The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Campgrounds near Larchwood, IA

359 Reviews

Camping in the Larchwood, Iowa area encompasses a mix of state parks, recreation areas, and private campgrounds across eastern South Dakota, western Minnesota, and northwestern Iowa. Grand Falls Casino RV Park provides basic RV camping with full hookups approximately 2 miles from Larchwood, while Lake Pahoja Recreation Area offers a more natural setting with tent sites, RV spots, and cabins about 8 miles south. Several state parks including Big Sioux Recreation Area and Palisades State Park provide additional developed camping options within a 30-mile radius.

Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with many closing between late October and early April. "We stayed in site 37E. It was level as most of the sites appeared to be," noted one visitor about Big Sioux Recreation Area. Reservation requirements vary, with some sites like Island Park accepting first-come, first-served campers while others like Newton Hills State Park require advance booking. Electrical hookups are common at established campgrounds, though full hookups with water and sewer connections are limited to certain private facilities. The region experiences cold winters with occasional snow and hot summers, making late spring through early fall the most comfortable camping season. Campers should verify operating dates before planning trips, as several facilities including Sioux Falls KOA operate only from May through mid-October.

Shaded campsites represent a valued feature at many developed campgrounds near Larchwood. Big Sioux Recreation Area receives consistent praise for its spacious sites and mature trees. A camper described it as having "large campsites and nice cabins too. Big trees, lots of shade, nice people." Recreation opportunities factor prominently in reviews, with Lake Pahoja Recreation Area offering fishing, swimming, canoeing, and hiking trails around the lake. Several campgrounds provide amenities like clean bathhouses, picnic tables, and fire rings. Proximity to Sioux Falls attractions provides additional entertainment options for campers seeking both outdoor recreation and urban conveniences. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist at various campgrounds, with deer commonly spotted at Big Sioux Recreation Area.

Map showing campgrounds near Larchwood, IowaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Larchwood, Iowa (73)

    1. Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    35 Reviews
    Brandon, SD
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 582-7243

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

    "They have nice long paved trails for walking and biking. We got to walk our dogs on it to avoid tick contact from the grassy trails. There was a cool suspension bridge that was fun to walk on."

    2. Palisades State Park Campground

    30 Reviews
    Garretson, SD
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 594-3824

    "There are also several vault toilets around the area. From the campground you have access to the water. There are also several short hiking trails from where you can see the rock formations."

    "This is a sweet little tucked away oasis near Sioux Falls featuring trails, bluffs and climbing options. Great views and clean camp sites."

    3. Blue Mounds State Park Campground

    51 Reviews
    Hardwick, MN
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 283-1307

    $20 - $35 / night

    "The view from the ridge goes for miles, you can actually see Iowa. Site #9 is partially shaded and very level with just a slight walk to the restroom facilities."

    "Quiet place with nice bike and walking paths. Electric only 30amp water close by. Full dump station."

    4. Sioux Falls Yogi Bear

    22 Reviews
    Brandon, SD
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 332-2233

    $40 - $200 / night

    "At the time of our visit I-90 was being rebuilt nearby so access from the interstate was more difficult, but this isn’t the fault of the campground."

    "Location is right on interstate and easy to find. Not for nature lovers."

    5. Sioux Falls KOA

    28 Reviews
    Sioux Falls, SD
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 332-9987

    "We decided to stay at this campground because it was close to Falls Park. It’s 4 miles away from the KOA to Downtown. It wasn’t crowded, very clean, met lots of Texans and the pet areas were awesome!"

    "Also a neat little micro brewery walking distance, across the road. Very nice staff and an RV dealer next door. Very close to I-90 and it’s noise, but that comes with the easy access."

    6. Island Park - Rock Rapids

    8 Reviews
    Larchwood, IA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 472-3456

    $5 - $45 / night

    "A good place to camp for the night with gas and groceries nearby. All sites have electricity but only 20/30 amps. Water spigots are spread throughout the campground."

    "The campground is nearby the City Rock Rapids .You can walk and bicycle ride around the Campground. You need not a reservation. Come and drive in ."

    7. Newton Hills Campground — Newton Hills State Park

    11 Reviews
    Canton, SD
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 987-2263

    "The spacious and clean facilities provided the perfect backdrop for our outdoor getaway, offering a blend of adventure and relaxation away from the city."

    "Love this place very close to the major city of anything is needed. Nature and trails all around, lake for fishing and swimming, love to come out during the summer with the dogs!"

    8. Lake Pahoja Recreation Area

    2 Reviews
    Larchwood, IA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 753-2313

    "Good distance from others, yet close enough for group. Near everything in the beautiful black hills. Several areas.  Clean, comfortable restrooms. Store at entrance to park."

    "The Lake offers terrific fishing, canoeing, kayaking and swimming. Awesome hiking path surrounds the lake with benches to take breaks and educational signs to help you learn about the area!"

    9. Tower Campground

    12 Reviews
    Sioux Falls, SD
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 332-1173

    "The airport is close by which made it neat to watch."

