and there were several sites available with one site still available lake side which we took," reports one camper. For weekend stays, Thursday or Friday morning arrival is recommended.
Internet connectivity: Cell service varies significantly between rv parks in South Sioux City, Nebraska and surrounding areas. At Lazy H Campground, a camper noted "Sprint/T-mobile data was around 56 Mbps down," while at Stone State Park, another mentioned, "Got only 1 bar signal on both Verizon & AT&T. No WiFi."
Shower conditions: Facility quality varies between parks. At Stone State Park, one camper reported, "Washrooms are very basic & chose not to use shower," while another noted the showers "needed to be cleaned." When camping at less developed sites, having a solar shower as backup might be advisable.
Tips for camping with families
Beach activities: On-Ur-Wa RV Park in Onawa, Iowa provides family-friendly amenities about 35 miles south of South Sioux City. "This small campground is right off the interstate, easy to get to. It's right by a small truck stop, but the noise was not bothersome at all. There is a small dog park for the pups," shares one visitor.
Accessibility considerations: Some campgrounds offer excellent accessibility features. At On-Ur-Wa RV Park, a camper noted, "One of our party is in a wheelchair and had no problem accessing the showers or bathroom. Hosts are very friendly."
Playground access: Several rv parks near South Sioux City, Nebraska feature play areas, but their locations vary. At Stone State Park, a visitor mentions, "There is a nice playground, but it is not located anywhere near the campground (it is located closer to two of the cabins). If you are camping with children, please note this."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: At the KOA Campground North Sioux City, one RVer observed, "Camp sites are very close together," while another noted Bigelow Park has "spacious sites, full hookups. Some sites have shade." Consider your privacy preferences when selecting an RV park.
Site surface materials: Different RV parks offer varying pad surfaces. "The concrete pads are level and large. The grass and spacing between spots is wonderful," notes a visitor to Lazy H Campground, while at Stone State Park, sites were described as "mostly dirt not grass on our site & mostly dry."
Additional fees: Some rv parks charge for visitors. At KOA North Sioux City, one camper reported, "After paying $5 pp every time I had someone visit and $45 later, they left me not wanting to return." Always check visitor policies when planning to meet friends or family at your campsite.
