Best Cabin Camping near Brookings, SD
Several state parks near Brookings, South Dakota provide rustic cabins with basic amenities for overnight stays. Oakwood Lakes State Park offers cabin rentals in both Campground 1 and Campground 2, featuring electricity, picnic tables, and fire pits. Lake Poinsett State Recreation Area, located approximately 20 miles northwest of Brookings, includes pet-friendly cabins with access to showers and sanitary facilities. Lake Herman State Park Campground provides "small cabins for rent" according to visitor Carrie F., who noted they are "maintained very well" with convenient access to lake activities. The cabins typically include beds, electricity, and outdoor seating areas, with most requiring guests to use nearby communal bathrooms and shower facilities.
Cabin options range from simple one-room structures to more spacious accommodations depending on the location. Palisades State Park features "adorable camper cabins" as described by visitor Charlie B., situated among wooded areas that provide shade and privacy. For travelers seeking more amenities, Sioux Falls KOA and Sioux Falls Yogi Bear Jellystone Park offer air-conditioned cabin rentals with more modern conveniences. "We were so grateful we chose to stay in a cabin (which had a/c)," noted Brittney K. about her KOA stay, adding that "the highway noise was significantly muted" compared to other camping options. Most state park cabins remain open year-round, while private campground cabins typically operate from April through October. Pet policies vary by location, with many state parks allowing pets in designated cabins for an additional fee.
Most cabin rentals provide basic furnishings but require guests to bring their own bedding, pillows, towels, and cooking equipment. Kitchen facilities vary significantly between locations, with state park cabins typically offering only outdoor fire pits with grill attachments for cooking. More developed cabins at KOA and Jellystone Park may include small refrigerators, microwaves, or coffee makers. Grocery stores can be found in Brookings and smaller communities surrounding the parks, with Dollar General stores available near several campgrounds for basic supplies. Firewood is available for purchase at most locations, though some parks enforce restrictions on outside wood to prevent the spread of invasive species. Advance reservations are strongly recommended for all cabin rentals, particularly during summer months and weekends when facilities reach capacity quickly.
