Snake Creek Recreation Area north of Platte provides 95 campsites with a fishing pond, playground, and hiking trails. During summer months, water temperatures in Lake Francis Case reach 75-80°F, creating favorable conditions for swimming and boating. South Dakota campgrounds maintain power service throughout winter while water systems often shut down after October 1.
What to do
Swimming at beaches: Snake Creek Recreation Area maintains a designated beach area with gradual entry points for water access. "The beach area is quite rocky but water was refreshing and we still enjoyed our time swimming and playing," reports one camper who appreciated the natural shoreline despite some minor drawbacks.
Paddle boarding: The Missouri River provides flat water perfect for stand-up paddle boarding between state recreation areas. One visitor at North Point Recreation Area shared their experience: "Kinda cool to say you SUP'd from South Dakota to Nebraska with a beer on the board."
Bird watching: Winter months bring bald eagles to observation points along Lake Francis Case shorelines. South Shore Lakeside Use Area offers prime viewing locations from November through March. "Enjoy watching the bald Eagles during the winter months," notes a visitor who appreciated the wildlife viewing opportunities.
What campers like
Quiet camping options: South Shore Lakeside Use Area provides primitive campsites with fewer visitors than larger recreation areas. "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," shares a camper who visited twice and found themselves alone both times.
Spacious waterfront sites: Campgrounds along the Missouri River feature sites with direct water access and adequate spacing. A visitor at Pease Creek Recreation Area noted: "A wooded campground, about .25 mile walk/drive to the river. Clean bathrooms and vault toilets. Nice shoreline to stroll along with dogs."
Clean facilities: Bathroom maintenance receives consistent positive feedback across recreation areas. "Clean bathrooms and showers, water provided so it worked out good anyways," mentioned one camper at Pease Creek, while another at Snake Creek stated, "Bathrooms and showers kept very clean."
What you should know
Limited groceries: The rural setting means shopping options are restricted. "The area is rural and shopping can be difficult. I suggest buying local when possible but stock up before you arrive," advises one camper about South Shore.
Payment methods: Some smaller campgrounds and RV parks require cash payment. At Oregon Trail RV Park in Atkinson, "Credit cards not accepted, cash and check allowed," according to a reviewer who stayed there.
Wildlife awareness: Local wildlife includes mountain lions in some areas. A camper at Pease Creek Recreation Area reported: "Saw mountain lion tracks along shore..." indicating the importance of proper food storage and awareness when hiking trails.
Road conditions: Access roads to some recreation areas require careful navigation. "The road in is a very narrow country road meaning the camp and road are better suited for smaller rigs," explains a visitor describing routes to Pease Creek.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: White Lake Lodge & RV Campground offers proximity to additional recreation facilities. "Across the street from a spectacular city playground/swimming pool," notes one visitor who appreciated these amenities for children.
Kid-friendly fishing: Several campgrounds maintain dedicated fishing areas for younger anglers. Snake Creek Recreation Area provides a kids fishing pond separate from the main waterway, with one visitor highlighting "playground area, hiking trails, kids fishing pond and beach area."
Beach activities: Gravel beaches with gradual slopes provide safer swimming areas for children. "Swimming in the Missouri was amazing! Very pretty area," shared a camper who stayed at Snake Creek with their family.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Prepare with blocks for uneven terrain at some sites. "Gravel mound on lots of sites so it was a bit tricky to back in and level but we managed," reports a camper at Snake Creek Recreation Area.
Site selection strategy: When making reservations for rv camping near Fairfax, South Dakota, check specific site dimensions. "When you are making reservations check site size because there are different lengths," advises a North Point visitor, noting the importance of confirming your rig will fit before arrival.
Winter camping considerations: For year-round RV camping near Fairfax, South Dakota, electric hookups remain operational while water systems close. "We were here from December 08 through 12, 2024. Bathrooms and showers, along with water faucets, are all shut down for the season," explains a winter visitor at Hidden Gem Campground who appreciated the maintained electrical service despite seasonal closures.
