The Big Sioux Recreation Area near Brandon sits at an elevation of 1,320 feet along the Big Sioux River, just 6 miles northeast of Sioux Falls. The surrounding land features a mix of riparian habitat and prairie landscape with moderate temperature swings between seasons. Camping options range from basic tent sites to full RV hookups with most campgrounds open year-round despite South Dakota's cold winters.
What to do
Disc golf course: The 18-hole course at Big Sioux Recreation Area provides a recreational option beyond hiking. "We have stayed here many times. Nice quiet state campground. Our site was nice, level, spacious, and had plenty of grass coverage (instead of dirt). Bugs were a pain but not much you can do about that. Bike trails are awesome," notes Heidi M. about Big Sioux Recreation Area.
Rock climbing opportunities: Palisades State Park offers unique quartzite formations for climbers of various skill levels. Jessica B. shares about Palisades State Park Campground: "I love this park for both its camping and hiking. Stunning quartzite formations make for some great climbing. It's a really small park which is both good and bad. The trails aren't very long, but it's not usually overcrowded."
Kayaking adventures: Split Rock Park provides excellent water access for paddling enthusiasts. "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," explains Carolyn M.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Many campers appreciate the well-designed layout at Big Sioux Recreation Area. "Super clean, nicely spaced, tons of trails. As Google guided us to the campground, we were getting concerned. Turns out, great campsite," reports MalibuDave42 L.
Clean facilities: The maintenance standards at Blue Mounds State Park Campground receive consistent praise. "Bathrooms are nice and clean. There's a little free library near the restroom. Layout for getting water and dump station is a little odd as you have to drive through the campground to get to it rather than it being on your way out," notes Tori K.
Natural water features: The sound of flowing water enhances the camping experience at many sites. Jennifer K. describes her experience: "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. Beautiful little oasis amid what seems to be endless farmland. Just such a welcome stop after a long drive."
What you should know
Train noise concerns: Some campgrounds near Brandon experience significant railroad disruptions. At Split Rock Park, Carolyn F. warns: "I'm not sure why everyone is glossing over the train noise...they don't just pass, they blow a LOUD horn right as they go by. It happened multiple times throughout the night, felt like every hour. It would wake even the heaviest sleeper."
Multiple fee structures: State parks often have separate charges for camping and park entry. "My complaint would be the fees. I thought I was paying one fee for the non-e tent site but then there was an additional fee for non-res and another fee for park day use fee or permit. This fee was confusing whether I was supposed to pay this or not," reports Tyson K.
Limited tent options: Some facilities cater primarily to RVs with fewer dedicated tent sites. One camper noted: "I spent the night here and had to pay the entrance fee to the park as well as the camping fee for my tentsite. They had only a few tentsites available amid all the RV sites, but they were right on the edge of the playground, so the families had to walk right through my campsite to get to the play area."
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Brandon offer designated play areas. Nathan L. recommends: "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! Beautiful hiking trails, play grounds, disc golf, volleyball net, and so much more."
Consider Jellystone Park: Sioux Falls Yogi Bear offers extensive programming for children. "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. Saturday night was the yogi bear parade and it was the highlight of our entire stay," shares Alec S.
Short hiking options: Look for trails appropriate for younger hikers. "Lots of trails for hiking!" notes Samantha W., while another visitor adds, "Several hiking trails wind through the area with varied terrain suitable for different age groups."
Tips from RVers
Brewery access: For RV campers who enjoy craft beer, the proximity to local breweries is a plus at some pet-friendly campgrounds near Brandon. Laura C. shares about the Sioux Falls KOA: "Our stay here was perfect! We don't usually stay at campgrounds because we prefer dispersed camping but this was great. We requested a specific site and they were very accommodating. So friendly. Impressed with the camp store. There's also a brewery in walking distance."
Level sites matter: Multiple reviewers mention the importance of level parking at RV sites. "Site was level. Trees surrounding area. Electric hook up but no water. Flush toilets with showers very nice," reports Carol J. at Big Sioux Recreation Area.
Winter camping capability: Some facilities accommodate year-round RV stays with appropriate infrastructure. "This park 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. Many units were tucked in for winter with skirting and large external propane tanks."
