Camping opportunities surrounding Aurora, South Dakota include both state park facilities and municipal campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. Oakwood Lakes State Park offers several camping areas including Campground 1, Campground 2, and a dedicated Horse Campground, all featuring cabin accommodations alongside traditional tent and RV sites. Municipal options like Sexauer City Park in Brookings and Flandreau Municipal Park provide alternatives with electric hookups and basic amenities. Most developed campgrounds in the region maintain picnic tables, fire rings, and access to drinking water, with varying levels of hookup availability for recreational vehicles.
Many campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with peak availability from May through October. Sexauer City Park specifically lists its season as May 15 to October 15, which aligns with typical weather patterns in eastern South Dakota. Winter camping options are limited, with some facilities closing restrooms and shower buildings during freezing temperatures. Reservations are recommended for popular sites, particularly during summer weekends and holidays. Several campgrounds use advance reservation systems while others operate on a first-come basis with self-registration envelopes. "Although an envelope system is in use and we were told we didn't need one, reservation slips made out by the park take precedence over the white slips," noted one visitor to Sexauer City Park.
The region's campgrounds receive consistently positive reviews for cleanliness and maintenance. Oakwood Lakes State Park stands out with multiple campground areas offering different experiences, from more wooded sites to open areas with lake views. Campers particularly appreciate the bathroom facilities at these locations, with one reviewer highlighting that Oakwood Lakes provides "one of the few places I've ever camped where you get a full bathroom to yourself." City park campgrounds like those in Brookings and Flandreau provide convenient access to urban amenities while maintaining a camping atmosphere. A visitor to Oakwood Lakes State Park described it as having "large grassy sites with fire pit and picnic table. Clean bathrooms with hot showers. Nice path around lake for walking the dog."
"Driving from far north down south, stopped for an overnight that we had reservations for."
$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."
"Campground next to the river nice park for kids clean bathrooms"
$22 / night
$24 - $50 / night
"Quiet place with nice bike and walking paths. Electric only 30amp water close by. Full dump station."
"Even though it's just adjacent, 13 had a nice little secluded area for our tent, and a *private* riverside walk out to the cliffs overlooking the river!"
"Nice little campground a little wad away from the lake"
"So beautiful to wake up to the sunrise on the lake. Perfect stop in our way .. great location for kids - there are 2 parks and little “beaches” with sand to play next to the lake"
"I'd stay again, although a lady in town said the hole in the mound county park nearby is much quieter. The ice cream man made a loop through the grounds."
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
GuideThe site and facilities were well maintained and the palisades are a cool place to explore for a day. We visited in November so there was hardly anyone else, it’s a very large campground that is a good spot for families with young kids.
RangerIn many ways, this is just like any other MN State Park campground. Most of the campground caters to RVs. Here are the things that make this place unique. #1 They have tipis you can reserve! They look cool, but they are hard to come by. There is no seasonal information available about these, but I can tell you they aren’t available in October. I am here now and they are empty with no way to rent. Bummer. That would have been cool. #2 Here is what I really dislike about this campground. It is sooo loud. The noise from the nearby interstate is constant, like all night constant. Really takes away from the experience. #3 other than the tipis and noise if you know what it is to stay at a MN State Park campground, you know pretty much everything else to expect.
RangerThe park is on the outskirts of a little town just east of Sioux Falls. I made my reservations online ($30 for the reservation, $1.26 tax, $0.45 for more tax, and $10 for the non-resident reservation fee). The campsites are clean, spacious, and beautiful. Absolutely loved it there. I had no sooner settled in, and a woman knocked on my van asking that I pay a city tax, an additional $15. I really don't mind paying the fees as that's what supports the park...What I didn't like was that it wasn't mentioned when making the reservations. Other than that little "gotcha" it was a wonderful experience. Would definitely visit again.
TravelerThis SD State Recreation site is next to Sioux Falls. Make reservations early. It will get filled on weekends and holidays. Not a bad park for a family, first timers, or those who want to just get outside. This park may be in the city limits of Brandon SD. Grocery store, restaurants, and gas stations within about two miles. This is a very good park if you are visiting someone in the area or a traveler.
