Best Tent Camping near Chamberlain, SD

30 minutes off 90 along the Missouri river. Situated on a tiny peninsula is the campsite. We opted to camp in an electric site with our tent to be closer to the water since we were in for just one night. With double sites it's pretty tight, however everyone was super quiet while there and we were lucky to have another tent on our double pad. At check-in we were given hand sanitizers, which was nice. Bathrooms were centrally located in the campsite. Tent sites were past the park and playground, did not see where bathrooms were on that end. Definitely would camp here again.

We stopped here on our way across South Dakota, and it was the perfect place. It’s right off the interstate and is extremely well-managed and clean. They have lots of yard space to walk dogs along their property, and the staff was incredibly nice and helpful throughout our stay!

Super helpful and friendly staff, clean bathrooms, well-maintained sites. Gorgeous views of the Missouri River. The only negative was the amazing number of flies. It was hard to cook with the flies diving into our pots and pans and biting us. It was my first trip to South Dakota. Maybe flies are a thing there??

Very nice site with clean bathrooms and showers. Some sites have shade. Well maintained and the owners are very friendly. Convenient location and just a short drive from the highway. Some road noise but not bad at all. The wind was very slack the day we stayed so the mosquitoes were out at night. Would 100% stay again if traveling thru South Dakota.

Honestly, this is a nice campground. There is water available at every site. 50-30-20 amp service as well. With the exception of the water at your site, this looks and feels just like a South Dakota campground site, and it costs more than twice as much as SD campgrounds. I don't wish to sound nasty, but campground fees are out of control. $60.00 a night for what you can get for $26.00. I just don't know anymore. Anyway, this is a nice campground. If money is no issue, spend all you have here.

Absolutely beautiful weather! If you like to fish, this is the spot. There’s a boat ramp as well. There’s no water or electricity so make sure to bring plenty of water with you. Lots of beautiful little birds to watch. The sun sets under the hills and rises over the river. Made some friends here too! There’s a toilet but I didn’t use it 😬

Only downside is that it’s no longer free. The fee when I went was $11.87.

If I’m ever in South Dakota again I would definitely stay here!

This KOA in Kennebec has been a good stop over for us when traveling through South Dakota. Kennebec is a sleepy town off of I-90, and this KOA seems to be the life of the town.

The staff has been welcoming, friendly, and accommodating. The facilities seem well cared for and clean. For our stays we have just been passing through and have opted for pull-thru sites with full-hook ups to keep it easy and we have never had to disconnect from our TT to get level for the night.

This KOA will probably not a destination for us, but it is a great stay along the way.

We already have a trip planned for next year across I-90 and Kennebec is on the itinerary.

On the west side of the water are a series of dirt loops. Choose one and you will find plenty of spots to disperse camp. There are no services so pack everything out. We parked right along the water and enjoyed the view. There is a gas station just down the road. Chamberlain is across the water and has a bunch of interesting places to check out. With 15 minutes of us being there we saw a couple police cars and a local who ran his dog around for a few minutes before leaving. I like how the community keeps an eye on things.

Stayed one overnight in a rooftop tent while passing through. Only a few other campers there on a Saturday evening. Pit toilet. Pay for electric hookup. For the most part it was peaceful, except for one truck that came through around midnight revving it’s engine and honking the horn. Startled me out of my sleep but otherwise, felt safe at this camping area. Added plus that it was a close drive to Badlands NP.

This campsite was fine- I needed a place to stay on a cross country trip and it felt like a safe place to roll into later in the evening! It was fairly loud from the RV noise and overpriced just for a tent and pit toilet. The site is right on the river, and watching the sun set on the Missouri was the biggest pro of this spot. I would recommend this to RV’ers, people looking for a quick stop to sleep, or maybe families wanting a more developed camping experience.

We luckily found this place in Presho, SD. The host was a friendly lady named Gwen and the campground was neat and clean. It was an easy stop off I-90. Every site is a gravel pull through with full hookups and trash containers are close to every sight. They also offer free popcorn and coffee. I saw a nice swing set, slide, and basketball goal. Also they have cabins, a restroom, and tent area. Good Sam discount… around $46 for 2 adults and 2 dachshunds. Would stay here again.

This place is about as perfect as it gets! Free camping - dispersed so pull up where you want. Or choose a spot with a fire ring and table. 

Views are OUTSTANDING! You can fish, kayak, hike, etc. Right off highway but very quiet and peaceful. Slept great. 

They do have toilets (I didn't use them) and they do have a couple electric spots that are $20/night (I didn't use them). 

Just super easy, super beautiful and a great place to call home for a night or a few. 

Lots of mozzies at night - so use spray or plan to be in your tent/vehicle once the sun goes down.

