Best Camping near Garretson, SD

Are you in need of a campground near Garretson, SD? Garretson is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Camping Sites Near Garretson, SD (79)

    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Mounds State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Mounds State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Mounds State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Mounds State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Mounds State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Mounds State Park Campground

    1. Blue Mounds State Park Campground

    46 Reviews
    137 Photos
    142 Saves
    Hardwick, Minnesota
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $20 - $35 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    2. Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    34 Reviews
    62 Photos
    232 Saves
    Brandon, South Dakota
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Palisades State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Palisades State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Palisades State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Palisades State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Palisades State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Palisades State Park Campground

    3. Palisades State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    77 Photos
    191 Saves
    Garretson, South Dakota
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Sioux Falls KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Sioux Falls KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Sioux Falls KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Sioux Falls KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Sioux Falls KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Sioux Falls KOA

    4. Sioux Falls KOA

    26 Reviews
    56 Photos
    83 Saves
    Sioux Falls, South Dakota
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Sioux Falls Yogi Bear
    Camper-submitted photo from Sioux Falls Yogi Bear
    Camper-submitted photo from Sioux Falls Yogi Bear
    Camper-submitted photo from Sioux Falls Yogi Bear
    Camper-submitted photo from Sioux Falls Yogi Bear
    Camper-submitted photo from Sioux Falls Yogi Bear

    5. Sioux Falls Yogi Bear

    19 Reviews
    26 Photos
    47 Saves
    Brandon, South Dakota

    For over 25 years our Family Owned and Operated, Award Winning South Dakota campground and RV Park, has offered some of the best family camping and entertainment in the Sioux Falls, SD region. Our city close and country quiet South Dakota campground is the perfect environment to share fun, family, friends and even some Pic-A-Nic Baskets. We have a list of amenities and planned activities that satisfy any vacation style. Check out our blog for useful tips and also check out campjellystone.com and be sure to visit our onsite corn maze open from Late August to the end of October! Please visit us soon and make your reservation for upcoming weekends and holidays today as the best spots always go first! Whether you are enjoy one of our cabin rentals, RV Sites or camping in a tent spot, you will always find great accommodations, first rate amenities, and fun family activities. Thank you for visiting our site, and we hope to see you soon!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $40 - $200 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Split Rock Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Split Rock Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Split Rock Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Split Rock Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Split Rock Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Split Rock Park

    6. Split Rock Park

    10 Reviews
    21 Photos
    65 Saves
    Garretson, South Dakota
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Vermillion Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Vermillion Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Vermillion Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Vermillion Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Vermillion Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Vermillion Recreation Area

    7. Lake Vermillion Recreation Area

    29 Reviews
    59 Photos
    134 Saves
    Canistota, South Dakota

    A popular destination for boaters, paddlers, and water skiers, Lake Vermillion is a 512-acre artificial reservoir on the East Fork of the Vermillion River. Both the river and the lake are named for the red quartzite stone found along the river’s banks. Lake Vermillion is popular with area anglers for its abundance of walleye, bluegill, crappie, and northern pike. Two boat ramps provide easy access for fishing on the lake, as well as putting in other recreational watercraft. There are plenty of onshore activities at Lake Vermillion as well, with various sports fields, horseshoe pits and a short nature trail, all located within the lake’s camping and picnic areas. The year-round campground at Lake Vermillion, just 30 minutes west of Sioux Falls, features more than 90 tent and RV campsites in three areas, on the northwest and northeast shores of the lake. Most sites are equipped with electrical hookups, and all include picnic tables with sun shades, and fire pits with grills. There are also four rustic, walk-in tent sites, two ADA accessible sites, and seven camping cabins. All camp areas have water faucets, and access to flush restrooms, vault toilets, and showers; a dump station is located near the campground entrance. The West Campground also has a kid’s play area, picnic area, swim beach and fishing dock. Campsite rates are $17–$21/night, plus entrance fee; cabins are $45/night.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $15 - $55 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Tower Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tower Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tower Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tower Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tower Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tower Campground

    8. Tower Campground

    11 Reviews
    11 Photos
    28 Saves
    Sioux Falls, South Dakota
    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Split Rock Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Split Rock Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Split Rock Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Split Rock Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Split Rock Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Split Rock Creek State Park Campground

    9. Split Rock Creek State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    12 Photos
    12 Saves
    Ihlen, Minnesota

