Best Camping near Canton, SD

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Canton, SD has a lot to offer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Canton. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Best Camping Sites Near Canton, SD (81)

    Camper-submitted photo from Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux
    Camper-submitted photo from Sioux Falls KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Sioux Falls KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Sioux Falls KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Sioux Falls KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Sioux Falls KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Sioux Falls KOA

    2. Sioux Falls KOA

    25 Reviews
    56 Photos
    83 Saves
    Sioux Falls, South Dakota
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Mounds State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Mounds State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Mounds State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Mounds State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Mounds State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Mounds State Park Campground

    3. Blue Mounds State Park Campground

    45 Reviews
    128 Photos
    143 Saves
    Hardwick, Minnesota
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $20 - $35 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Palisades State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Palisades State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Palisades State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Palisades State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Palisades State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Palisades State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sioux Falls Yogi Bear
    Camper-submitted photo from Sioux Falls Yogi Bear
    Camper-submitted photo from Sioux Falls Yogi Bear
    Camper-submitted photo from Sioux Falls Yogi Bear
    Camper-submitted photo from Sioux Falls Yogi Bear
    Camper-submitted photo from Sioux Falls Yogi Bear

    5. Sioux Falls Yogi Bear

    19 Reviews
    26 Photos
    47 Saves
    Brandon, South Dakota

    For over 25 years our Family Owned and Operated, Award Winning South Dakota campground and RV Park, has offered some of the best family camping and entertainment in the Sioux Falls, SD region. Our city close and country quiet South Dakota campground is the perfect environment to share fun, family, friends and even some Pic-A-Nic Baskets. We have a list of amenities and planned activities that satisfy any vacation style. Check out our blog for useful tips and also check out campjellystone.com and be sure to visit our onsite corn maze open from Late August to the end of October! Please visit us soon and make your reservation for upcoming weekends and holidays today as the best spots always go first! Whether you are enjoy one of our cabin rentals, RV Sites or camping in a tent spot, you will always find great accommodations, first rate amenities, and fun family activities. Thank you for visiting our site, and we hope to see you soon!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $40 - $200 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Newton Hills Campground — Newton Hills State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Newton Hills Campground — Newton Hills State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Newton Hills Campground — Newton Hills State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Newton Hills Campground — Newton Hills State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Newton Hills Campground — Newton Hills State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Newton Hills Campground — Newton Hills State Park

    6. Newton Hills Campground — Newton Hills State Park

    11 Reviews
    20 Photos
    53 Saves
    Canton, South Dakota

    Newton Hills State Park's unique dark forest, amidst a vast open prairie, has prompted many legends, including buried gold, robbers' hideouts and horse thieves. But visitors today recognize it as a great place to camp, swim, hike and fish. The park also plays host to folk music concerts and the popular FestiFall in October. The Newton Hills Lodge, built in 1915, served as the historic caretaker's home in Canton, SD, and played an important role in serving the healthcare needs of a variety of patients before being opened to guests. It can sleep up to 12 people and has four bedrooms and two baths. Like the lodge, camping cabins are open year-round. Each cabin accommodates 4 people with a set of bunk beds and a double bed. Both RV and tent sites are available, as well as horse camp sites. A boat ramp, beach and fishing dock let you enjoy water activities at Newton Hills State Park.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Vermillion Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Vermillion Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Vermillion Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Vermillion Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Vermillion Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Vermillion Recreation Area

    7. Lake Vermillion Recreation Area

    29 Reviews
    59 Photos
    134 Saves
    Canistota, South Dakota

    A popular destination for boaters, paddlers, and water skiers, Lake Vermillion is a 512-acre artificial reservoir on the East Fork of the Vermillion River. Both the river and the lake are named for the red quartzite stone found along the river’s banks. Lake Vermillion is popular with area anglers for its abundance of walleye, bluegill, crappie, and northern pike. Two boat ramps provide easy access for fishing on the lake, as well as putting in other recreational watercraft. There are plenty of onshore activities at Lake Vermillion as well, with various sports fields, horseshoe pits and a short nature trail, all located within the lake’s camping and picnic areas. The year-round campground at Lake Vermillion, just 30 minutes west of Sioux Falls, features more than 90 tent and RV campsites in three areas, on the northwest and northeast shores of the lake. Most sites are equipped with electrical hookups, and all include picnic tables with sun shades, and fire pits with grills. There are also four rustic, walk-in tent sites, two ADA accessible sites, and seven camping cabins. All camp areas have water faucets, and access to flush restrooms, vault toilets, and showers; a dump station is located near the campground entrance. The West Campground also has a kid’s play area, picnic area, swim beach and fishing dock. Campsite rates are $17–$21/night, plus entrance fee; cabins are $45/night.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $15 - $55 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Tower Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tower Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tower Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tower Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tower Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tower Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Gunderson Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Gunderson Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Gunderson Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Gunderson Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Gunderson Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Gunderson Park

