Best Campgrounds near Aurora, SD

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Aurora, SD has a lot to offer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that South Dakota camping has to offer. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Aurora, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Aurora, South Dakota (60)

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Recent Reviews near Aurora, SD

266 Reviews of 60 Aurora Campgrounds


  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Palisades State Park Campground

    Average

    Overpriced, no water hookup at electric site and do dump station. Friendly staff but probably wouldn’t stay again

  • Jennifer K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Blue Mounds State Park Campground

    Beautiful and peaceful

    Super friendly people all around. Very quiet and beautiful campground. Well minus the semitrucks going down the road here and there. Beautiful clean bathrooms and showers. Pathway is well lit without being obnoxious. Seems to be mostly electric sites. There's a dump and water fill with small clean dumpsters throughout. The hosts were super nice to talk to. Sites are clean and manicured and pretty level. Would definitely stay here again. Beautiful little oasis amid what seems to be endless farmland. Just such a welcome stop after a long drive.

  • Karla J. B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Blue Mounds State Park Campground

    Peaceful prairie getaway

    We went to Sioux Falls for a concert and added a few night to our trip to camp at Blue Mounds. Sites were not full on the weekend, even less so on Sunday night. Do the prairie tour, interesting and worth the time and the $15. Some sites were smaller and closer together than others, so your experience may vary. But people were quiet and respectful, so I’m sure you can enjoy your stay. The naturalists here are friendly and knowledgeable, take advantage of programming! Visit the nearby Pipestone National Monument while in the area. Misc notes: Others have mentioned clean facilities, we did get manure smell with the breeze, but very few mosquitoes, great sunsets!

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2025

    Sioux Falls KOA

    A small but well maintained KOA campground

    Although this is not a large campground it is very well maintained and the staff are super friendly. Please see pictures and video for reference.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Horse Campground — Oakwood Lakes State Park

    Clean

    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. Also not real expensive but you do need a park pass and they do charge out of stators $10 more for campsites but at the end of the day very nice and well worth it garbage and fill stations and dump station.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 14, 2025

    Lake Thompson Recreation Area

    Lovely lake site

    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. For history buffs, campground is less than 10 miles from the Laura Ingalls Wilder homestead and De Smet. There are 4 dump stations near the campground entrance with multiple fresh water hookups around the campground. Staying here mid-week and there are few campers here.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 14, 2025

    Palisades State Park Campground

    Expensive

    We made a reservation using the phone number provided. On short notice, we were charged 80+ dollars for two nights after requesting a tent site without electricity. 0n arrival, we were charged 30 dollars for entrance passes to put on the car. The trains ran close by, and the flies were terrible.

  • Lynn M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 13, 2025

    midway camp, Volga South dakota

    Relax by 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.

  • B
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Blue Mounds State Park Campground

    Blue Mounds State Park

    Very quiet even on holidays, sites are in the woods so all sites have shade. All types of camping is available, tent, RVs trailers, 5th wheels, Class A, etc. We have 46 foot toy hauler, Clean bathrooms and plenty of dumpsters. Park features natural prairie and a buffalo herd. Bison tours are available. Plenty of hiking trails and some cliff climbing. LuVerne MN is 6 miles and has all supplies wanted available.


Guide to Aurora

Camping near Aurora, South Dakota, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Blue Mounds State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "We went on a couple trails and just enjoyed the beautiful fall colors."
  • Wildlife Viewing: Head to Big Sioux Recreation Area for a chance to see bison and other wildlife. A visitor shared, "We drove in the morning to the bison area and saw about 12 of them roaming near the fence."
  • Fishing and Boating: At Lake Vermillion Recreation Area, you can enjoy fishing and boating. One reviewer noted, "The lake had a great beach, fishing pier, and picnic area."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Palisades State Park Campground said, "Bathrooms exceptionally clean. Showers great."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A camper at Dakota Sunsets RV Park mentioned, "They spaced us out with a beautiful pull through and plenty of room."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Families enjoy the amenities at Sioux Falls Yogi Bear. One parent said, "It was an absolute blast for our kids with plenty of activities to keep them entertained."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby highways or train tracks. A camper at Sioux Falls KOA noted, "Lots of noise since it’s off the highway."
  • Limited Privacy: Many sites are close together, which can affect privacy. A visitor at Oak Woods Campground mentioned, "When this campground is full you have zero privacy."
  • Seasonal Availability: Some campgrounds have specific seasons. For example, Sioux Falls KOA is open from May 1 to October 15.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Kid-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. A reviewer at Big Sioux Recreation Area said, "Beautiful hiking trails, playgrounds, disc golf, volleyball net, and so much more."
  • Plan for Safety: Be mindful of cliffs and water if you have young kids. A camper at Split Rock Park warned, "There are cliffs and water, so plan accordingly."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep the kids happy with snacks. A parent at Lake Vermillion Recreation Area mentioned, "We enjoyed playing a round of golf on their 9 hole course that is decently priced."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Palisades State Park Campground noted, "They have RV/Camper sites, tent only and adorable camper cabins."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with full hookups. A camper at Dakota Sunsets RV Park said, "The site was more than long enough for our 39’ 5th Wheel and F-450 truck."
  • Be Prepared for Bugs: Bring bug spray, especially in warmer months. A visitor at Blue Mounds State Park Campground mentioned, "We didn’t have any issues with bugs."

Camping in Aurora, SD, and the surrounding areas offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, there's something for you!

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.