    "This campground is a great location when passing through Sioux Falls. It is right off I29, and there a quick in and out sites up front."

    10. Grand Falls Casino

    1 Review
    Larchwood, IA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 777-7777

    $35 - $60 / night

    "I stopped on the way to and back home from Sturgis, as it’s about a full day’s drive from the house. Will definitely plan on using every year from now on"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 73 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Larchwood Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos near Larchwood, IA

63 Photos of 73 Larchwood Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Larchwood, IA

359 Reviews of 73 Larchwood Campgrounds

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Island Park - Rock Rapids

    A good stopover campground

    A good place to camp for the night with gas and groceries nearby. All sites have electricity but only 20/30 amps. Water spigots are spread throughout the campground. A dump station is located at the west entrance across the driveway from the pay station. It's northwest Iowa (cattle country) so you will notice a hint of something special in the air.

  • 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!

  • kThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Lake Vermillion Recreation Area

    As good as a KOA

    Rangers are nice, park Host is amazing Facilities are clean Wifi is a little week for T-mobile but had star link for text Beautiful place view of lake, sites are paved, no stones Lots of trees and shade , i stayed in east campground

  • 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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 14, 2025

    Tower Campground

    Right on the highway, so convenient, but noisy

    A parking lot style campground with nice green areas for pets. Level sites, full hookups. If you are looking for a convenient spot by Sioux Falls, this one fits the bill. Book online as staff is not in the office (or at least were not when we arrived).

  • 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.

  • 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 Larchwood

Camping near Larchwood, Iowa, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene parks to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone looking to enjoy nature.

What to do:

  • Hiking Trails: Explore the beautiful trails at Blue Mounds State Park Campground. One visitor shared, "We went on a couple trails and just enjoyed the beautiful fall colors."
  • Wildlife Viewing: Check out the bison at Blue Mounds State Park Campground. A camper noted, "We could hear the Bison, wasn't able to see them but we could hear them."
  • Fishing and Swimming: Visit Lake Vermillion Recreation Area for fishing and swimming. A reviewer mentioned, "The RV sites were located in a paved loop road that my kids loved cycling around."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Big Sioux Recreation Area. One review stated, "Bathrooms exceptionally clean. Showers great."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at Lake Vermillion Recreation Area. A visitor remarked, "Well spaced and clean RV sites."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Families love the activities 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, like Sioux Falls KOA, can be noisy due to nearby highways. A camper noted, "Lots of noise since it’s off the highway."
  • Limited Privacy: Campers at Oak Woods Campground found that sites can be close together. One review mentioned, "When this campground is full you have zero privacy."
  • Seasonal Availability: Some campgrounds, like Sioux Falls KOA, are only open from May to October. Make sure to check the season before planning your trip.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Sioux Falls Yogi Bear that offer activities for kids. A parent shared, "Great pool and kid activities."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or plan hikes to keep kids engaged. One family enjoyed, "My kids made it about 3 miles on one of the loops."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep everyone happy. A camper at Lake Vermillion Recreation Area mentioned, "We will be back if we are this way again."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Dakota Sunsets RV Park said, "The site was more than long enough for our 39’ 5th Wheel."
  • Be Prepared for Bugs: Some areas can have flies, so bring insect repellent. A camper noted, "The flies were definitely out, so had to manage getting in and out of the rig quickly."
  • Utilize Amenities: Take advantage of facilities like laundry and clean restrooms. One RV traveler mentioned, "The bath house was very nice."

Camping near Larchwood, Iowa, has a lot to offer, whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the camping facilities available at Larchwood campground?

Campgrounds near Larchwood offer a variety of facilities. Countryside Campgrounds provides clean sites with easy hookups, along with a convenient store nearby for supplies. The campground is easily accessible from the interstate, though some noise from highway traffic may be noticeable. For those seeking a more natural setting, Big Sioux Recreation Area offers spacious, shaded sites with grass, some along the river. The campground includes both RV sites with electric hookups and dedicated tent sites, though limited in number, with access to basic amenities like restrooms and a dump station.

How do I make a reservation at Larchwood campground?

For camping near Larchwood, reservations can be made through different systems depending on the campground. At Lake Vermillion Recreation Area, the friendly staff can check you in upon arrival and will provide directions to your site. They also sell firewood on-site for $5 per bundle. For Sioux Falls KOA, it's advisable to make advance reservations, especially if you're interested in booking one of their cabins. This Journey KOA is conveniently located right off the highway and serves as a great stopover point for travelers.

What recreational activities are available near Larchwood campground?

The Larchwood area offers diverse recreational activities. Blue Mounds State Park Campground provides excellent hiking with ridge views extending for miles (you can even see Iowa), plus opportunities to spot buffalo, prickly pear cacti, and explore an old rock quarry. The park also offers nice bike and walking paths. At Gunderson Park, you'll find a unique setting surrounded by water on three sides, creating a secluded feel despite being near amenities. For water activities, several local recreation areas provide river access, though at some locations accessing the water directly from campsites may be challenging.

Keep Exploring