    9. Gunderson Park

    8 Reviews
    30 Photos
    66 Saves
    Beresford, South Dakota

    Come do some old-school camping, biking, kayaking, and fishing at one of our historic community parks.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Island Park - Rock Rapids
    Camper-submitted photo from Island Park - Rock Rapids
    Camper-submitted photo from Island Park - Rock Rapids
    Camper-submitted photo from Island Park - Rock Rapids
    Camper-submitted photo from Island Park - Rock Rapids
    Camper-submitted photo from Island Park - Rock Rapids

    10. Island Park - Rock Rapids

    7 Reviews
    6 Photos
    26 Saves
    Larchwood, Iowa

    Island Park camping entrance is on North Boone Street and has 22 campsites with electrical hookups with water and sewer available. Each campsite has picnic table and fire pit. Restrooms are located in the park and also restroom/showers on the north end of the swimming pool bathouse. Island Park has the Rock River flowing though providing fishing, swimming and tubing; Rec Trail for walking and biking; playgounds; picnic shelters and Swimming Pool with 2 water slides, zero entrance and water toys.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $5 - $45 / night

Showing results 1-10 of 81 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Canton

Recent Reviews in Canton

380 Reviews of 81 Canton Campgrounds


  • Ken G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Palisades State Park Campground
    Sep. 25, 2024

    Palisades State Park Campground

    beautiful area, clean campsite

    This was a wonderful spot.  Lots of really nice short hikes down by the water which was really beautiful with the cliffs on the water.  Sites were very nice and clean.  We were able to get a site on a Friday night last minute by calling ahead.

  • Corey S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Mounds State Park Campground
    Aug. 12, 2024

    Blue Mounds State Park Campground

    Terrific Campground

    Peaceful and serene, great site.  Was able to walk around before the sun went down and listen to the Bison, wasn't able to see them but we could hear them.  Sites were great and amenities were clean and spacious.

  • Carolyn M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Split Rock Park
    Aug. 11, 2024

    Split Rock Park

    Beautiful Scenery, Clean Park

    This place is so cool! The falls was constructed during the Great Depression by the WPA, and the visitors center is made from the same pink quartz that lines the river. Really cool kayaking into Devils Gulch and up the Split Rock Creek. Will return to this nicely kept State Park. Gas station in town is quaint but has a public restroom and some basic supplies. Really lovely town. Falls lull you to sleep at night and the trains passing by are really neat to hear. Trains will go by till around midnight.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gunderson Park
    Aug. 10, 2024

    Gunderson Park

    Great Simple Free Spot!

    I found this on Campendium and google maps. It's a great little free park where you basically just park wherever. No designated spots, just park in the grass. The grass was not overgrown or anything, and there's a great little paved path that leads into town. Verizon cell service was pretty good and the park itself wasn't too crowded either. I imagine that the local county maintains it. Also tons of mulberry trees around! And be sure to go into town and pick up a breakfast sandwich and some donuts in the morning, it's a lovely walk in.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Palisades State Park Campground
    Aug. 3, 2024

    Palisades State Park Campground

    New King section open in Palisades

    Totally new entrance with easy access to new section that will handle larger RVs with toads. Open area with no shade but easy placement for satellite reception on RV or ground. New hard surface roads with gravel sites.

  • Bibs O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Parker RV Campground
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Parker RV Campground

    Next to busy roadway. Nice stop over.

    This is a very nice stop over. Sites 1 - 4 have water, electric (50, 30, 15 amp) and sewer. Those sites go for $25.00 per day. Dotes 5 - 6 are electric only and are infill sun. Site 7 is electric but has a sewer site as well. Shade found in sites 1 - 4. It is best to call ahead and make reservations. This campground stays busy.

  • Bibs O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Viborg City Campground
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Viborg City Campground

    Great one night lay over.

    This is a 3 site campground. 7 day maximum stay. No water, no garbage. 30 - 15 amp service only. Sites 1 and 2 are shaded until mid afternoon. Site 1 is shaded late afternoon. Locals bring their dogs out to "run." They don't pick up after, so watch your step. We are ¼ mile from highway and semi's Jake break a good deal, so it's quite until they go through. For a one lighter, this is a good cheap place to stop.

  • Bibs O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Peder Larsen City Park
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Peder Larsen City Park

    Busy local drive-through.

