Farm Island State Recreation Area offers campers riverfront sites with access to the Missouri River. Sites feature electrical hookups and well-maintained facilities. The recreation area spans approximately 1,300 acres with hiking trails, beach areas, and boat ramps. Temperatures in summer often reach above 90°F, while winters drop well below freezing.
What to do
Water activities at Farm Island State Recreation Area: Visitors can rent canoes, paddleboards, and handbikes for recreation on the Missouri River. "This beautiful campground has rentals galore! Handbikes, canoes, paddleboards, so much fun!!! Plus a well maintained beach and facilities and an awesome staff!" noted Kathy P. about Farm Island State Recreation Area.
Eagle watching at Oahe Downstream: Wildlife observation opportunities abound, particularly for bird enthusiasts. "The bird watching is wonderful here and the Bald Eagles will put on a show for you. The area is picture perfect," shares Shannon G. at Oahe Downstream Recreation Area.
Fishing at Richland Reservoir: Anglers can catch various fish species in this quiet reservoir setting. "Good fishing here, also!" reports Caleb C. about the reservoir. The site offers vault toilets and open camping areas near the water.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise the well-maintained restrooms across the area's campgrounds. At River View RV Park, Mary D. found "Large, spotlessly clean bathrooms. Helpful and friendly owners."
River views: The Missouri River provides scenic backdrops at multiple campgrounds. At Fischers Lilly Park, one camper noted it has "Sites right on the river, and contrary to the previous reviewer we found some of them near the entrance to be exceedingly spacious, including ours #12."
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer room to spread out. Laura K. appreciated Farm Island's layout: "Very roomy sites so you're not right on top of each other. Camped along the river- fishing/swimming access right from the campsite."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Fort Pierre experiences significant temperature variations. Summers can be hot and windy while spring brings storms. "We arrived on a hot windy day, parked against the trees as wind protection and unfolded the awnings for shade. Around sunset some storms rolled by and the wind kicked up something fierce!" reported a camper at Richland reservoir dispersed camping.
Reservation systems: Some campgrounds require advance booking while others operate on first-come, first-served basis. Griffin Park's sites are available without reservations, with payment collected via an honor system box.
Site services: Utility hookups vary significantly between campgrounds. Most offer electric, but water access differs. At Cow Creek State Rec Area, campers noted the "bathrooms are updated, clean and well maintained" despite limited amenities.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access at Farm Island: Children enjoy swimming areas with gentle shorelines. Lydia F. recommends: "I feel like this would be the perfect stop for families! I only wish we could have spent a few more nights so that we could enjoy the beach."
Playground equipment: Multiple campgrounds include recreational facilities for children. Describing Griffin Park, a visitor mentioned: "There are RV and tent sites, a dump station, water fill up, bathrooms, and even a park."
Recreation rentals: Family-friendly equipment rentals make activities accessible without bringing everything. Daniel K. noted Farm Island offers "Kayak rentals. Playground and beach area. Bike paths."
Tips from RVers
Seasonal pricing variations: Griffin Park adjusts rates based on time of year. During May-October, sites cost $25 nightly, dropping to $10 in winter months.
Hookup specifics: Many campgrounds offer partial hookups with electric but limited water access. At Fischers Lilly Park, Doug E. found "The location is right on the River and convenient to town... Campground is small and basic, but we've paid a lot more for a lot less. $15 for water, electric and dump station."
Dog friendly campgrounds near Fort Pierre: Most area campgrounds welcome pets with standard leash requirements. The pet-welcoming facilities extend to both public recreation areas and private RV parks. Many dog owners appreciate the Lewis and Clark Trail for exercising their pets near several campgrounds.
