Cabin camping near Arlington, South Dakota offers unique opportunities to experience the prairie lakes region of eastern South Dakota. The area sits at approximately 1,800 feet elevation in the Coteau des Prairies, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 60-85°F. Seasonal camping options vary, with greater availability during weekdays when most facilities report less crowding.
What to do
Hiking and wildlife viewing: Lake Poinsett Recreation Area features walking trails along the shoreline where visitors can observe waterfowl and prairie wildlife. "Despite being close to Brookings this park is quiet and I didn't find it very full. Nice place to go camping, especially if you are looking to go birding for waterfowl or fishing one of the nearby lakes," notes one visitor to Oakwood Lakes State Park.
Water activities: Fishing, boating, and swimming are common at most cabin locations, with Lake Thompson Recreation Area providing excellent water access. "Beautiful location on the north shore of Lake Thompson. Some sites face the lake, others have shade with enough open sky for your StarLink dish. Beach access at the campground. Great fishing spots with cleaning stations available," according to a camper at Lake Thompson Recreation Area.
Historical experiences: Visitors can combine cabin stays with historical sites, particularly in De Smet. "The Ingalls Homestead is a 'family run business' that brings to life many activities from the 1880s such as visiting a one-room schoolhouse, making a corn on the cob doll, going on a covered wagon ride, etc," reports a visitor to Ingalls Homestead.
What campers like
Private bathroom facilities: Many cabin areas provide clean, well-maintained bathroom facilities. "The bathrooms and showers were very clean. Also, the campsites are very clean beach areas and boat ramps were very clean. Also a nice frisbee, golf course and great beach access," notes a camper at Horse Campground.
Playgrounds and family amenities: Multiple cabin locations include family-friendly features. "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 a visitor at Oakwood Lakes State Park.
Quiet mid-week atmosphere: Many cabins offer more solitude during weekdays. "This campground has both electric standard sites for campers and tent sites. Two shower houses and multiple vault toilets throughout the campground for accessibility. Walking trails in grass or gravel," reports a visitor about Lake Thompson Recreation Area.
What you should know
Seasonal mosquito conditions: Bug spray is essential, particularly after wet weather. "This is a natural lake formed by farmland that flooded in the 1980s. Be sure to use bug spray as mosquitoes were all over- maybe due to wet weather," warns a camper at Lake Thompson.
Reservation considerations: Booking cabins requires advance planning, especially for lake-facing options. "We stayed in the more open area (72E in campground 2). Large grassy sites with fire pit and picnic table. Clean bathrooms with hot showers. Nice path around lake for walking the dog," reports a visitor to Campground 2 at Oakwood Lakes.
Varying shade conditions: Some cabins and sites offer limited shade protection. "Campsites are very open and unshaded. Only a few are by the water," notes one camper about Oakwood Lakes, while others mention that some sites at Lake Herman provide more tree cover.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several cabin locations include playground equipment for children. "They have a playground which my 4 year old son loved! He can't wait to go again!" shares a camper at Oakwood Lakes State Park.
Educational opportunities: History-focused sites provide learning experiences for children. "A very cool and unique campsite on the grounds of the Laura Ingalls Homestead near De Smet, SD. There's a one-room school house with tours, a barn with animals, a covered wagon ride where you can lead the horse-drawn wagon," notes a visitor at Ingalls Homestead.
Swimming areas: Designated swimming beaches are available at most cabin locations. "This campground has...three walkways down to the water's edge with one being a large swimming area. Boating is permitted as well," reports a visitor to Lake Thompson Recreation Area.
Tips from RVers
Dump station locations: Most cabin areas provide dump stations, though accessibility varies. "There is an area to dump waste on the exit. Stopped on Sunday on the way westward and the place was empty, stopped Friday on the way home and it was packed," notes a visitor to Pelican Lake Recreation Area.
Site parking considerations: Some areas limit vehicle numbers during busy periods. "On the Friday stop there were a lot of people, some spots had 3-4 cars parked in the grass- it was too bad they allowed that. If one was to go here to find some quiet do so during the week or late weekend," advises a Pelican Lake visitor.
Weather variability: Seasonal changes can affect camping conditions significantly. "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," shares a visitor at Lake Herman State Park.
