Camping in 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, SD (57)

    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Mounds State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Mounds State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Mounds State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Mounds State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Mounds State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Mounds State Park Campground

    1. Blue Mounds State Park Campground

    46 Reviews
    137 Photos
    142 Saves
    Hardwick, Minnesota
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $20 - $35 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Sexauer City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sexauer City Park

    2. Sexauer City Park

    5 Reviews
    2 Photos
    14 Saves
    Brookings, South Dakota
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Palisades State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Palisades State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Palisades State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Palisades State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Palisades State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Palisades State Park Campground

    3. Palisades State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    77 Photos
    192 Saves
    Garretson, South Dakota
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Campground 2 — Oakwood Lakes State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Campground 2 — Oakwood Lakes State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Campground 2 — Oakwood Lakes State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Campground 2 — Oakwood Lakes State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Campground 2 — Oakwood Lakes State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Campground 2 — Oakwood Lakes State Park

    4. Campground 2 — Oakwood Lakes State Park

    5 Reviews
    8 Photos
    3 Saves
    Bruce, South Dakota

    Shaded campgrounds and picnic areas complement the park's excellent swimming and boating facilities. The park was once used as a summer camp and an annual gathering spot for American Indians. Later, Samuel Mortimer arrived in 1869 and built the log cabin that still stands at the park.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $26 - $55 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Campground 1 — Oakwood Lakes State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Campground 1 — Oakwood Lakes State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Campground 1 — Oakwood Lakes State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Campground 1 — Oakwood Lakes State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Campground 1 — Oakwood Lakes State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Campground 1 — Oakwood Lakes State Park

    5. Campground 1 — Oakwood Lakes State Park

    5 Reviews
    9 Photos
    Bruce, South Dakota

    Shaded campgrounds and picnic areas complement the park's excellent swimming and boating facilities. The park was once used as a summer camp and an annual gathering spot for American Indians. Later, Samuel Mortimer arrived in 1869 and built the log cabin that still stands at the park.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $26 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    6. Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    34 Reviews
    62 Photos
    233 Saves
    Brandon, South Dakota
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Sioux Falls KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Sioux Falls KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Sioux Falls KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Sioux Falls KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Sioux Falls KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Sioux Falls KOA

    7. Sioux Falls KOA

    26 Reviews
    56 Photos
    83 Saves
    Sioux Falls, South Dakota
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Sioux Falls Yogi Bear
    Camper-submitted photo from Sioux Falls Yogi Bear
    Camper-submitted photo from Sioux Falls Yogi Bear
    Camper-submitted photo from Sioux Falls Yogi Bear
    Camper-submitted photo from Sioux Falls Yogi Bear
    Camper-submitted photo from Sioux Falls Yogi Bear

    8. Sioux Falls Yogi Bear

    19 Reviews
    26 Photos
    47 Saves
    Brandon, South Dakota

    For over 25 years our Family Owned and Operated, Award Winning South Dakota campground and RV Park, has offered some of the best family camping and entertainment in the Sioux Falls, SD region. Our city close and country quiet South Dakota campground is the perfect environment to share fun, family, friends and even some Pic-A-Nic Baskets. We have a list of amenities and planned activities that satisfy any vacation style. Check out our blog for useful tips and also check out campjellystone.com and be sure to visit our onsite corn maze open from Late August to the end of October! Please visit us soon and make your reservation for upcoming weekends and holidays today as the best spots always go first! Whether you are enjoy one of our cabin rentals, RV Sites or camping in a tent spot, you will always find great accommodations, first rate amenities, and fun family activities. Thank you for visiting our site, and we hope to see you soon!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $40 - $200 / night

    • No image available

      9. Flandreau Municipal Park

      1 Review
      1 Save
      Pipestone, Minnesota
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • ADA Access
      • RVs
      Camper-submitted photo from Split Rock Creek State Park Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Split Rock Creek State Park Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Split Rock Creek State Park Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Split Rock Creek State Park Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Split Rock Creek State Park Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Split Rock Creek State Park Campground

      10. Split Rock Creek State Park Campground

      6 Reviews
      12 Photos
      13 Saves
      Ihlen, Minnesota

      Welcome to the Split Rock Creek State Park! On this journey you'll see a lovely stone bridge spanning Split Rock Creek, enjoy a variety of activities along Split Rock Lake, and marvel at the native prairie flowers visible from the top of picturesque Prairie Hill.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access

      $40 / night

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    Showing results 1-10 of 57 campgrounds

    Recent Reviews in Aurora

    240 Reviews of 57 Aurora Campgrounds


    • Hans D.
      Camper-submitted photo from Pioneer / Montrose City Campground
      Jan. 29, 2025

      Pioneer / Montrose City Campground

      Local hostility

      I pulled in at 6:00 pm in late January. The park is deserted power and hook ups are off but there are no signs to indicate one way or another. It's dark so I have some food and read a little bit and I hear a car pull up outside. Bang! Somebody kicks or smacks the door of my rig and runs to their car and they take off. I got the message you don't want me here in Montrose. I won't stop in this town again. Cheers

    • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Blue Mounds State Park Campground
      Jan. 28, 2025

      Blue Mounds State Park Campground

      Nice Park!