    Welcome to the Split Rock Creek State Park! On this journey you'll see a lovely stone bridge spanning Split Rock Creek, enjoy a variety of activities along Split Rock Lake, and marvel at the native prairie flowers visible from the top of picturesque Prairie Hill.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $40 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Magnolia City Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Magnolia City Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Magnolia City Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Magnolia City Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Magnolia City Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Magnolia City Campground

    10. Magnolia City Campground

    6 Reviews
    10 Photos
    33 Saves
    Luverne, Minnesota
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
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Showing results 1-10 of 79 campgrounds

Recent Reviews in Garretson

350 Reviews of 79 Garretson Campgrounds


  • Hans D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Pioneer / Montrose City Campground
    Jan. 29, 2025

    Pioneer / Montrose City Campground

    Local hostility

    I pulled in at 6:00 pm in late January. The park is deserted power and hook ups are off but there are no signs to indicate one way or another. It's dark so I have some food and read a little bit and I hear a car pull up outside. Bang! Somebody kicks or smacks the door of my rig and runs to their car and they take off. I got the message you don't want me here in Montrose. I won't stop in this town again. Cheers

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Mounds State Park Campground
    Jan. 28, 2025

    Blue Mounds State Park Campground

    Nice Park!

    Bathrooms are nice and clean. There's a little free library near the restroom. Layout for getting water and dump station is a little odd as you have to drive through the campground to get to it rather than it being on your way out. Site had a picnic table and fire ring. Firewood is available at the park office. Would love to come back and do some rock climbing here now that I learned there are spots!

  • Vincent B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sioux Falls KOA
    Jan. 9, 2025

    Sioux Falls KOA

    Beautiful property

    We just needed a small spot for the night with our teardrop, they provided a wonderful trailer spot just in time to avoid a really hard rain. Really grateful for these guys!

  • Ken G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Palisades State Park Campground
    Sep. 25, 2024

    Palisades State Park Campground

    beautiful area, clean campsite

    This was a wonderful spot.  Lots of really nice short hikes down by the water which was really beautiful with the cliffs on the water.  Sites were very nice and clean.  We were able to get a site on a Friday night last minute by calling ahead.

  • Jenni C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Olson City Park
    Aug. 15, 2024

    Olson City Park

    Great Spot

    Though we didn’t stay long, this campground was tidy, well marked, and a perfect stop for the night. The campsites were clean, facilities were top notch, and the park and walking path provided a great spot to wear kids out before continuing on.

  • Corey S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Mounds State Park Campground
    Aug. 12, 2024

    Blue Mounds State Park Campground

    Terrific Campground

    Peaceful and serene, great site.  Was able to walk around before the sun went down and listen to the Bison, wasn't able to see them but we could hear them.  Sites were great and amenities were clean and spacious.

  • Carolyn M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Split Rock Park
    Aug. 11, 2024

    Split Rock Park

    Beautiful Scenery, Clean Park

    This place is so cool! The falls was constructed during the Great Depression by the WPA, and the visitors center is made from the same pink quartz that lines the river. Really cool kayaking into Devils Gulch and up the Split Rock Creek. Will return to this nicely kept State Park. Gas station in town is quaint but has a public restroom and some basic supplies. Really lovely town. Falls lull you to sleep at night and the trains passing by are really neat to hear. Trains will go by till around midnight.

  • E
    Camper-submitted photo from Gunderson Park
    Aug. 10, 2024

    Gunderson Park

    Great Simple Free Spot!

    I found this on Campendium and google maps. It's a great little free park where you basically just park wherever. No designated spots, just park in the grass. The grass was not overgrown or anything, and there's a great little paved path that leads into town. Verizon cell service was pretty good and the park itself wasn't too crowded either. I imagine that the local county maintains it. Also tons of mulberry trees around! And be sure to go into town and pick up a breakfast sandwich and some donuts in the morning, it's a lovely walk in.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Palisades State Park Campground
    Aug. 3, 2024

    Palisades State Park Campground

    New King section open in Palisades

    Totally new entrance with easy access to new section that will handle larger RVs with toads. Open area with no shade but easy placement for satellite reception on RV or ground. New hard surface roads with gravel sites.

  • Bibs O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Parker RV Campground
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Parker RV Campground

    Next to busy roadway. Nice stop over.

