Cabin camping options surround Brookings, South Dakota, with sites available within 45 miles of this eastern South Dakota city. Located at 1,700 feet elevation on the prairie, this region experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 80°F and winter dropping below freezing. Winter cabin rentals typically cost $45-90 per night while peak summer rates may reach $75-125 depending on amenities.
What to do
Hiking quartzite formations: Palisades State Park Campground offers distinctive geological features for exploration. "I love this park for both it's 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," noted Jessica B.
Trout fishing: Camden State Park Campground provides access to excellent fishing spots. "Great trout stream, swimming, tubing, camping, horse trails, hiking... my kids loved it," commented Emma V. The park maintains stocked fishing areas throughout the warmer months.
Historical immersion: Experience pioneer life through hands-on activities at Ingalls Homestead. "This is a truly magical place, and if you've ever read any of the Little House on the Prairie books and are anywhere near De Smet South Dakota, do yourself a favor and swing by," writes Corinna B. The homestead offers covered wagon rides and pioneer craft demonstrations daily from May through September.
What campers like
Beach access: Lake Thompson Recreation Area provides multiple water entry points. "This campground has both electric standard sites for campers and tent sites. Two shower houses and multiple vault toilets throughout the campground for accessibility. Walking trails in grass or gravel. Three walkways down to the water's edge with one being a large swimming area," reports Audrey F.
Family-friendly amenities: Glamping in Brookings, South Dakota area includes options with kid-focused facilities. "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. Everything clean and well maintained. We got a spot right in front of the playground which was perfect for our toddler," shared Laura C. about the Sioux Falls KOA.
Clean facilities: Sites maintain regular cleaning schedules for comfort stations. "Bathrooms were so clean and smelled like cedar wood," mentions Lora H. about Ingalls Homestead. Most glamping locations near Brookings offer shower houses with hot water available 24 hours.
What you should know
Site selection considerations: Choose sites based on shade requirements and view preferences. "Beautiful location on the north shore of Lake Thompson. Some sites face the lake, others have shade with enough open sky for your StarLink dish," notes Steven W.
Reservation timing: Book luxury cabins and yurts 3-6 months in advance for summer weekends. "We just needed a small spot for the night with our teardrop, they provided a wonderful trailer spot just in time to avoid a really hard rain. Really grateful for these guys!" explains Vincent B. about his experience at Sioux Falls KOA.
Seasonal variations: Memorial Park has different offerings throughout the year. "Close to beach, fishing dock and close to playground for kids!" reports Rebekah M. Many glamping sites near Brookings close water systems from October through April due to freezing temperatures.
Tips for camping with families
Interactive historical experiences: Schedule pioneer activities for children at Ingalls Homestead. "Lots of things for the kids to do and play just like its 1880," recommends Gregory B. The site offers corn-cob doll making workshops and schoolhouse visits daily during summer months.
Swimming options: Camden State Park Campground maintains designated swimming areas. "Pretty spacious separated by lots trees, good place for camping with kids as well. Has a swimming pond and beach. Clean restrooms," notes Anup S. Swimming areas typically open Memorial Day through Labor Day, weather permitting.
Multiple playground access: Several glamping sites near Brookings feature play equipment. "We stayed in the lower campground. It is very opened. The campsites are medium size and close together. The bathroom was well taken care of. There are train tracks really close to the campground. The trains didn't seem long nor did they blow the horns. The swimming area looked nice, but it was too cold to use," explains Shelly E. about Camden State Park.
Tips from RVers
Dump station placement: Check dump station location and accessibility. "Grey water dump is on a slight hill, with the ground washed away, and people sometimes park around it," warns Craig F. about Ingalls Homestead.
Site approach strategy: Review approach angles for larger rigs at some glamping locations. "Our suggestion if you stay here is, pull in the parking lot and back up the driveway to the camp sites. Unless you have a small vehicle and camper, it is tricky to get turned around if it is full," advises Michelle B.
Electric hookups: Most luxury cabin sites provide 30-amp service for air conditioning units. "Super easy access as well as easy pull through. Level enough to not unhook. Nice play area and pool. Also a neat little micro brewery walking distance, across the road. Very nice staff and an RV dealer next door," explains Jeff G. about staying at the Sioux Falls KOA.
