Real M.
Traveler
TravelerLake Herman State Park Campground
Beautiful and clean
They really do a great job of taking care of the state park. It’s very clean and well-kept and it’s very beautiful. 
Camping near Aurora, SD
64 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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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."
Best Campgrounds near Aurora (64)
1. Sexauer City Park
"Driving from far north down south, stopped for an overnight that we had reservations for."
2. midway camp, Volga South dakota
3. Campground 1 — Oakwood Lakes State Park
"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!"
from $26 / night
Check Availability4. Campground 2 — Oakwood Lakes State Park
"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."
from $26 - $55 / night
Check Availability5. Flandreau Municipal Park
"Campground next to the river nice park for kids clean bathrooms"
6. Horse Campground — Oakwood Lakes State Park
from $22 / night
Check Availability7. Blue Mounds State Park Campground
"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!"
from $24 - $50 / night
Check Availability9. Norwegian Creek Co Park
"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."
10. Hole in the Mountain County Park
Drive Time
- 49 min from Sioux Falls, SD
- 1 hr 51 min from Sioux City, IA
- 2 hrs 31 min from Mankato, MN
- 3 hrs 4 min from St. Cloud, MN
Recent Camping Photos near Aurora, SD
51 Photos of 64 Aurora Campgrounds
Ashley K.
Campground 1 — Oakwood Lakes State Park
Shirlee A.
Norwegian Creek Co Park
Janet K.
Split Rock Creek State Park Campground
Audrey F.
Lake Thompson Recreation Area
Makayla B.
Camden State Park Campground
Cody H.
Split Rock Park
Jay K.
Palisades State Park Campground
Lora H.
Ingalls Homestead
Krista T.
Blue Mounds State Park Campground
Ray A.
Sioux Falls Yogi Bear
Alison R.
Sioux Falls KOA
Stephanie P.
Fruit of the Coop
Recent Reviews near Aurora, SD
287 Reviews of 64 Aurora Campgrounds
- l
leland D.
GuideRedwood Lodge — Camden State Park
Beautiful campground
It is a beautiful campground with a creek running past it, and railroad tracks not too far away so you hear that two or three times a day but it's not bad. Campground has lots of trees 🎄 it is very quiet. If you have a larger motorhome like I do your jack stands are liable to sink into the ground aways I am going to have to dig out my leveling blocks because they got countersunk in the soft dirt but the campsites are nice fire pits and flush toilets cost $25 a night for non-electric 35 a night for electric Plus you need to get a state park pass, I got mine for one day because that is all I'm going to be here for and it cost an extra $7 on top of the 25 just so you know.
elizabeth B.TravelerWatertown Mobile Estates Campground
Convenient Petite RV Park
15 units with full hookups on a dirt road. There is a kiosk at the entrance where you pay. $35/night, with a discount rate if you pay beforehand for a week or a month. You can pay via venmo or cash app, or cash or check via the envelope.
Samuel V.GuideCamden State Park Campground
Easily accessible camp sites. Great ammenities.
Stayed in a tent in early may. Camp site was easy to access and close to the restrooms/showers. The camp sites along the river have little trails that go down to the water, beautiful river bottom scenery a few yards away. There is a swimming pond near by and miles of beautiful southwest Minnesota scenery. Trails include river bottom, prairie, and woodland.
Rhonda M.
ScoutSioux Falls Yogi Bear
Love Yogi Bear Parks!
After a very windy drive from Iowa it was a blessing to find a Jellystone Park on the map. The office girl was so sweet; she took our reservation over the phone because we would arrive after losing and our paperwork was ready right by the office. Sites are clean and level and the grounds are kept up nicely. It is mid-April so nothing is open but it’s safe and clean with full hookups, and it’s Yogi so who couldn’t love it!
Teresa T.
LegendWest Campground — Lake Poinsett Recreation Area
Love the campground by the water
Everything is in great shape, well maintained and ready for spring. They also have a number of trails making the best of the smaller park. The water is very green. I don't think it is very deep but this green this early in the season is concerning.
- Teresa T.Legend
Martens Campground
Very neat with water on both sides
Smaller 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.
- Teresa T.Legend
Lake Henry Campground
Very busy month to month campground
Pretty huge private month to month campground. I bet the pricing is reasonable and good access to the lake.
- Teresa T.Legend
North Shore Lodging and Campground
I think it is very nice but..
Designed 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.
Guide to Aurora
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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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!"
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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?
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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