Best Campgrounds near Nemo, SD

Camping near Nemo, South Dakota, offers a mix of beautiful scenery 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: Explore the stunning trails around the area. One camper mentioned, "The drive from Mt Rushmore to the campsite was incredible, and some great hiking just around the campsite" at Sylvan Lake Campground — Custer State Park.
• Fishing: The Pactola Reservoir is known for its fishing spots. A visitor said, "The reservoir is huge, and many consider it to be one of the best fishing 'holes' in the state" at Pactola Reservoir Campground.
• Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for bison and other wildlife. One reviewer noted, "We drove the Wildlife Loop Road twice, once late morning and saw about 1000 buffalo blocking the road" at Stockade North Campground — Custer State Park.

What campers like

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Game Lodge Campground — Custer State Park said, "The bathrooms look fairly recently renovated, but unfortunately were less clean than other campgrounds I stayed at."
• Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. One camper at Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground mentioned, "Camping spots were well dispersed with the majority of them having great shade."
• Activities for Kids: Families enjoy the playgrounds and swimming areas. A reviewer at Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch said, "Playgrounds for the kids (big kids also)."

What you should know

• Crowded Campgrounds: Some sites can get busy, especially during peak season. A camper at Sylvan Lake Campground — Custer State Park noted, "It’s busy and loud here. Although there aren’t that many sites, they are quite close together."
• Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty reception. One visitor at Horsethief Lake Campground mentioned, "I got no cell reception here between Xfinity, Verizon, and T-Mobile."
• Reservation Challenges: Some campgrounds fill up quickly. A camper at Blue Bell Campground — Custer State Park advised, "Reservations for this campground open at 6 AM mountain time."

Tips for camping with families

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities like playgrounds and pools. A parent at Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch said, "Big, super clean and nice, all you can eat pancakes for $3.50."
• Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor gear to keep kids entertained. A camper at Spearfish City Campground mentioned, "The spots are pretty close together compared to what we’re used to in state parks, but I would absolutely return."
• Pack Snacks: Having food on hand can make things easier. One reviewer at Pactola Reservoir Campground said, "The prices and inventory at the marina store were great."

Tips from RVers

• Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at South Dakota Spearfish Campground noted, "Very unlevel, site 20 had to raise front 8 inches from hitch position."
• Look for Full Hookups: Some campgrounds offer full hookups, which can be a game-changer. A visitor at Stockade North Campground — Custer State Park mentioned, "The bathhouse was clean and ok to use."
• Plan for Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump stations are located. A camper at Game Lodge Campground — Custer State Park said, "There are two dump station locations."

Camping near Nemo, South Dakota, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just be prepared for the crowds and plan ahead!