Horse campgrounds near Brookings, South Dakota offer outdoor recreation opportunities in the eastern South Dakota prairie lands. Located in a region known for its glacially formed lakes and rolling grasslands, these campgrounds provide access to water recreation, hiking trails, and equestrian activities. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F, while spring and fall camping requires preparation for temperature fluctuations common to the northern Great Plains.
What to do
Trout fishing: Camden State Park features quality trout streams for anglers seeking freshwater fishing opportunities. "Great trout stream, swimming, tubing, camping, horse trails, hiking... my kids loved it," reports Emma V. from Camden State Park Campground.
Beach activities: Lake Thompson Recreation Area provides beach access directly from the campground. Audrey F. notes, "This campground has both electric standard sites for campers and tent sites. Three walkways down to the water's edge with one being a large swimming area. Boating is permitted as well."
Hiking trails: Multiple trails wind through both prairie and wooded areas around Oakwood Lakes State Park. "We visit this place for a quick getaway a few times a year. Great hiking and biking trails, swimming pond and right on the redwood river," explains Kyle B. about outdoor recreation options available at Camden State Park.
What campers like
Swimming areas: Clean, maintained beach areas make water recreation accessible. At Pelican Lake Recreation Area, visitors appreciate the "Nice pebble beach, playgrounds, and walking areas. Flat camper parking. Power was great and showers were clean," according to Sethen E.
Historical attractions: The proximity to historical sites enhances camping experiences in the region. Steven W. mentions that Lake Thompson Recreation Area is "less than 10 miles from the Laura Ingalls Wilder homestead and De Smet. There are 4 dump stations near the campground entrance with multiple fresh water hookups around the campground."
Campground cleanliness: Well-maintained facilities remain a consistent positive across reviews. Tony H. states, "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."
What you should know
Seasonal insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be prevalent in wet conditions. "Be sure to use bug spray as mosquitoes were all over, maybe due to wet weather," advises Audrey F. about Lake Thompson Recreation Area.
Weekend crowds: Popular campgrounds fill quickly on weekends. At Pelican Lake, one camper observed, "Stopped on Sunday on the way westward and the place was empty, stopped Friday on the way home and it was packed. Lots of kids and families, and almost every spot was full."
Train proximity: Some campgrounds have nearby railroad tracks. Makayla B. from Camden State Park notes, "There are nearby train tracks and trains ran by several times a day, though luckily they don't blow the horn so we didn't notice them much."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreational areas: Multiple campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. "Perfect for all the kids of all ages, adults, grandparents...we had a really good time," shares Anne G. about family reunion camping at Camden State Park.
Campground selection: Choose the location within larger parks strategically. Lynn A.C. advises, "Go to the lower park, more to do, more to see. Upper camp, not much to see, plus our site was really steep."
Swimming ponds: Designated swimming areas provide safer water recreation for families. Anup Ś. confirms Camden State Park is a "Great camping place to take your kids. Pretty spacious separated by lots trees, good place for camping with kids as well, has a swimming pond and beach. Clean restrooms."
Tips from RVers
Campsite selection: When choosing sites, consider proximity to amenities and terrain. Shelly E. notes that at Camden State Park "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."
Hookup availability: Electric-only sites are common, with dump stations typically located at campground exits. "Electric only. There is an area to dump waste on the exit," explains Sethen E. about facilities at Pelican Lake Recreation Area.
Site levelness: Pay attention to site grade when selecting a spot. "Our site, 30, sloped away from the parking pad. You wouldn't be able to set up chairs under your awning at this site and the picnic table sat in a low spot that got muddy after 2 straight days of rain," warns Makayla B. about certain sites at Camden State Park.