    This is a very nice stop over. Sites 1 - 4 have water, electric (50, 30, 15 amp) and sewer. Those sites go for $25.00 per day. Dotes 5 - 6 are electric only and are infill sun. Site 7 is electric but has a sewer site as well. Shade found in sites 1 - 4. It is best to call ahead and make reservations. This campground stays busy.

  • Bibs O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Viborg City Campground
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Viborg City Campground

    Great one night lay over.

    This is a 3 site campground. 7 day maximum stay. No water, no garbage. 30 - 15 amp service only. Sites 1 and 2 are shaded until mid afternoon. Site 1 is shaded late afternoon. Locals bring their dogs out to "run." They don't pick up after, so watch your step. We are ¼ mile from highway and semi's Jake break a good deal, so it's quite until they go through. For a one lighter, this is a good cheap place to stop.

  • Bibs O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Peder Larsen City Park
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Peder Larsen City Park

    Busy local drive-through.

    They have just recently added 4 more sites. Sites hVe 50 - 30 - 15 amp connections. Bathrooms ate across the playground. Showers at the swimming pool. Picnic house (open) has 15, 110 outlets. Site 3 offers most sun protection. The rest of the sites are sunny all day. Playground is very large for such a small village. Disk golf is also found here.

  • Dave K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Island Park - Rock Rapids
    Jul. 24, 2024

    Island Park - Rock Rapids

    Campground Currently Closed

    Drove over tonight excited for my stay at this neat looking park. Unfortunately it appears that the June 2024 flood damaged the campground and it’s currently closed for repair.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Split Rock Creek State Park Campground
    Jul. 19, 2024

    Split Rock Creek State Park Campground

    Small peaceful campground

    Nice peaceful campground with large sites nicely spaced apart for privacy. We stayed in #6 (non-electric but there are lots of electric sites.) Cleanest pit toilet ever with many amenities!! Mirror, shelf, hooks, hand sanitizer, garbage can, reading material on wall listing ‘things to do’!! Showers clean too with plenty of warm water. Saw some fireflies, no mosquitoes!! We had a very pleasant one night stay.

  • Nathan L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux
    Jul. 18, 2024

    Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    Nice little nook with lots of cover!

    This campsite was great! We had a tent site, number 24, and it was tucked into the woods but still close to the parking lot!

    The neighboring sites are far enough away where you still have privacy but if you had two next to each other with a large group it could still function as one. Beautiful hiking trails, play grounds, disc golf, volleyball net, and so much more. Also, the lady at the front was cute as a button!

    Highly recommend!

  • Jessie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux
    Jul. 16, 2024

    Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    Fun and relaxing

    We booked this site last minute as we needed a place to stop for the night. The website was pretty easy to use to book the site. The ranger at the station was super friendly and helpful. Our camp site is beautiful and there is plenty of room. There are lots of trails here, so I got a good run in. My husband biked over to Brandon to get a good ride. There is a sweet disc golf course too! I’m mad I didn’t bring my discs!

  • Bibs O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Heib Memorial Park
    Jul. 2, 2024

    Heib Memorial Park

    Free location

    This place is great. Water available. 15, 30 amp service for free. Location is in city limits. No dump site. Great stop over location. Nearby traffic can seem heavy at times.

  • Bibs O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Gunderson Park
    Jul. 2, 2024

    Gunderson Park

    Up to 14 days free camping

    CAMPING IS NOW ONLY ALLOWED BETWEEN MEMORIAL DAY THROUGH LABOR DAY. NO WINTER CAMPING IS ALLOWED ANY LONGER.

    Gunderson Park is a nice little boondocking location just ½ mile from the downtown area of Centerville. They have 2 fire pit locations, but, after speaking with the official at city hall we found out you can camp pretty much anywhere in the park you would like.

    It is free to camp here, you can stay virtually as long as you wish to according to that same official. There are no hook-ups. No bathroom facilities. No picnic tables. No playground for children. You may fish with a South Dakota license in the lazy rolling Vermillion River that skirts the park on 3 sides. They have a cement boat ramp. I will say when we stayed there the river was so low you would have had great difficulties getting a boat launched. On the west side of the park there are park benches at the beginning (or end of the walk depending on your start location) with a cemented walk way along the road to the park and the Vermillion River. It runs close to a quarter mile long with benches about half way through the walk. The city keeps this park mowed during the summer months. This is an old old park dating back to 1800's. The trees are massive and just as old providing beautiful shade. There are remnants of old stone items remaing in the park, grape vine thingy, a stone fireplace and pillars. Our stay favored us with Bald Eagle sightings. 2 hung around the trees on the other side of the river in full view, it was wonderful.

