The camping options near Brandon, South Dakota extend beyond the immediate vicinity, with quality sites within a 30-40 mile radius. The region sits at approximately 1,400 feet elevation and experiences temperature swings from below freezing in winter to over 90°F with high humidity in summer. Wind conditions are particularly notable in the area, creating challenging tent camping conditions during certain seasons.
What to do
Kayaking opportunities: Launch from Big Sioux Recreation Area where there's "easy access to the river. Loading area for kayaks and canoes right next to the campgrounds."
Rock climbing: Visit Garretson for unique quartzite formations at Palisades State Park, where you can explore "stunning quartzite formations make for some great climbing." The park features "trails, bluffs and climbing options."
Disc golf: Play a round at Big Sioux Recreation Area, which has a full course alongside "nice long paved trails for walking and biking." One visitor noted the "awesome" bike trails that connect to various parts of the park.
Hiking with families: Try Split Rock Park which offers beautiful scenery with some terrain considerations. A camper mentioned, "They like it too, but there are cliffs and water, so plan accordingly." The park features distinctive pink quartz formations along the creek.
What campers like
Spacious sites at family campgrounds: Sioux Falls Yogi Bear offers a lively atmosphere with "lots to do for kids" and amenities like "laser tag to chocolate milk chugging contests." The campground features "a jumping pillow" and other family-focused activities.
Clean facilities: Most state parks maintain high standards. At Big Sioux Recreation Area, campers appreciate that "the showers are great, the walking trail is great, and the spots are nice and spread out."
Privacy options: Tent campers can find secluded spots at certain campgrounds. One camper at Big Sioux noted their "site number 24, was tucked into the woods but still close to the parking lot" and that "neighboring sites are far enough away where you still have privacy."
Prairie views: Experience open landscapes at some campgrounds that offer a different feel from wooded sites. Blue Mounds State Park features "natural prairie and a buffalo herd" with "bison tours available" for visitors interested in wildlife viewing.
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds sit near active rail lines. At Split Rock Park, "trains will go by till around midnight" and "blow a LOUD horn right as they go by." Light sleepers should consider this when booking.
Additional fees: State parks in South Dakota charge entrance fees separate from camping fees. Some campers reported being "charged 80+ dollars for two nights after requesting a tent site without electricity" and then "charged 30 dollars for entrance passes" at one location.
Bug conditions: Vary by location and season. One camper at Palisades State Park noted "No bugs in early June" while others mentioned mosquitoes being problematic near water areas during summer months.
Cell service: Coverage varies significantly by carrier. At some locations, "T-Mobile service" may be limited or non-existent while other carriers maintain better coverage. Some campgrounds offer Wi-Fi with download speeds reaching "22 Mbps" at certain sites.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Choose sites strategically. Some campgrounds have playgrounds that may impact your experience. One camper noted certain tentsites were "right on the edge of the playground, so the families had to walk right through my campsite to get to the play area."
Water recreation opportunities: Many campgrounds offer swimming and water activities. Blue Mounds State Park has "swimming and kayaking" options, though a camper noted "we were there early spring so water was too cold to swim."
Pet-friendly considerations: Most campgrounds allow pets but have specific rules. Split Rock Park is "dog friendly" with designated areas, while other campgrounds require leashes at all times. Check individual campground rules before arriving.
Bathroom proximity: Important for families with small children. Some campgrounds have limitations, with one camper noting "outhouses, and they were a good distance for me to walk being disabled."
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Check specifics before booking. At Tower Campground, "full hook ups including sewer connection" are available, but sites vary in quality and setup. Some campgrounds offer only electric hookups without water or sewer.
Year-round options: Several campgrounds stay open through winter with special accommodations. Tower Campground is "open year round and well set up for cold weather, the water spigot is heated so if you invest in a heated water line and have an insulated camper you should be good for the cold."
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. One RVer noted their site was "directly next to the hwy and the road noise was terrible all hours of the day" despite being a premium site.
Wind protection: Position your RV strategically to minimize wind impact. The strong South Dakota winds can be challenging, with some campers experiencing their "campers rocking during the night" at exposed sites.
