Arlington, South Dakota provides several camping options within a 30-mile radius, including state recreation areas and city parks with various accommodation types. Lake Poinsett State Recreation Area, located about 10 miles north of Arlington, offers tent, RV, and cabin camping with electric hookups and modern facilities. Oakwood Lakes State Park, situated west of town, features multiple campgrounds with similar amenities. The region also includes smaller municipal options like Norland Park and Maxwell Park within Arlington city limits, providing convenient access to local services.
Campground availability varies seasonally, with most facilities fully operational from May through October. "Very nice place to stay. Spent 2 weeks here in the spring. Had days of warm weather, spring rain showers and 5 inches of snow," noted one camper about a nearby state park. Winter camping is limited, though some year-round sites exist at Lake Poinsett. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer weekends and holidays when facilities frequently reach capacity. Most developed sites offer electric hookups, drinking water, and basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, though full hookups are less common. Road access is generally good throughout the region, with most campgrounds accessible via paved or well-maintained gravel roads.
Waterfront camping represents a significant draw in the Arlington area, with several campgrounds situated on or near lakes. Campers frequently mention the fishing opportunities, swimming beaches, and water recreation as highlights of their stays. "Nice pebble beach, playgrounds, and walking areas. Flat camper parking. Power was great and showers were clean," reported one visitor to a nearby lake recreation area. Family-friendly amenities are common, including playgrounds, hiking trails, and open spaces for activities. While developed campgrounds dominate the region, visitors seeking more rustic experiences can find options at the edges of lakes or in smaller municipal parks. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, though coverage may vary at more remote waterfront locations.
$26 / night
"Despite being close to Brookings this park is quiet and i didnt find it very full."
"Super cool hiking trail around Scout Island! Great history at Ol Mortimers Cabin and the old military fort. Kayaking, boating, fishing, and swimming are excellent!"
$26 - $55 / night
"Nice path around lake for walking the dog. Lots of families having a good time! Very pleasant evening."
"Wasn’t busy, kids liked playground, walking path, and checking out Mortimer’s cabin. Electric hook-ups."
"Passing town of Arlington and found a couple of city parks with electrical hookup and about six sites with picnic tables! On busy truck route but very quiet after dark! Nice town to bike or walk!"
"We visited Arlington, SD on our way west and easily located this cute little campground on the main drag."
$22 / night
"It is close to two lakes. Lake Whitewood and Lake Thompson. Very good fishing at both lakes. You are within 10 minute drive from fishing, swimming and boating on 2 fun lakes."
"Driving from far north down south, stopped for an overnight that we had reservations for."
$15 / night
LegendSmaller campground on a peninsula with lots of water views. It had a number of open spots, full hookups and rebuilt decks. Likely for month to month rentals but seemed to have nice bathroom facilities.
LegendPretty huge private month to month campground. I bet the pricing is reasonable and good access to the lake.
LegendDesigned more for month to month camping. There are spots open as you can see in the pictures and it is very well maintained and orderly. We were staying at the state recreation area.
LegendWe stayed in spot number 2 back hidden under the trees. Because the wind was so bad. Early season, bathrooms are closed, so pit toilets were open. Very pretty very nicely well maintained park. In true, South Dakota fashion, I think it's pretty expensive. It's forty dollars for a spot with electric only if you're from out of state and you still need to pay your park entrance fee on top of that if you don't have a state parks pass.
LegendThe sites is very well maintained with what look to be a number of new investments like trails, docks, shooting range for bows. It was early in the season so bathrooms weren't open but the spigots were on and the pit toilets were clean. Nice lake views and a few short trails for hiking or horses. Boat dock for big boats, fishermen and canoeing. Might be super busy in summer but early season was beautiful.
ScoutBooked a spot online under the impression they had water year round. Was a little disappointed to find out that wasn’t the case. That being considered it was definitely a little pricey in my opinion, however the shower house had killer water pressure. Overall not a bad campground
ScoutSpent 2 weeks here in january. Fairly priced with full hookup year round. The sites seem a little tight if it were to get filled up in the summer but very spacious this time of year. The owners were a little hard to get a hold of but are nice enough
LegendI think how much you like this. Place depends on what you're looking for and the time of year. It is right on the water. It does have a beautiful sandy beach. All the campsites have access to it, but that also means they're exposed. There's not a lot of shade and like today. It's pretty cold and there's pretty big wind miserable to be outside. There are bike trails to town and to county park, which is just a couple of miles away. I think the place is great. The bathrooms are probably standard. They have a couple of shelters, but we're not gonna stay for today because of the wind and the cold.