    At the city park you can dump your tanks. We didn't need to so we didn't visit this location. At the four way stop sign located at the center of the town, turn west, travel one block and on the south side of the street you will find city hall. There they will tell you how to find the dump site.

    This seems to be a favorite location for locals to drive through. Sometimes we found traffic through the park on the heavy side but most of the time very quiet. People are small town friendly. Population is around 900 people. Town has a grocery store, convenience store, bank, medical clinic, pharmacy, restaurant, bowling alley, auto parts store, bakery and other businesses. We noticed 4 churches in our drive around the town. At the city park they have a community swimming pool, Frisbee golf, 2 ball diamonds, tennis courts, playground equipment, volleyball courts, 2 picnic house areas and a location for 4 RV campsites with electrical plug ins [2 50 amp and 2 30 amp) for $10.00 a night with limited stay.

  • Ila R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Split Rock Park
    Jun. 12, 2024

    Split Rock Park

    No showers/toilets

    It is a beautiful little park. Good place for kayaking or fishing. I was just there to camp. The park is small. There are no showers or toilets, just outhouses, and they were a good distance for me to walk being disabled. If you have T-Mobile, there is absolutely NO service.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pioneer / Montrose City Campground
    Jun. 3, 2024

    Pioneer / Montrose City Campground

    Clean but bad water

    It was an easy drive -thru . Well kept up . But the water is bad there . We use a filter on our water hose . It still messed up our faucets and toilet. Inside the filter was a bunch of black stuff in it . We had problems with the toilet for the rest of our 2 week trip . Don't think I would stay there again.


Guide to Garretson

Camping near Garretson, South Dakota, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Palisades State Park Campground. "There is plenty of hiking and it is only about 30 min from Sioux Falls," said a camper who enjoyed the park's natural beauty.
  • Wildlife Viewing: Visit Blue Mounds State Park Campground for a chance to see bison. One visitor shared, "We lucked out because the buffalo were close to the ranger station."
  • Fishing and Swimming: At Lake Vermillion Recreation Area, you can enjoy fishing and swimming. A camper noted, "The lake had a great beach, fishing pier, and picnic area."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Big Sioux Recreation Area mentioned, "Bathrooms exceptionally clean. Showers great."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A visitor at Newton Hills Campground said, "Beautiful, quiet, shaded, level sites with plenty of space between."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Families enjoy the amenities at Sioux Falls Yogi Bear. One parent remarked, "It was an absolute blast for our kids with plenty of activities to keep them entertained."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby highways. A camper at Sioux Falls KOA noted, "Lots of noise since it’s off the highway."
  • Limited Privacy: Many sites are close together, which can affect privacy. A reviewer at Oak Woods Campground mentioned, "When this campground is full you have zero privacy."
  • Seasonal Amenities: Some facilities may not be available year-round. A visitor at Lake Vermillion Recreation Area pointed out, "In season there are recreational rentals (canoes, kayaks, etc.), but we were a little too early for them to be available."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. At Yogi Bear Campground, one parent said, "Great pool and kid activities."
  • Plan for Noise: If your family needs quiet, consider visiting during the week. A camper at Shady Grove Campground mentioned, "Highway noise was very very loud."
  • Pack Outdoor Games: Bring along games for the kids to play outside. A visitor at Big Sioux Recreation Area enjoyed the playgrounds and disc golf.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Dakota Sunsets RV Park noted, "The site was more than long enough for our 39’ 5th Wheel."
  • Be Prepared for Bugs: Bring insect repellent, especially in warmer months. A camper at Camp America Campground mentioned, "The flies were definitely out."
  • Use Local Resources: Ask campground staff for recommendations on nearby attractions. A visitor at Newton Hills Campground appreciated the local tips from the owners.

Camping near Garretson, South Dakota, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some unforgettable memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular campground near Garretson, SD?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Garretson, SD is Blue Mounds State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 46 reviews.

  • What parks are near Garretson, SD?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 0 parks near Garretson, SD that allow camping, notably Saylorville Lake and Conestoga Lake.