Along the Missouri River and Lake Francis Case, camping locations near Fairfax, South Dakota offer options within a region that receives about 22 inches of annual precipitation, most falling between April and August. The area sits at approximately 1,800 feet elevation with moderate hills and river valleys. Summer temperatures average in the mid-80s with winter lows often below freezing, and high winds are common year-round due to the open landscape.
What to do
Boating activities: North Point Recreation Area provides excellent access to Lake Francis Case with a well-maintained boat ramp. "Beautiful and peaceful setting on the Missouri River. If you pick a site on the water (as we did) you can enjoy a beautiful sunset over the Missouri River and the rolling hills of the southern shore," notes a visitor to North Point Recreation Area.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple species are available in Lake Francis Case. A camper at South Scalp Creek Recreation Area mentioned, "Needed a camping spot for some hunting I was doing in the area. This worked great. Had good spots for pitching a tent and had fire rings for a camp fire. Vault toilets were located in the camping area as well."
Wildlife viewing: The region hosts significant bird migration and resident wildlife. "We were delighted with the company of 4 Bald Eagles. Hundreds of migrating Canadian Geese. Walking paths are available along with a boat ramp down the hill," reports a winter visitor to Pease Creek Recreation Area.
What campers like
Waterfront campsites: Direct access to the Missouri River is highly valued by visitors. "We stayed in site 9 and enjoyed the shelter all the trees provided. Wind was 24 mph gusts hit 45 mph and didn't affect us at all," noted one camper about their experience at Pease Creek Recreation Area.
Uncrowded primitive areas: Some campers prefer the less developed sites for their solitude. At South Shore Lakeside Use Area, a visitor observed, "This is an underrated campground. It's got one pit toilet, clean, no hookups so no RVs, except me, a great view from any site, and, most of all not crowded."
Shaded sites: Many campgrounds offer tree cover for protection from sun and wind. "Most sites have some shade as well, which was a pleasant surprise for the area. Although the park was full when we visited (July) we had plenty of space on either side of us," according to a North Point Recreation Area camper.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Water and bathroom facilities close during cold months. One camper at Randall Creek Recreation Area observed, "It is expensive in that you have to pay the same price OFF SEASON as you do regular season. You don't get water, flush toilets, showers, or clean pit toilets, but you pay for it as if you do."
Limited services: The rural setting means planning ahead for supplies. "Town is not nearby so fuel up and stock up before driving out!" advises a Pease Creek visitor. Another mentions, "The area is rural and shopping can be difficult. I suggest buying local when possible but stock up before you arrive."
Road conditions: Some campgrounds require travel on unpaved roads. "The road in is a very narrow country road meaning the camp and road are better suited for smaller rigs," notes a Pease Creek visitor about accessing this campsite near Fairfax, South Dakota.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming areas: Several recreation areas maintain designated beach areas for safe swimming. "Campground was empty showers hot, rest rooms clean and stocked will come here again," reports a visitor to Pease Creek, while another camper at Snake Creek Recreation Area added, "Beach is quite rocky but water was refreshing and we still enjoyed our time swimming and playing."
Playground facilities: Multiple campgrounds include play equipment for children. "Clean bathrooms, playground area, hiking trails, kids fishing pond and beach area," mentions a Snake Creek camper. Another visitor noted the "small playground for children" at Pease Creek.
Educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing provides learning experiences for children. "The eagles roost area in the park is a designated National Natural Landmark. Many bald eagles winter below the dam and catch their fish in the lake," explains a visitor describing Randall Creek Recreation Area.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose campsites that accommodate your specific vehicle size. At North Wheeler Recreation Area, a camper noted, "The site pad were laid out well. We had a picnic table. And a fire pit." At Snake Creek, another RVer mentioned, "The sites are good size like I would expect in a state park. It's all paved and quiet at night. The dump station is easy to use and clean."
Leveling considerations: Some campgrounds have uneven sites requiring equipment. "Gravel mound on lots of sites so it was a bit tricky to back in and level but we managed," explains a Snake Creek visitor.
Electric service quality: Most area campgrounds offer reliable power sources. "50 - 30 - 20 amp service with no errors at the electric box," reports a Pease Creek camper, while at Spencer Park Fairgrounds, visitors can expect "power, water and a nearby dump station."
