Best Campgrounds near Aurora, SD
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."