      Bathrooms are nice and clean. There's a little free library near the restroom. 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. Site had a picnic table and fire ring. Firewood is available at the park office. Would love to come back and do some rock climbing here now that I learned there are spots!

    • Vincent B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Sioux Falls KOA
      Jan. 9, 2025

      Sioux Falls KOA

      Beautiful property

      We just needed a small spot for the night with our teardrop, they provided a wonderful trailer spot just in time to avoid a really hard rain. Really grateful for these guys!

    • Ken G.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Palisades State Park Campground
      Sep. 25, 2024

      Palisades State Park Campground

      beautiful area, clean campsite

      This was a wonderful spot.  Lots of really nice short hikes down by the water which was really beautiful with the cliffs on the water.  Sites were very nice and clean.  We were able to get a site on a Friday night last minute by calling ahead.

    • D
      Camper-submitted photo from Lake Cochrane Recreation Area
      Sep. 3, 2024

      Lake Cochrane Recreation Area

      Camp host here

      Really a nice little park! We have been camp hosts here for the summer. Had never been here before, didn't know it existed. 30 back in sites with #30 being host site.

    • Corey S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Blue Mounds State Park Campground
      Aug. 12, 2024

      Blue Mounds State Park Campground

      Terrific Campground

      Peaceful and serene, great site.  Was able to walk around before the sun went down and listen to the Bison, wasn't able to see them but we could hear them.  Sites were great and amenities were clean and spacious.

    • Carolyn M.
      Camper-submitted photo from Split Rock Park
      Aug. 11, 2024

      Split Rock Park

      Beautiful Scenery, Clean Park

      This place is so cool! The falls was constructed during the Great Depression by the WPA, and the visitors center is made from the same pink quartz that lines the river. Really cool kayaking into Devils Gulch and up the Split Rock Creek. Will return to this nicely kept State Park. Gas station in town is quaint but has a public restroom and some basic supplies. Really lovely town. Falls lull you to sleep at night and the trains passing by are really neat to hear. Trains will go by till around midnight.

    • LThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Palisades State Park Campground
      Aug. 3, 2024

      Palisades State Park Campground

      New King section open in Palisades

      Totally new entrance with easy access to new section that will handle larger RVs with toads. Open area with no shade but easy placement for satellite reception on RV or ground. New hard surface roads with gravel sites.

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Split Rock Creek State Park Campground
      Jul. 19, 2024

      Split Rock Creek State Park Campground

      Small peaceful campground

      Nice peaceful campground with large sites nicely spaced apart for privacy. We stayed in #6 (non-electric but there are lots of electric sites.) Cleanest pit toilet ever with many amenities!! Mirror, shelf, hooks, hand sanitizer, garbage can, reading material on wall listing ‘things to do’!! Showers clean too with plenty of warm water. Saw some fireflies, no mosquitoes!! We had a very pleasant one night stay.

    • Nathan L.
      Camper-submitted photo from Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux
      Jul. 18, 2024

      Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

      Nice little nook with lots of cover!

      This campsite was great! We had a tent site, number 24, and it was tucked into the woods but still close to the parking lot!

      The neighboring sites are far enough away where you still have privacy but if you had two next to each other with a large group it could still function as one. Beautiful hiking trails, play grounds, disc golf, volleyball net, and so much more. Also, the lady at the front was cute as a button!

      Highly recommend!

    • Jessie C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux
      Jul. 16, 2024

      Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

      Fun and relaxing

      We booked this site last minute as we needed a place to stop for the night. The website was pretty easy to use to book the site. The ranger at the station was super friendly and helpful. Our camp site is beautiful and there is plenty of room. There are lots of trails here, so I got a good run in. My husband biked over to Brandon to get a good ride. There is a sweet disc golf course too! I’m mad I didn’t bring my discs!

    • Michelle B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Ingalls Homestead
      Jul. 7, 2024

      Ingalls Homestead

      Love the quaintness!

      Love that there are only 4 sites. We stayed here with family and had 3 of the sites. Beautiful land! Our suggestion if you stay here is, pull in the parking lot and back up the driveway to the camp sites. Unless you have a small vehicle and camper, it is tricky to get turned around if it is full. $20pp to tour the property for the whole time you are staying. Check out the dugout, house, barn, schoolhouse, church and garage.

    • AThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Lake Thompson Recreation Area
      Jul. 7, 2024

      Lake Thompson Recreation Area

      Great beach & campground

      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. Three walkways down to the water’s edge with one being a large swimming area. Boating is permitted as well. Be sure to use bug spray as mosquitoes were all over- maybe due to wet weather. This is a natural lake formed by farmland that flooded in the 1980s.

    • Ila R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Split Rock Park
      Jun. 12, 2024

      Split Rock Park

      No showers/toilets

      It is a beautiful little park. Good place for kayaking or fishing. I was just there to camp. The park is small. There are no showers or toilets, just outhouses, and they were a good distance for me to walk being disabled. If you have T-Mobile, there is absolutely NO service.

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Pioneer / Montrose City Campground
      Jun. 3, 2024

      Pioneer / Montrose City Campground

      Clean but bad water

      It was an easy drive -thru . Well kept up . But the water is bad there . We use a filter on our water hose . It still messed up our faucets and toilet. Inside the filter was a bunch of black stuff in it . We had problems with the toilet for the rest of our 2 week trip . Don't think I would stay there again.

    • DThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from DeBates Memorial Park
      Feb. 20, 2024

      DeBates Memorial Park

      Quiet. Electric. 4 sites.

      Nice, easy quick in and out overnight while traveling through. Not sure if it’s plowed in the winter. No snow this year.

    • DakotaMiner
      Camper-submitted photo from Sexauer City Park
      Oct. 29, 2023

      Sexauer City Park

      Winter pass through

      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), unfortunately our RV was winterized so we stayed overnight with zero accessible restrooms or showers.

    • J
      Camper-submitted photo from Blue Mounds State Park Campground
      Oct. 20, 2023

      Blue Mounds State Park Campground

      Couldn’t have asked for better weather!

      What an amazing time! We stayed at site 54E which was pretty secluded our first night there. We got there a little late in the afternoon to do anything but get set up after which we got our grill going and enjoyed a delicious steak dinner. The next morning we went on a couple trails and just enjoyed the beautiful fall colors and we lucked out because the buffalo were close to the ranger station. It was quiet our entire stay and the weather cooperated except for some wind and a little rain. Definitely will be coming back!

    • Nicholas S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Sioux Falls Yogi Bear
      Oct. 15, 2023

      Sioux Falls Yogi Bear

      Getaway for the kids!

      Our family had a fantastic time at Yogi Bear Campground. It was an absolute blast for our kids with plenty of activities to keep them entertained. The spacious and clean grounds allowed for a comfortable stay, and we enjoyed the tranquility of the outdoors, which was a perfect escape from the city. Yogi Bear Campground is a wonderful destination for families seeking both fun and relaxation in a natural setting.

    • N M.
      Camper-submitted photo from Palisades State Park Campground
      Sep. 28, 2023

      Palisades State Park Campground

      Quiet and quick

      We stopped here for one night, site 29E. Really nice area except there was a bunch of wasps invading our space as there is some sort of fruit tree above. Nice space, so clean, lots of amenities. Park rangers stopped by to say hi. There is a train you can hear during the night. Almost all the sites were full, mostly RVs.

    • M
      Camper-submitted photo from DeBates Memorial Park
      Sep. 19, 2023

      DeBates Memorial Park

      Pretty basic

      This is a grassy lot with gravel RV sites four of them Water and electric $20 a night There is a dump station 3 1/2 blocks away Restroom is a porta potty There’s a shelter Just to the south, there is some maintenance yards with a lot of noise but not too bad

    • L
      Camper-submitted photo from Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux
      Sep. 13, 2023

      Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

      Great choice

      We are on a e/w road trip. We knew absolutely nothing about this state park but it was on our route so took a chance. An excellent choice! Sites are big and roomy. We have two big dogs and were able to put them both on 30 foot leads. Lots of trails. Bathrooms exceptionally clean. Showers great. Park staff friendly and helpful. We liked it so much we stayed a second night. Definitely would return.

    • G
      Camper-submitted photo from Blue Mounds State Park Campground
      Sep. 3, 2023

      Blue Mounds State Park Campground

      Site 13

      Stayed at Blue Mounds on one of the hottest weekends this summer! We booked site 12 initially based off of reviews from the Dyrt suggesting riverside sites. Site 11 and 12 were NOT good. There's a dumpster in the middle of the two sites, absolutely no privacy, and no shade. Thankfully, there is good cell service (and free wifi!), and we looked up what other sites were open. 13 was open! And boy did we luck out with this. 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! No direct river access- it's about a 15 foot drop to the river. The moonrise from this site was gorgeous. Had a spooky visit from the Starlink satellites. We drove in the morning to the bison area and saw about 12 of them roaming near the fence.  Bathrooms were decent. Close by to Luverne for any last minute needs while camping.


    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