Best Camping near Brandon, SD

Join the fun near Brandon. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Brandon campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Brandon, SD. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Best Camping Sites Near Brandon, SD (68)

    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
    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

    2. Blue Mounds State Park Campground

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

    $20 - $35 / night

    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
    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

    4. Sioux Falls KOA

    25 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

    5. 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

    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Vermillion Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Vermillion Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Vermillion Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Vermillion Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Vermillion Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Vermillion Recreation Area

    6. Lake Vermillion Recreation Area

    29 Reviews
    59 Photos
    134 Saves
    Canistota, South Dakota

    A popular destination for boaters, paddlers, and water skiers, Lake Vermillion is a 512-acre artificial reservoir on the East Fork of the Vermillion River. Both the river and the lake are named for the red quartzite stone found along the river’s banks. Lake Vermillion is popular with area anglers for its abundance of walleye, bluegill, crappie, and northern pike. Two boat ramps provide easy access for fishing on the lake, as well as putting in other recreational watercraft. There are plenty of onshore activities at Lake Vermillion as well, with various sports fields, horseshoe pits and a short nature trail, all located within the lake’s camping and picnic areas. The year-round campground at Lake Vermillion, just 30 minutes west of Sioux Falls, features more than 90 tent and RV campsites in three areas, on the northwest and northeast shores of the lake. Most sites are equipped with electrical hookups, and all include picnic tables with sun shades, and fire pits with grills. There are also four rustic, walk-in tent sites, two ADA accessible sites, and seven camping cabins. All camp areas have water faucets, and access to flush restrooms, vault toilets, and showers; a dump station is located near the campground entrance. The West Campground also has a kid’s play area, picnic area, swim beach and fishing dock. Campsite rates are $17–$21/night, plus entrance fee; cabins are $45/night.

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

    $15 - $55 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Split Rock Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Split Rock Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Split Rock Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Split Rock Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Split Rock Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Split Rock Park

    7. Split Rock Park

    10 Reviews
    21 Photos
    65 Saves
    Garretson, South Dakota
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Tower Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tower Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tower Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tower Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tower Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tower Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Newton Hills Campground — Newton Hills State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Newton Hills Campground — Newton Hills State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Newton Hills Campground — Newton Hills State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Newton Hills Campground — Newton Hills State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Newton Hills Campground — Newton Hills State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Newton Hills Campground — Newton Hills State Park

    9. Newton Hills Campground — Newton Hills State Park

    11 Reviews
    20 Photos
    53 Saves
    Canton, South Dakota

    Newton Hills State Park's unique dark forest, amidst a vast open prairie, has prompted many legends, including buried gold, robbers' hideouts and horse thieves. But visitors today recognize it as a great place to camp, swim, hike and fish. The park also plays host to folk music concerts and the popular FestiFall in October. The Newton Hills Lodge, built in 1915, served as the historic caretaker's home in Canton, SD, and played an important role in serving the healthcare needs of a variety of patients before being opened to guests. It can sleep up to 12 people and has four bedrooms and two baths. Like the lodge, camping cabins are open year-round. Each cabin accommodates 4 people with a set of bunk beds and a double bed. Both RV and tent sites are available, as well as horse camp sites. A boat ramp, beach and fishing dock let you enjoy water activities at Newton Hills State Park.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Island Park - Rock Rapids
    Camper-submitted photo from Island Park - Rock Rapids
    Camper-submitted photo from Island Park - Rock Rapids
    Camper-submitted photo from Island Park - Rock Rapids
    Camper-submitted photo from Island Park - Rock Rapids
    Camper-submitted photo from Island Park - Rock Rapids

    10. Island Park - Rock Rapids

    7 Reviews
    6 Photos
    26 Saves
    Larchwood, Iowa

    Island Park camping entrance is on North Boone Street and has 22 campsites with electrical hookups with water and sewer available. Each campsite has picnic table and fire pit. Restrooms are located in the park and also restroom/showers on the north end of the swimming pool bathouse. Island Park has the Rock River flowing though providing fishing, swimming and tubing; Rec Trail for walking and biking; playgounds; picnic shelters and Swimming Pool with 2 water slides, zero entrance and water toys.