    They have just recently added 4 more sites. Sites hVe 50 - 30 - 15 amp connections. Bathrooms ate across the playground. Showers at the swimming pool. Picnic house (open) has 15, 110 outlets. Site 3 offers most sun protection. The rest of the sites are sunny all day. Playground is very large for such a small village. Disk golf is also found here.

  • Dave K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Island Park - Rock Rapids
    Jul. 24, 2024

    Island Park - Rock Rapids

    Campground Currently Closed

    Drove over tonight excited for my stay at this neat looking park. Unfortunately it appears that the June 2024 flood damaged the campground and it’s currently closed for repair.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Split Rock Creek State Park Campground
    Jul. 19, 2024

    Split Rock Creek State Park Campground

    Small peaceful campground

    Nice peaceful campground with large sites nicely spaced apart for privacy. We stayed in #6 (non-electric but there are lots of electric sites.) Cleanest pit toilet ever with many amenities!! Mirror, shelf, hooks, hand sanitizer, garbage can, reading material on wall listing ‘things to do’!! Showers clean too with plenty of warm water. Saw some fireflies, no mosquitoes!! We had a very pleasant one night stay.

  • Nathan L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux
    Jul. 18, 2024

    Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    Nice little nook with lots of cover!

    This campsite was great! We had a tent site, number 24, and it was tucked into the woods but still close to the parking lot!

    The neighboring sites are far enough away where you still have privacy but if you had two next to each other with a large group it could still function as one. Beautiful hiking trails, play grounds, disc golf, volleyball net, and so much more. Also, the lady at the front was cute as a button!

    Highly recommend!

  • Jessie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux
    Jul. 16, 2024

    Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    Fun and relaxing

    We booked this site last minute as we needed a place to stop for the night. The website was pretty easy to use to book the site. The ranger at the station was super friendly and helpful. Our camp site is beautiful and there is plenty of room. There are lots of trails here, so I got a good run in. My husband biked over to Brandon to get a good ride. There is a sweet disc golf course too! I’m mad I didn’t bring my discs!

  • Bibs O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Heib Memorial Park
    Jul. 2, 2024

    Heib Memorial Park

    Free location

    This place is great. Water available. 15, 30 amp service for free. Location is in city limits. No dump site. Great stop over location. Nearby traffic can seem heavy at times.

  • Bibs O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gunderson Park
    Jul. 2, 2024

    Gunderson Park

    Up to 14 days free camping

    CAMPING IS NOW ONLY ALLOWED BETWEEN MEMORIAL DAY THROUGH LABOR DAY. NO WINTER CAMPING IS ALLOWED ANY LONGER.

    Gunderson Park is a nice little boondocking location just ½ mile from the downtown area of Centerville. They have 2 fire pit locations, but, after speaking with the official at city hall we found out you can camp pretty much anywhere in the park you would like.

    It is free to camp here, you can stay virtually as long as you wish to according to that same official. There are no hook-ups. No bathroom facilities. No picnic tables. No playground for children. You may fish with a South Dakota license in the lazy rolling Vermillion River that skirts the park on 3 sides. They have a cement boat ramp. I will say when we stayed there the river was so low you would have had great difficulties getting a boat launched. On the west side of the park there are park benches at the beginning (or end of the walk depending on your start location) with a cemented walk way along the road to the park and the Vermillion River. It runs close to a quarter mile long with benches about half way through the walk. The city keeps this park mowed during the summer months. This is an old old park dating back to 1800's. The trees are massive and just as old providing beautiful shade. There are remnants of old stone items remaing in the park, grape vine thingy, a stone fireplace and pillars. Our stay favored us with Bald Eagle sightings. 2 hung around the trees on the other side of the river in full view, it was wonderful.

    At the city park you can dump your tanks. We didn't need to so we didn't visit this location. At the four way stop sign located at the center of the town, turn west, travel one block and on the south side of the street you will find city hall. There they will tell you how to find the dump site.

    This seems to be a favorite location for locals to drive through. Sometimes we found traffic through the park on the heavy side but most of the time very quiet. People are small town friendly. Population is around 900 people. Town has a grocery store, convenience store, bank, medical clinic, pharmacy, restaurant, bowling alley, auto parts store, bakery and other businesses. We noticed 4 churches in our drive around the town. At the city park they have a community swimming pool, Frisbee golf, 2 ball diamonds, tennis courts, playground equipment, volleyball courts, 2 picnic house areas and a location for 4 RV campsites with electrical plug ins [2 50 amp and 2 30 amp) for $10.00 a night with limited stay.

