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Horse Campground at Oakwood Lakes State Park provides basic facilities for equestrians near Dell Rapids, South Dakota. The campground features drinking water, picnic tables, and toilet facilities. Reservable cabins offer the primary accommodation option, though the area also supports big rigs. The campground maintains primitive toilet facilities without showers or electric hookups. Fires are permitted with trash disposal available on-site. Water access for horses must be planned as hookups are not provided. The campground earned a perfect 5-star rating from visitors who appreciated its accommodation of both riders and their horses.
Trail access is available from the campground for day rides around Oakwood Lakes. Located approximately 47 miles northwest of Dell Rapids, this facility offers horse owners a dedicated area separate from standard camping. The campground does not feature horse corrals, requiring equestrians to bring portable containment systems. Pets are permitted alongside horses, allowing families to bring all their animals. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak riding seasons. The rustic nature of the facility appeals to riders seeking a more primitive camping experience with their horses. Drive-in access accommodates horse trailers with sufficient parking areas for rigs of various sizes.
"South Dakota State Park, Brandon SD. Great stop. We spent 2 days. Very nice campground with lots to do and see. Big spacious sites ours backed up to the bike path and river."
"They have nice long paved trails for walking and biking. We got to walk our dogs on it to avoid tick contact from the grassy trails. There was a cool suspension bridge that was fun to walk on."
"Convenient location to a lot of attractions, stores, and restaurants. Can camp during events. Huge area."
from $50 / night
Check Availability"I had an amazing time at Newton Hills Campground in South Dakota with my family and young children."
"Love this place very close to the major city of anything is needed. Nature and trails all around, lake for fishing and swimming, love to come out during the summer with the dogs!"
"In true, South Dakota fashion, I think it's pretty expensive."
"Walking trails in grass or gravel. Three walkways down to the water’s edge with one being a large swimming area. Boating is permitted as well."
from $22 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $25 / night
GuideWe stayed here one night and got to experience some South Dakota wind rocking our camper during the night. The bathrooms are huge and very clean but someone left dirty diapers in trash and by morning the smell was rough. Area along fence borders highway with much closer sites and road noise. We opted for area on grass near arena.
GuideI had an amazing time at Newton Hills Campground in South Dakota with my family and young children. The spacious and clean facilities provided the perfect backdrop for our outdoor getaway, offering a blend of adventure and relaxation away from the city. The kids had a blast exploring the natural surroundings and participating in the family-friendly activities. This campground is a true gem for those seeking a wholesome outdoor experience.
TravelerSouth Dakota State Park, Brandon SD. Great stop. We spent 2 days. Very nice campground with lots to do and see. Big spacious sites ours backed up to the bike path and river. New bathhouse entire park was very clean. About half hour to Sioux Falls. Worth the trip to see the Falls and the bike/hike trail around the city.
GuideSuch a nice campground. Nice big shady trees and manicured lawns. They sell campfire wood for 6$ a bundle on site so we had some great campfires going. They have nice long paved trails for walking and biking. We got to walk our dogs on it to avoid tick contact from the grassy trails. There was a cool suspension bridge that was fun to walk on. The showers were very nice and hot without a lot of traffic.
There is no sewage hookup or water hook ups. They do that 50/30 amp sites available. There is a dump station right at the entrance to dump when you leave and it also has a separate fresh water station if you want to fill up right when you get there so youre not traveling with a bunch of water in your tank.
It was a great campground and the falls were close by and palisades state park was also in the area with a nice hike.
There is an extra $8 car fee per night that you have to pay on top of any camping fees. If you are staying longer than 5 days it better to just get the annual parking pass for $32, which would cover parking for all state parks and recreation areas in SD.
They have great discounts if you are a veteran and south dakota resident.
LegendWe stayed in spot number 2 back hidden under the trees. Because the wind was so bad. Early season, bathrooms are closed, so pit toilets were open. Very pretty very nicely well maintained park. In true, South Dakota fashion, I think it's pretty expensive. It's forty dollars for a spot with electric only if you're from out of state and you still need to pay your park entrance fee on top of that if you don't have a state parks pass.
TravelerBeautiful campground! Sites are well spaced. Lots of trees for great shade in the hot summer. Very nice bathroom and shower house. Easy drive in to Sioux Falls. Several trails around the park. This was our final stop on our South Dakota trip. It was a wonderful and restful campground for us. After we arrived, Park staff came around and shared maps and info on things to do in the area. The first night a storm rolled through and the host drove thru and knocked on doors to check on people and let them know where shelter was just in case. Definitely will keep this campground on our list for future trips.
GuideI spent the night here and had to pay the entrance fee to the park as well as the camping fee for my tentsite. They had only a few tentsites available amid all the RV sites, but they were right on the edge of the playground, so the families had to walk right through my campsite to get to the play area. Not too big a deal as no one wanted to use the play area at night while I was sleeping, but still. I also looked over at the power lines. There was a flush toilet facility close by but there was a very bright light on all night. Good for families needing to navigate in the dark but not wonderful if you like sleeping in darkness. And though I was told that quiet hours began at 10PM, the site next to me was quite loud through the trees until at least midnight so the quiet hours are not enforced. Meh. I don't think I'll be going back.