LegendWe stopped to walk around. I think we saw everything on the walk from a chapel. Two paths to gardens to campsites to full hookups, numerous bathrooms and other amenities.
Camping near Arlington, South Dakota offers year-round options within a 30-mile radius, with most sites accessible via paved and gravel roads. The region sits at approximately 1,700 feet elevation with warm summers and cold winters, creating distinct camping seasons. Winter temperatures can drop below zero, while summer highs typically reach the 80s.
Horseback riding trails: Oakwood Lakes State Park features extensive riding paths through varied terrain. "Great place for horseback riding and canoeing, plush boating and fishing. In addition to natural beauty there are games to rent, playground, etc.," notes Lynn G. about Oakwood Lakes State Park.
Fishing at multiple lakes: The Arlington area provides access to several fishing lakes including Lake Poinsett and Lake Thompson. "This is very new campground. Opened in July of 2024. It is close to two lakes. Lake Whitewood and Lake Thompson. Very good fishing at both lakes. You are within 10 minute drive from fishing, swimming and boating on 2 fun lakes," reports David G. about Outback Campground.
Historical exploration: Learn about pioneer history at nearby sites. "Little Horse on the Prairie fans, you MUST stay here," recommends Lisa about Ingalls Homestead. "Each station on the self-guided tour has an activity with incredibly nice and informed hosts," adds Corinna B.
Private bathroom facilities: Some campgrounds offer individual bathrooms. "The bathrooms are amazing for a campground. One of the few places I've ever camped where you get a full bathroom to yourself. Plus it was very clean," reports Taylor T. about Oakwood Lakes State Park.
Quieter camping options: Several reviewers note the peaceful atmosphere at certain campgrounds. "One of the best campsites I've been to! Large lots, campfires allowed, lakes, trails, friendly people and sooo incredibly quiet," says Lynn A. C. about Oakwood Lakes State Park Campground 2.
Swimming beaches: Clean swimming areas receive positive mentions. "The swim area was nice, no sand, but a nice place to swim where the water was clean! Camp site was a nice spot with privacy," notes Ason S. about Lake Poinsett State Rec Area.
Campsite shade varies: Some campgrounds lack tree cover. "Campsites are very open and unshaded. Only a few are by the water," mentions Lynn G. about Oakwood Lakes. Other sites offer better shade options: "Although an envelope system is in use and we were told we didn't need one, reservation slips made out by the park (ON ORANGE) take precedence over the white slips," notes James H. about Sexauer City Park.
Seasonal closures affect facilities: Winter camping requires planning. "Apparently when temps reach towards freezing they close all restrooms and showers (only listed on Facebook), unfortunately our RV was winterized so we stayed overnight with zero accessible restrooms or showers," reports DakotaMiner about Sexauer City Park.
Campsite reservation systems differ: Each campground has its own system. "Self service, so first come first served. We were the only ones here for a day or so and then a few others came, but it never filled up. You just put your cash in a lock box," explains Kristen L. about Lake Preston City Park Campground.
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas. "We visited during the week so we pretty much had the campsite to ourselves!! They have a playground which my 4 year old son loved! He can't wait to go again! Bathrooms were clean and nice!" shares Ashley K. about Oakwood Lakes State Park.
Interactive activities: Seek out campgrounds with family-friendly options. "There's a one-room school house with tours, a barn with animals, a covered wagon ride where you (or your kids) can lead the horse-drawn wagon, opportunities to learn how to make a jump rope, twist hay, wash clothes," explains Brian C. about Ingalls Homestead.
Small town convenience: Arlington area campgrounds offer access to basic services. "A very utilitarian campground in Arlington, SD. Best feature aside from the shade is there is a laundrymat in the same lot!" notes Shelly S. about Maxwell Park.
Dump station challenges: Some facilities have limitations. "The Grey water dump is on a slight hill, with the ground washed away, and people sometimes park around it," warns Craig F. about Ingalls Homestead.
Electric options: Most campgrounds offer electric hookups with various amp ratings. "Very nice, our spot was large with electric. Quiet this weekend. 50 Amp service," reports Ronney P. about Lake Poinsett State Rec Area.
Site selection strategy: Choose sites based on your specific needs. "Love that there are only 4 sites. We stayed here with family and had 3 of the sites. Beautiful land! Our suggestion if you stay here is, pull in the parking lot and back up the driveway to the camp sites. Unless you have a small vehicle and camper, it is tricky to get turned around if it is full," advises Michelle B. about Ingalls Homestead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Arlington, SD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Arlington, SD is Campground 1 — Oakwood Lakes State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 7 reviews.
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