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

    $5 - $45 / night

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Showing results 1-10 of 68 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Brandon

Recent Reviews in Brandon

329 Reviews of 68 Brandon Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • Jenni C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Olson City Park
    Aug. 15, 2024

    Olson City Park

    Great Spot

    Though we didn’t stay long, this campground was tidy, well marked, and a perfect stop for the night. The campsites were clean, facilities were top notch, and the park and walking path provided a great spot to wear kids out before continuing on.

  • 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.

  • E
    Camper-submitted photo from Gunderson Park
    Aug. 10, 2024

    Gunderson Park

    Great Simple Free Spot!

    I found this on Campendium and google maps. It's a great little free park where you basically just park wherever. No designated spots, just park in the grass. The grass was not overgrown or anything, and there's a great little paved path that leads into town. Verizon cell service was pretty good and the park itself wasn't too crowded either. I imagine that the local county maintains it. Also tons of mulberry trees around! And be sure to go into town and pick up a breakfast sandwich and some donuts in the morning, it's a lovely walk in.

  • L
    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.

  • Bibs O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Parker RV Campground
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Parker RV Campground

    Next to busy roadway. Nice stop over.

    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. Site 7 is electric but has a sewer site as well. Shade found in sites 1 - 4. It is best to call ahead and make reservations. This campground stays busy.

  • Bibs O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Viborg City Campground
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Viborg City Campground

    Great one night lay over.

    This is a 3 site campground. 7 day maximum stay. No water, no garbage. 30 - 15 amp service only. Sites 1 and 2 are shaded until mid afternoon. Site 1 is shaded late afternoon. Locals bring their dogs out to "run." They don't pick up after, so watch your step. We are ¼ mile from highway and semi's Jake break a good deal, so it's quite until they go through. For a one lighter, this is a good cheap place to stop.

  • Bibs O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Peder Larsen City Park
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Peder Larsen City Park

    Busy local drive-through.

    They have just recently added 4 more sites. Sites hVe 50 - 30 - 15 amp connections. Bathrooms ate across the playground. Showers at the swimming pool. Picnic house (open) has 15, 110 outlets. Site 3 offers most sun protection. The rest of the sites are sunny all day. Playground is very large for such a small village. Disk golf is also found here.

  • Dave K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Island Park - Rock Rapids
    Jul. 24, 2024

    Island Park - Rock Rapids

    Campground Currently Closed

    Drove over tonight excited for my stay at this neat looking park. Unfortunately it appears that the June 2024 flood damaged the campground and it’s currently closed for repair.

  • 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!

  • Bibs O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Heib Memorial Park
    Jul. 2, 2024

    Heib Memorial Park

    Free location

    This place is great. Water available. 15, 30 amp service for free. Location is in city limits. No dump site. Great stop over location. Nearby traffic can seem heavy at times.

  • Bibs O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gunderson Park
    Jul. 2, 2024

    Gunderson Park

    Up to 14 days free camping

    CAMPING IS NOW ONLY ALLOWED BETWEEN MEMORIAL DAY THROUGH LABOR DAY. NO WINTER CAMPING IS ALLOWED ANY LONGER.

    Gunderson Park is a nice little boondocking location just ½ mile from the downtown area of Centerville. They have 2 fire pit locations, but, after speaking with the official at city hall we found out you can camp pretty much anywhere in the park you would like.