ScoutJust booked as a stopover. Friendly staff, everything needed available as a couple travelling lovely to see families enjoying themselves. Recommend stop
TravelerJust another overnight stop on my drive to Iowa. I spent the night in a non-electric tent site so I can't really comment on the other parts of the campground. It does have nice bathrooms with running water and showers. The non-e tent sites are in a forested section, all shaded. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings. Sites are located a very short walk from the designated parking. I had a great night's sleep as it was relatively quiet. I didn't partake but they do have a Frisbee golf course. Took a short walk on their trail system to the suspension walking bridge. My complaint would be the fees. I thought i was paying one fee for the non-e tent site but then there was an additional fee for non-res and another fee for park day use fee or permit. This fee was confusing whether I was supposed to pay this or not. So what looked like a small fee to spend the night turned into much more.
RangerSo beautiful to wake up to the sunrise on the lake. Perfect stop in our way .. great location for kids - there are 2 parks and little “beaches” with sand to play next to the lake
Camping in Aurora SD offers several options from lakeside sites to municipal parks, typically operating from May through October. Eastern South Dakota campgrounds feature level terrain with partial tree cover at most locations. Seasonal temperature fluctuations affect camping availability, with summer highs averaging 80°F and shoulder seasons dropping below 50°F at night.
Hiking trails: At Oakwood Lakes State Park Campground 1, campers can explore trails around the lakes. "Great place for horseback riding and canoeing, plus boating and fishing. In addition to natural beauty there are games to rent, playground, etc," notes Lynn G.
Bison viewing: Just over 90 miles from Aurora, Blue Mounds State Park Campground offers native prairie landscapes with a resident bison herd. "Park features natural prairie and a buffalo herd. Bison tours are available. Plenty of hiking trails and some cliff climbing," according to Bruce P.
Riverside relaxation: For water activities, Midway Camp provides access to the Sioux River. "Hidden gem. Midway camp is known for weddings and events. There are 24 sites most on the Sioux river. All back in sites. Grounds well maintained," reports Lynn M.
Private bathroom facilities: Oakwood Lakes State Park offers unusually private facilities. "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," writes Taylor T.
Quiet environments: Many campers appreciate Campground 2 at Oakwood Lakes State Park for its peaceful setting. "One of the best campsites I've been to! Large lots, campfires allowed, lakes, trails, friendly people and sooo incredibly quiet," according to Lynn A. C.
Waterfront views: Campsites with water views are highly valued. "Sunrise over the water. Big mowed lots, trees or open spaces if you want," writes Mark L. about Campground 2 at Oakwood Lakes.
Reservation systems: Each campground has different reservation requirements. At Sexauer City Park, George D. advises: "Quiet small city campground. A few nice pullouts. Plenty of back ins, and a tent area. Showers and toilets clean and well lit. Pay at front of park or reserve online."
Winter closures: Most facilities close or reduce services during cold months. "Driving from far north down south, stopped for an overnight that we had reservations for. Apparently when temps reach towards freezing they close all restrooms and showers (only listed on Facebook)," reports a Sexauer City Park visitor.
Weekday advantages: Visiting during non-peak times offers benefits. At Oakwood Lakes State Park, Ashley K. observed: "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!"
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "They have a playground which my 4 year old son loved! He can't wait to go again! Bathrooms were clean and nice!" says Ashley K. about Oakwood Lakes State Park.
Educational opportunities: Area parks often have historical features. "Super cool hiking trail around Scout Island! Great history at Ol Mortimers Cabin and the old military fort," advises Lisa H. from Oakwood Lakes State Park.
Multiple beach options: For camping with kids, Norwegian Creek County Park provides several water play areas. "Great location for kids - there are 2 parks and little 'beaches' with sand to play next to the lake," notes Shirlee A.
Site leveling: Most campgrounds in the region offer well-maintained, level sites. "Large grassy sites with fire pit and picnic table. Clean bathrooms with hot showers. Nice path around lake for walking the dog," explains Janet K. about Oakwood Lakes.
Electric service options: Different parks offer varying hookup capabilities. At Sexauer City Park, Kelly notes: "Spent 4 nights for my son's wedding. Has 30 amp service. Clean shower house. Perfect spot to visit Brookings without paying for hotel."
Dump station logistics: RV campers should note facility layouts. In Blue Mounds State Park, Tori K. advises: "Layout for getting water and dump station is a little odd as you have to drive through the campground to get to it rather than it being on your way out."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Aurora, SD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Aurora, SD is Sexauer City Park with a 4.6-star rating from 5 reviews.
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