Within Lake Poinsett State Park, East Campground provides established camping with electric hookups for RVs up to 60 feet. South Dakota State Parks & Recreation manages this forested campground near the lake, offering drinking water, restrooms, and picnic tables. Sites range from $22-55 per night with reservations available. The campground accommodates pets and includes ADA accessible facilities, though campers should note rough access conditions when arriving. Big rigs can navigate the layout despite terrain challenges. For regional camping exploration, consider campgrounds around Lake Poinsett or the nearby West Campground — Lake Poinsett Recreation Area located less than half a mile southwest.
Description
Two campgrounds at the park offer both electric and non-electric sites. Showers and flush toilets are found in the comfort stations. You can stay any time of year in the camping cabins, furnished with beds and heating/air conditioning. The one-room, log-style cabins sleep four. Cooking is not permitted indoors, so bring utensils for use on the outdoor fire grate. The large expanse of water at Lake Poinsett Recreation Area invites you to swim, water ski, boat and fish for walleye, bass, perch, northern pike and bullhead. The Lake Poinsett Visitor Center and Museum is a fascinating place to learn about the history of the area. During the summer, neighbor Harlan Olson's artifacts are on display. The exhibits will take you back in time from prehistoric days to the late 1990s. Hike or bike along the Poinsett Potpourri Trail through wooded area, grass and wetland and the lakeshore. A fun sight is the rearing pond for perch, which is also used for kids' fishing tournaments.
Location
Public CampgroundEast Campground — Lake Poinsett Recreation Area is located in South Dakota
Coordinates
44.53814312327058 N
97.07312493669018 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/21/26
AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/21/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 26 min from Sioux Falls, SD
- 2 hrs 28 min from Sioux City, IA
- 3 hrs 10 min from Mankato, MN
- 3 hrs 18 min from St. Cloud, MN