Kennebec KOA, SD

Next to Bowling Green, Ky KOA this is my least favorite KOA so far. I can see no reason to use this KOA except as a last minute/everything else is full , one night stop. OR ITS HUNTING SEASON.zz There are two “restaurants” in local bars. A cafe that’s open mornings and that’s about it. There is NOTHING here. The staff was very friendly and answered all my questions thoroughly. The park was clean, I would call it more of a parking lot, like so many of the KOA’s and other campgrounds are anymore. This one is definitely a no frills KOA though. The dog square was set off to the side as an afterthought it would appear, with sticker weeds covering about half the small area. No shade whatsoever! If your going to take the time to put up the required fence, etc, you could at least put it in a half way decent area! The tent area seemed to be closed down and there was no playground.

The laundry room and swimming pool were closed due to COVID. The shower was open and CREEPY! It’s amazing to me , I stop at one KOA , no masks everything is open, the next KOA, you can’t use any of their facilities and everyone is in mach one contamination suits. Camping in 2020 has been interesting to say the least!

• Reservations 800-710-2267 or westbend@state.sd.us 
•  GPS 44.17075  -99.72102
•  Sites 120 campsites 4 camping cabins 
• Fees   Daily $8.00 entrance   Annual $36.00 entrance   
• $23.00 electrical campsites (50 avail) 
• $19.00 non electrical
• Open year round Between Oct 1– Apr 30 water systems may be shut down Boat ramp 

Camping Electric Drinking water Showers Flush toilets Pit toilets Picnic shelter Picnic table Grill Swim beach Playground Dump station Fish cleaning station Telephone Camp host Birding Fishing Pull thru Firewood Biking

This campground is mainly used by hunters in the fall. Sites are mostly for small RV’s, trailers, or tents. The park has a lot of mature trees which causes problems with overhanging limbs in the road. One side of the park has younger trees and it is easier for larger rigs to maneuver and there is more of an open feeling. Pads are fairly level. Bathrooms and even the pit toilets are very clean and did not smell, even had hand sanitizer.

Site was well maintained. There are several water sites for great views. There are hiking trails in the park. Camp is set amid the rolling hills showcasing the beautiful crops and ranches of SD.

35 miles southeast of Pierre off SD Highway 34. Nearest town is Harrold, SD

LNT

Better than when you found it

Stay safe Happy travels

Season May 1– Sep 30 Off season Sep 3– May 1 

Fees $18.00 standard electric     $14.00 tent non electric 

Reservations 877-444-6777 or recreation.gov 

Sites  81 campsites electrical (30– 50) 12 campsites non electrical 

PROS Fishing hunting water sports family camping heritage 

CONS Bugs at time Wind 

Sites are pull thru if you are the first, otherwise back in with each rv tail to tail there are some sites that are just back in

 Electric showers dump station boat ramp fish cleaning station courtesy dock picnic shelters picnic table grills disc golf fire ring firewood paved sites pets allowed water horseshoe pit ice 

There are a few gas stations and little shoppets just before the entrance of the park otherwise bring your supplies with you. 

Lake Sharpe was formed by the building of the Oahe Dam and runs 80 miles south of Big Bend Dam at Fort Thompson. The lake encompasses 56,000 acres and offers 200 miles of beautiful shoreline. The Brule Indian Reservation western shore is along Lake Sharpe and the Crow Creek Indian Reservation is along the eastern shore. Hunting fishing and boating of all types provides an abundance of outdoor activities If you want to check out the beauty of this area outside the lake area a beautiful drive is the Native American Scenic Byway. It is 101 miles that will take you to the edge of the bluffs to the river bottom. Watch out for a treasured view of a tribal buffalo herd. 

Fireworks prohibited 

Stop AIS (google for info) DRAIN CLEAN DRY Don’t move firewood 

All Federal lands at Lake Sharpe are governed by regulations in Title 36, Section 327, State, local and Tribal laws apply on Corps of Engineers lands and waters. 

GPS 44.21’26.9999 99.26’21.9998

Good facilities available for use. Perfect views of the river. At the beach there is kayaks and paddle boards available for rent which is the perfect addition to a great campground.

Ok spot for the night, close to the hwy. Free camping on the water! Only has a few actual campsites with tables and fire rings. There is a toilet but no other amenities.

Real nice along the river! It’s really spacious, and the site had everything. A picknick table, fireplace/bbq and full hookup

We stayed just one night and didn't have the opportunity to experience all this campground had to offer. We had a pull-through site in a part of the campground that felt more like a parking lot. The rest of the campground had more trees and space. It's a beautiful area, right on the river. The kids loved the playground and taking an evening dip at the beach. We took a quick drive into town to eat a Upper Crust.

Truly one of my very favorites. Right on the Missouri, with a swimming beach that’s perfect. Spacious spots. Close to the 90. You can stay until 2:00 for an extra $10. Zero downsides.