The Beresford area sits in southeastern South Dakota at approximately 1,400 feet elevation, positioned between the Missouri and Big Sioux Rivers. The region's flat to gently rolling terrain creates open camping environments with minimal natural wind protection. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-90°F with occasional thunderstorms, while spring and fall bring cooler temperatures ideal for outdoor activities.
What to do
Fishing at Lake Vermillion: Located about 30 miles from Beresford, Lake Vermillion Recreation Area offers fishing opportunities in a scenic setting. A camper noted, "Fishing has designated areas, though during our stay not much was biting."
Hiking at Newton Hills: Newton Hills State Park features multiple hiking trails through wooded terrain unlike the surrounding prairie landscape. According to a visitor, "There isn't a lot to choose from around the Sioux Falls area. There are plenty of trails and clean restrooms to use. Overall we really like this location."
Stargazing opportunities: The relatively flat terrain and limited light pollution create excellent night sky viewing conditions. As one Newton Hills Campground visitor observed, "Beautiful, quiet, shaded, level sites with plenty of space between. Great trails and a short scenic road, plus some nice open spaces. Bath facilities are convenient, but seem old and marginally maintained. Great stargazing."
What campers like
Seasonal sites for extended stays: Some parks near Beresford cater to seasonal campers with annual site options. A camper at Larson's Landing RV Park noted, "So many happy campers it is like a big family! Seasonal camper landing starts at $1500 for a full year spot. There is a family area and a swimming area with a park for the kids."
Concrete pad availability: Several rv sites near Beresford, South Dakota feature concrete pads for stability. A visitor to Ryken's RV Park shared, "The park itself is well maintained and the pads are even. We have a small Class C motorhome. There are sewer, water and electrical 30/50 amp hook ups."
Winter storage options: Some RV parks offer winter storage for seasonal travelers. According to a Ryken's RV Park review, "We also stored our RV for the winter at the park and the fees are very cheap to do that. The overall cost of the seasonal spot is the lowest of all the other parks."
What you should know
Weekend congestion: Campgrounds with water access see higher usage on weekends. One Lake Vermillion Recreation Area camper observed, "We stayed here at site 69 E for one night in August 2020. Nice, clean campground with partial shade in some sites. The campground was fairly empty, but there were many families enjoying the lake on Sunday afternoon."
Non-resident fees: South Dakota state parks charge additional fees for out-of-state visitors. A camper explained, "South Dakota charges a day use fee ($6) plus a fee for tent camping ($17); I opted to pay for an Annual Pass of $30 since I plan on doing more SD camping this year."
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds near Beresford operate seasonally. Red Barn RV and Campground runs from April 1 to November 1, while Newton Hills Campground operates year-round but with reduced services in winter.
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Select campgrounds with built-in recreational facilities. At Sioux Falls Yogi Bear, a camper shared, "Our family spent a long weekend here enjoying all of the activities they had to offer. Everything from laser tag to chocolate milk chugging contests. The sites were extremely well maintained."
Shower facilities: Many camping areas provide shower houses, but quality varies. A Newton Hills visitor noted, "Everything was great. There are plenty of parks and paved roadways to wander around on. The spots are nice. The only thing that could be approved would be more established, kid friendly trails into the woods."
Swimming areas: Several parks within driving distance of Beresford offer swimming options during summer months. A Larson's Landing visitor mentioned their "swimming area with a park for the kids," providing both water recreation and playground equipment.
Tips from RVers
Internet connectivity: Cellular coverage varies significantly at RV sites near Beresford, South Dakota. A visitor to Lazy H Campground reported, "Sprint/T-mobile data was around 56 Mbps down," while a Ryken's RV Park camper noted, "The cellular service with Verizon has full bars at our location."
Traffic noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience road noise that may affect light sleepers. At Parker RV Campground, a visitor remarked, "This is a very nice stop over. Sites 1 - 4 have water, electric (50, 30, 15 amp) and sewer. Those sites go for $25.00 per day. Dotes 5 - 6 are electric only and are infill sun."
Pad specifications: RV sites vary in size and surface material. A Lazy H Campground visitor described, "The pull through sites are fully concrete and level. They all have a huge table and stone fire pit. Plenty of room for a second vehicle."
