Situated among the lakes of eastern South Dakota near Bruce City Campground and within easy reach of campgrounds near Oakwood Lakes Recreation Area, Campground 1 at Oakwood Lakes State Park sits inside a forested section of the park outside Bruce. The campground accommodates rigs up to 75 feet with electric hookups and a dump station on-site, making it a workable base for RV campers who want water access without sacrificing amenities.
Activities here lean heavily toward the lakes. Fishing, kayaking, boating, and swimming all draw repeat visitors, and a hiking trail around Scout Island adds a land-based option with some historical context at Ol Mortimer's Cabin and an old military fort. Reviewers consistently flag water access as a draw, though it is worth noting that only a few campsites sit directly adjacent to the water. Most sites are open and relatively unshaded, so campers sensitive to sun exposure may want to plan accordingly.
The campground runs family-oriented. Expect a playground, rentable games, and groups that tend to stay up late socializing. Weekday visits see noticeably lighter crowds. The bathrooms stand out: Taylor T. describes getting "a full bathroom to yourself," which is uncommon at state park campgrounds. Staff responsiveness and clean, well-maintained grounds round out what makes this a reliable stop for families or anglers looking to spend a few nights on the lakes.
Description
Shaded campgrounds and picnic areas complement the park's excellent swimming and boating facilities. The park was once used as a summer camp and an annual gathering spot for American Indians. Later, Samuel Mortimer arrived in 1869 and built the log cabin that still stands at the park.
Map & DirectionsCampground 1 is located in South Dakota near Bruce
Coordinates
44.4542175421979 N
96.98974093456695 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage
AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 4 min from Sioux Falls, SD
- 2 hrs 7 min from Sioux City, IA
- 2 hrs 49 min from Mankato, MN
- 3 hrs 9 min from St. Cloud, MN