  • Ila R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Split Rock Park
    Jun. 12, 2024

    Split Rock Park

    No showers/toilets

    It is a beautiful little park. Good place for kayaking or fishing. I was just there to camp. The park is small. There are no showers or toilets, just outhouses, and they were a good distance for me to walk being disabled. If you have T-Mobile, there is absolutely NO service.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pioneer / Montrose City Campground
    Jun. 3, 2024

    Pioneer / Montrose City Campground

    Clean but bad water

    It was an easy drive -thru . Well kept up . But the water is bad there . We use a filter on our water hose . It still messed up our faucets and toilet. Inside the filter was a bunch of black stuff in it . We had problems with the toilet for the rest of our 2 week trip . Don't think I would stay there again.

  • Marci S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Clay County Park — Clay County
    May. 13, 2024

    Clay County Park — Clay County

    Nice trail system, near river, well-kept

    Electric, water, and dump station available here. In the trees, shaded, and a short walk along a pleasant trail to the Missouri River. The trail system, which is accessible from campground, is great. We were in site 18, which is near the playground. In busier months, that part of the campground could get loud.

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Lions Park
    May. 2, 2024

    Lions Park

    Good price

    I stopped here, May 1 of 2024. They have completely redone this park and it is open. There were two spots that had concrete pads. The pedestals look good. There were a couple that were just gravel when I was there. It was kind of muddy and I decided to continue on and go further that day, but I would gladly have stopped there. It was $10 for the night. There is water available. The lady said that there was a dump station. I did not see it, and only stay two nights

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from DeBates Memorial Park
    Feb. 20, 2024

    DeBates Memorial Park

    Quiet. Electric. 4 sites.

    Nice, easy quick in and out overnight while traveling through. Not sure if it’s plowed in the winter. No snow this year.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Mounds State Park Campground
    Oct. 20, 2023

    Blue Mounds State Park Campground

    Couldn’t have asked for better weather!

    What an amazing time! We stayed at site 54E which was pretty secluded our first night there. We got there a little late in the afternoon to do anything but get set up after which we got our grill going and enjoyed a delicious steak dinner. The next morning we went on a couple trails and just enjoyed the beautiful fall colors and we lucked out because the buffalo were close to the ranger station. It was quiet our entire stay and the weather cooperated except for some wind and a little rain. Definitely will be coming back!



Guide to Canton

Camping near Canton, South Dakota, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several great spots to consider.

What to do

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Newton Hills State Park. One visitor noted, "Great trails and a short scenic road, plus some nice open spaces." The park is perfect for a family hike or a peaceful walk.
  • Fishing and Swimming: At Lake Vermillion Recreation Area, you can enjoy fishing and swimming. A camper mentioned, "Well spaced and clean RV sites... a great beach, fishing pier, and picnic area."
  • Wildlife Viewing: Check out the bison at Blue Mounds State Park Campground. One reviewer shared, "We drove in the morning to the bison area and saw about 12 of them roaming near the fence."

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. A reviewer at Big Sioux Recreation Area mentioned, "Sites are big and roomy. We have two big dogs and were able to put them both on 30-foot leads."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Families enjoy the activities available at places like Sioux Falls Yogi Bear. One parent said, "It was an absolute blast for our kids with plenty of activities to keep them entertained."

What you should know

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby highways or events. A camper at Sioux Falls KOA noted, "Lots of noise since it’s off the highway."
  • Limited Privacy: If you're looking for solitude, some sites may not offer much privacy. A visitor at Newton Hills State Park mentioned, "Spots are fairly spacious, but not a lot of privacy."
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Lake Vermillion Recreation Area advised, "Plan accordingly as the dump station was really busy in the morning."

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. A family at Yankton — Lewis And Clark Recreation Area said, "Clean beach, spacious spots for our 35' camper, and nice bathrooms and parks!"
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep the kids happy with plenty of snacks. One parent at Big Sioux Recreation Area mentioned, "We booked this site last minute... the ranger at the station was super friendly and helpful."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games or outdoor toys to keep the kids entertained. A camper at Palisades State Park Campground noted, "There are plenty of parks and paved roadways to wander around on."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Newton Hills State Park said, "The spots are nice."
  • Use Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric hookups, which can be a lifesaver. A camper at Lake Vermillion Recreation Area mentioned, "Well spaced and clean RV sites."
  • Be Prepared for Weather: Bring gear for rain or shine. A reviewer at Sioux Falls KOA noted, "It was clean and secure."

Camping around Canton, South Dakota, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun-filled family getaway, you'll find plenty of options to explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Canton, SD?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Canton, SD offers a wide range of camping options, with 81 campgrounds and RV parks near Canton, SD and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Canton, SD?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Canton, SD is Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux with a 4.5-star rating from 33 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Canton, SD?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Canton, SD.

  • What parks are near Canton, SD?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 0 parks near Canton, SD that allow camping, notably Conestoga Lake and Saylorville Lake.