Camping near Brookings, South Dakota, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs.
What to do:
- Hiking and Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Blue Mounds State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "We went on a couple trails and just enjoyed the beautiful fall colors."
- Wildlife Viewing: Check out the bison at Blue Mounds State Park Campground. A camper shared, "Was able to walk around before the sun went down and listen to the Bison."
- Fishing and Water Activities: At Lake Vermillion Recreation Area, you can enjoy fishing and swimming. 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 visitor at Palisades State Park Campground said, "Bathrooms exceptionally clean. Showers great."
- Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. One camper at Big Sioux Recreation Area mentioned, "Sites are big and roomy."
- Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpful staff. A review from 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 train tracks. A camper at Sioux Falls KOA noted, "Lots of noise since it’s off the highway."
- Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Split Rock Park mentioned, "There are no showers or toilets, just outhouses."
- Privacy Concerns: Some sites may lack privacy. A camper at Oak Woods Campground stated, "When this campground is full you have zero privacy."
Tips for camping with families:
- Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. One family at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park said, "It was an absolute blast for our kids with plenty of activities to keep them entertained."
- Safety First: Be cautious around cliffs and water. A camper at Split Rock Park advised, "There are cliffs and water, so plan accordingly."
- Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A visitor at Lake Vermillion Recreation Area enjoyed the picnic area, saying, "Pretty busy in the picnic area with family parties."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Dakota Sunsets RV Park mentioned, "The site was more than long enough for our 39’ 5th Wheel."
- Wi-Fi Availability: Some campgrounds offer Wi-Fi, but it can vary. A visitor at Shady Grove Campground noted, "WiFi was average but there were not many RVs in the park."
- Be Prepared for Bugs: Bring bug spray, especially in warmer months. A camper at Palisades State Park Campground mentioned, "Mosquitos weren’t a problem during our stay with a little bug spray prevention."
Camping around Brookings, SD, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking a peaceful spot.