ScoutIt was okay for an overnight, The sites are nice, plenty of shade. It was crowded the night I was there but quiet. It's a strange place in that it is on the edge of suburbia, located right next to an apartment housing development. If you like proximity to services, restaurants, etc. It would be a good stop. It would be great if you were visiting family/friends in the area, easy to get to. Just not what I was looking for.
TravelerWe stayed here in a travel trailer. The site was level with lots of shade and grass. Spacious sites,not too close. Our site was along the river but it wasn't easy to access the water from our site. The biking, walking trail was great! Lots of bugs and mosquitoes. It was very quiet here, and the rangers were really nice. We had electricity and could access water close by. Only a long drop toilet nearby, but there were bath houses. There was firewood for sale at the entrance.
Horse Campground at Oakwood Lakes State Park serves equestrian campers approximately 47 miles northwest of Dell Rapids, South Dakota. Located at 4,600 feet elevation, the area sits within the glacial lakes region with terrain characterized by rolling prairie and scattered woodlands. The campground maintains a strict separation between equestrian and standard camping areas, providing dedicated facilities for horse owners.
Trail riding at Oakwood Lakes: Riders can access day trails directly from the campground that loop around Oakwood Lakes. The park features multiple interconnected trails suited for various skill levels. "This beautiful park has something for everyone. If you enjoy water activities, spend some time at Lake Lakota swimming, kayaking, fishing, or just relaxing! If land is more your style, enjoy the multiple hiking trails," notes a visitor at Newton Hills State Park.
Visit De Smet historical sites: Located within 25 miles of Lake Thompson Recreation Area, equestrians can trailer their horses for day trips to explore the Laura Ingalls Wilder homestead area. "For history buffs, campground is less than 10 miles from the Laura Ingalls Wilder homestead and De Smet," explains a camper from Lake Thompson Recreation Area.
Frisbee golf and beach access: When not riding, campers can enjoy the park's additional recreational facilities. A visitor at Horse Campground mentions, "Also a nice frisbee, golf course and great beach access. Also not real expensive but you do need a park pass and they do charge out of stators $10 more for campsites."
Spacious, clean facilities: Equestrian campers appreciate the well-maintained facilities at Horse Campground. "The bathrooms and showers were very clean. Also, the campsites are very clean beach areas and boat ramps were very clean," notes a visitor at Horse Campground.
Peace and quiet during weekdays: For those seeking a less crowded experience, midweek camping provides a more serene environment. A visitor at Newton Hills Campground shares, "Quiet spot weekdays. Site is beautiful. Many campsites are almost full sun—so have your shade structure ready. Evenings very peaceful."
Water access for recreation: Beyond equestrian activities, the nearby lakes offer additional recreational opportunities. "Three walkways down to the water's edge with one being a large swimming area. Boating is permitted as well," explains a visitor describing the amenities at Lake Thompson Recreation Area.
Portable containment required: Since the Horse Campground doesn't offer permanent corrals, equestrians must bring their own portable containment systems for their horses.
Bug protection essential: The lakeside location can mean increased insect activity during certain seasons. "Be sure to use bug spray as mosquitoes were all over- maybe due to wet weather," advises a camper at Lake Thompson Recreation Area.
Park pass requirements: Access to the state park requires the purchase of a daily or annual pass in addition to camping fees. "You do need a park pass and they do charge out of stators $10 more for campsites but at the end of the day very nice and well worth it," explains a visitor at Horse Campground.
Multiple recreation options: The combination of riding trails and water access makes this location ideal for families with varied interests. "I had an amazing time at Newton Hills Campground in South Dakota with my family and young children. The spacious and clean facilities provided the perfect backdrop for our outdoor getaway, offering a blend of adventure and relaxation away from the city," shares a visitor at Newton Hills State Park.
Full sun exposure: Some sites receive substantial direct sunlight, so prepare accordingly. "Many campsites are almost full sun—so have your shade structure ready," warns a camper at Newton Hills Campground.
Educational opportunities: The area offers both natural and historical learning experiences for children. "The kids had a blast exploring the natural surroundings and participating in the family-friendly activities," notes a family visitor at Newton Hills Campground.
Water access planning: Since horse camping sites don't offer water hookups, RVers should fill tanks before setting up. "There are 4 dump stations near the campground entrance with multiple fresh water hookups around the campground," explains a visitor at Big Sioux Recreation Area.
Site selection considerations: When selecting a site, consider proximity to amenities versus privacy. "Our site was nice, level, spacious, and had plenty of grass coverage (instead of dirt). Bugs were a pain but not much you can do about that," shares an RVer at Big Sioux Recreation Area.
Weekday arrival recommended: For a quieter equestrian camping experience with better site selection, plan midweek arrivals. "Staying here mid-week and there are few campers here," notes a visitor at Lake Thompson Recreation Area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Dell Rapids, SD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Dell Rapids, SD is Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux with a 4.5-star rating from 38 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Dell Rapids, SD?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Dell Rapids, SD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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