Campsites near Brookings, South Dakota offer year-round options with several sites accessible during winter months despite seasonal closures at some locations. The area sits in the Prairie Pothole Region, characterized by numerous small lakes and wetlands formed by glacial activity. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F while winter camping can see temperatures well below freezing, with snowfall common from November through March.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Poinsett State Recreation Area provides access to a popular fishing lake about 20 miles west of Brookings. "The swim area was nice, no sand, but a nice place to swim where the water was clean! Camp site was a nice spot with privacy," notes one visitor who enjoyed the recreation area during a family vacation.
Hiking trails: Oakwood Lakes State Park features multiple trail networks around its connected lakes. A camper shared, "Super cool hiking trail around Scout Island! Great history at Ol Mortimers Cabin and the old military fort. Kayaking, boating, fishing, and swimming are excellent!"
Frisbee golf: Lake Poinsett offers additional recreational activities beyond water sports. "The bathrooms and showers were very clean. Also, the campsites are very clean beach areas and boat ramps were very clean. Also a nice frisbee, golf course and great beach access," reports a recent visitor.
Birding opportunities: The wetland ecosystems surrounding many campgrounds provide excellent bird watching, particularly for waterfowl species. Many sites are situated near water bodies that attract diverse bird species throughout the migration seasons.
What campers like
Private bathroom facilities: Oakwood Lakes State Park Campground 1 offers unusual bathroom amenities. "The bathrooms are amazing for a campground. One of the few places I've ever camped where you get a full bathroom to yourself. Plus it was very clean," writes a satisfied camper.
Quiet atmosphere: Midway Camp provides riverfront sites in a peaceful setting just outside Brookings. "Hidden gem. Midway camp is known for weddings and events. There are 24 sites most on the Sioux river. All back in sites. Grounds well maintained," notes a recent visitor.
Clean facilities: Flandreau Municipal Park maintains well-kept restrooms despite being a smaller city park. "Campground next to the river nice park for kids clean bathrooms," writes a camper who appreciated the riverside location and family-friendly amenities.
Spacious sites: Several campgrounds in the region offer generously sized camping spaces. "Large grassy sites with fire pit and picnic table," reports a camper who stayed at Oakwood Lakes State Park Campground 2 in August 2023.
What you should know
Winter closures: Many campground facilities close during colder months. "Driving from far north down south, stopped for an overnight that we had reservations for. Apparently when temps reach towards freezing they close all restrooms and showers (only listed on Facebook)," shares a visitor to Sexauer City Park who encountered unexpected bathroom closures.
Reservation systems: Campgrounds use different reservation methods. At Sexauer City Park, "Although an envelope system is in use and we were told we didn't need one, reservation slips made out by the park (ON ORANGE) take precedence over the white slips (which are the duplicate layer of your registration form)," explains a camper who had to relocate after finding their site taken.
Alcohol restrictions: Some campgrounds prohibit alcohol consumption while others permit it. Always check individual park rules before bringing alcoholic beverages.
Out-of-state fees: Non-residents pay additional camping fees at state parks. "They do charge out of stators $10 more for campsites but at the end of the day very nice and well worth it," notes a visitor to Lake Poinsett.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Oakwood Lakes State Park Campground 2 provides play areas for children. "We visited during the week so we pretty much had the campsite to ourselves!! They have a playground which my 4 year old son loved! He can't wait to go again!" shares a family who camped there in 2023.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer historical features. "Great history at Ol Mortimers Cabin and the old military fort," mentions a visitor who appreciated the educational value of Oakwood Lakes State Park.
Weekday visits: For families seeking quieter experiences, mid-week camping provides more space and privacy. "We visited during the week so we pretty much had the campsite to ourselves!" notes a parent who found this timing ideal for their family.
Wildlife viewing: The area's wetlands attract frogs and waterfowl, creating wildlife viewing opportunities for children. "Lots of frogs here!" mentions a family who visited Lake Poinsett during their August vacation.
Tips from RVers
Payment locations: Colman City Park and other small town campgrounds often have off-site payment systems. "Very reasonable rates for daily, weekly or monthly," notes a visitor who appreciated the flexibility of stay options.
Leveling challenges: Some city parks have uneven sites. "None of the sites were very level," reports an RVer who stayed at Colman City Park, suggesting bringing additional leveling blocks.
Pull-through availability: Lake Poinsett offers convenient pull-through sites. "We stayed at campground 1 number 36 it was the perfect pull through spot to set up for the weekend!" shares an RVer who found the layout convenient.
Site access limitations: Some campgrounds have restrictions on larger rigs. "Hard to park if you have a bigger camper," warns a visitor to Colman City Park, suggesting calling ahead to confirm access for larger RVs.