    It is free to camp here, you can stay virtually as long as you wish to according to that same official. There are no hook-ups. No bathroom facilities. No picnic tables. No playground for children. You may fish with a South Dakota license in the lazy rolling Vermillion River that skirts the park on 3 sides. They have a cement boat ramp. I will say when we stayed there the river was so low you would have had great difficulties getting a boat launched. On the west side of the park there are park benches at the beginning (or end of the walk depending on your start location) with a cemented walk way along the road to the park and the Vermillion River. It runs close to a quarter mile long with benches about half way through the walk. The city keeps this park mowed during the summer months. This is an old old park dating back to 1800's. The trees are massive and just as old providing beautiful shade. There are remnants of old stone items remaing in the park, grape vine thingy, a stone fireplace and pillars. Our stay favored us with Bald Eagle sightings. 2 hung around the trees on the other side of the river in full view, it was wonderful.

    At the city park you can dump your tanks. We didn't need to so we didn't visit this location. At the four way stop sign located at the center of the town, turn west, travel one block and on the south side of the street you will find city hall. There they will tell you how to find the dump site.

    This seems to be a favorite location for locals to drive through. Sometimes we found traffic through the park on the heavy side but most of the time very quiet. People are small town friendly. Population is around 900 people. Town has a grocery store, convenience store, bank, medical clinic, pharmacy, restaurant, bowling alley, auto parts store, bakery and other businesses. We noticed 4 churches in our drive around the town. At the city park they have a community swimming pool, Frisbee golf, 2 ball diamonds, tennis courts, playground equipment, volleyball courts, 2 picnic house areas and a location for 4 RV campsites with electrical plug ins [2 50 amp and 2 30 amp) for $10.00 a night with limited stay.

  • 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.

  • 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.


Drive Time


Guide to Brandon

Camping near Brandon, South Dakota, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Big Sioux Recreation Area. One camper mentioned, "Beautiful hiking trails, playgrounds, disc golf, volleyball net, and so much more."
  • Wildlife Viewing: Head to Blue Mounds State Park Campground for a chance to see bison. A visitor shared, "We lucked out because the buffalo were close to the ranger station."
  • Fishing and Swimming: Enjoy the water at Lake Vermillion Recreation Area. One reviewer noted, "Short walk or bike ride to the lake which had a great beach, fishing pier, and picnic area."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Palisades State Park Campground stated, "Bathrooms exceptionally clean. Showers great."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A visitor at Newton Hills Campground said, "Beautiful, quiet, shaded, level sites with plenty of space between."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. One review for Dakota Sunsets RV Park said, "Owners were so nice—recommended local farmers market, gave us some fresh baked cookies."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby highways or events. A camper at Sioux Falls KOA mentioned, "Lots of noise since it’s off the highway."
  • Limited Privacy: Many sites are close together, which can affect privacy. A review for Oak Woods Campground noted, "When this campground is full you have zero privacy."
  • Seasonal Amenities: Some facilities may not be available year-round. A visitor at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park mentioned, "Great for a one-night stay on the way to bigger and better sights."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. A family at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park said, "It was an absolute blast for our kids with plenty of activities to keep them entertained."
  • Spacious Sites: Choose campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. A camper at Lake Vermillion Recreation Area noted, "Well spaced and clean RV sites."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or check for nearby dining options. A visitor at Big Sioux Recreation Area mentioned, "The ranger at the station was super friendly and helpful."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to verify the size of RV sites before booking. A review for Dakota Sunsets RV Park stated, "The site was more than long enough for our 39’ 5th Wheel and F-450 truck."
  • Be Prepared for Bugs: Bring insect repellent, especially in warmer months. A camper at Palisades State Park Campground noted, "Mosquitos weren’t a problem during our stay with a little bug spray prevention."
  • Use Local Resources: Ask campground staff for recommendations on local attractions and services. A visitor at Shady Grove Campground mentioned, "Friendly and accommodating staff."

Camping near Brandon, South Dakota, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next outdoor adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular campground near Brandon, SD?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Brandon, SD is Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux with a 4.5-star rating from 33 reviews.

  • What parks are near Brandon, SD?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 0 parks near Brandon, SD that allow camping, notably Saylorville Lake and Conestoga Lake.