Oahe Downstream Recreation Area features two distinct campgrounds near Fort Pierre with differing terrain and amenities. Campground 2 sits closer to the Missouri River at 44.43 degrees latitude and has cooler temperatures due to its riverside location. The area operates seasonally from April 1 through November 15, with most facilities closing during winter months due to South Dakota's harsh weather conditions.
What to do
Explore local wildlife trails: Several hiking paths through Big Pines offer opportunities to spot wild turkeys and other wildlife. "We saw hot air balloons over head in the morning with some friendly wild turkeys walking through," notes a camper who visited Big Pines.
Visit the butterfly garden: The tagged butterfly program at Oahe Downstream Recreation Area provides an interactive nature experience. According to one visitor at Oahe Downstream Recreation Area: "On our way out, we stopped at the butterfly/flower garden where a park staff was tagging butterflies. We got to join in the fun - was such a cool experience for both my son & me!"
Play disc golf: The 18-hole disc golf course at Oahe Downstream provides recreational options beyond water activities. "They have a 18 hole Disc Golf coarse. Bring your bikes because you can ride to the trailrace area or around the campgrounds," shares a frequent visitor.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campground maintenance receives consistent praise from visitors. "Nice, well kept campgrounds with playground & good places for the kids to run/explore," writes a reviewer at Oahe Downstream Recreation Area.
Peaceful atmosphere: The natural environment creates a quiet camping experience even when sites are full. A visitor at Big Pines observed: "The camp was very full when we were there but oddly very quiet. The breeze blowing through the pine trees was very peaceful and relaxing."
Fall camping: The shoulder season provides unique experiences with fewer crowds. "If you love to camp in the fall this is the place beautiful foliage and always quiet," reports a regular camper at Oahe Downstream.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Natural events can affect camping comfort during certain weeks. "We couldn't control nature but the cottonwoods were dropping their seed pods and they were sticking to everything, including in between my dogs pads of their feet and it was hard and painful to remove them. Just 1 week and it would have not been a problem," advises a visitor at Oahe Downstream Recreation Area.
Yurt camping options: Fort Pierre, South Dakota yurt accommodations at Big Pines provide a glamping experience with utilities included. A recent visitor noted: "Great sites with room to breathe. Beautiful treed area. Staff is awesome. Clean bathrooms."
River access logistics: Access to the Missouri River requires short drives from some campgrounds. "You can also access the river via a 10 minute drive down to the docks and there is a restaurant very close by," explains a camper who stayed at Little Bend RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Bring bikes: The flat terrain around campgrounds provides excellent biking opportunities for children. One visitor recommends: "Lots of things to enjoy if you have kids or even Teens. Bring your bikes because you can ride to the trailrace area or around the campgrounds."
Consider campground location: Temperature variations exist between camping areas. "We have camped in both Campgrounds. Campground #2 is closer to the river so it feels much cooler than Campground 1," notes a visitor at New Frontier RV Campground.
Utilize delivery services: Some campgrounds offer convenience services to enhance family camping. "I also liked the delivery service they offer, so as we packed our lunch for the day, they brought us ice," shares a first-time visitor at Big Pines.
Tips from RVers
Electrical hookup considerations: Most sites provide electrical connections but limited full-hookup options. A visitor at American Inn & RV Park notes: "It was $30 and close to the highway. Plus only had 3 other campers. Not very level on any of the sites."
Spacing between sites: The layout at some campgrounds creates shared common areas. "As we were traveling with another couple, they gave our friends site 4, which pulled in the opposite way so our doors faced each other across a nice sized yard area," explains a camper at New Frontier RV Campground.
Technical assistance: Staff at some campgrounds provide practical help for less experienced RVers. "I also had lots of questions as a first time camper puller and they were helpful, gave us an easy back in site and made it work for our little family group," reports a visitor at Big Pines.
