Palisades State Park Campground offers diverse camping options beyond glamping, including traditional tent sites, RV spots, and cabins. Located in eastern South Dakota at an elevation of 1,475 feet, the park encompasses 157 acres featuring dramatic quartzite rock formations that date back 1.2 billion years. Camping availability spans the spring through fall season, with varying amenities depending on the selected accommodation type.
What to do
Hiking through quartzite formations: The distinctive pink quartzite formations create unique hiking terrain throughout the park. "Gorgeous quartzite formations make for some great climbing. It's a really small park which is both good and bad. The trails aren't very long, but it's not usually overcrowded," notes Jessica B. from Palisades State Park Campground.
Swimming and water activities: Many area campgrounds provide access to lakes and rivers for cooling off during summer months. At Big Sioux Recreation Area, campers can enjoy "lots of trails for hiking" while being "pretty sure swimming and kayaking" are available, according to Clarke N., who visited in early spring when "water was too cold to swim."
Frisbee golf courses: Some local campgrounds offer recreational facilities beyond hiking trails. "They do have a Frisbee golf course," notes Tyson K., who stayed at Big Sioux Recreation Area. The course provides an alternative outdoor activity for campers seeking variety in their recreation options.
Wildlife viewing: The region supports diverse wildlife populations visible from many campgrounds. MickandKarla W. enjoyed their stay at Lake Vermillion Recreation Area where "spring was coming alive with gobbling turkeys and cackling pheasants; we even got a show from a strutting tom turkey."
What campers like
Spacious, well-maintained sites: Campers frequently comment on the quality of campsites in the Garretson area. "South Dakota is known for its well-maintained state park campgrounds, and this area offers two great options: King and Queen," explains Tim R. about Lake Vermillion Recreation Area. "Queen is nestled in a wooded area with limited visibility to the sky, offering a more secluded experience. In contrast, King, a recently built campground, sits on the prairie and provides beautiful views of Split Rock Creek."
Clean facilities: The attention to maintenance extends to restrooms and showers. Wilanrie B., who stayed at Palisades State Park Campground, shares: "The bathrooms and showers were okay and the people were very nice. It was my first time ever pulling and backing up a camper and I was struggling and one of the park rangers came and helped me."
Campground atmosphere: Many visitors appreciate the peaceful settings available at local campgrounds. "This is a sweet little tucked away oasis near Sioux Falls featuring trails, bluffs and climbing options. Great views and clean camp sites," notes Jennifer S. about the camping experience at Palisades.
Yurt camping options: For those seeking unique accommodations near Garretson, South Dakota, yurt camping provides a comfortable middle ground between tent camping and cabins. Blue Mounds State Park Campground offers yurt options among its accommodation types, giving visitors an alternative way to experience the natural surroundings.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the area require advance reservations, especially during peak season. Donna T. notes about Palisades State Park Campground: "Overpriced, no water hookup at electric site and do dump station. Friendly staff but probably wouldn't stay again."
Fee structures: Be prepared for various fees beyond the basic camping rate. Stacia R. explains about Lake Vermillion Recreation Area: "It was also a little pricey, as they charge extra fees upon arrival regardless of having paid online at time of making reservation."
Seasonal variations: Camping experiences differ significantly by season in this region. "We were there early spring so water was too cold to swim," mentions Clarke N. about Palisades State Park Campground, indicating that some activities are limited outside summer months.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby highways or attractions. "Racing going on at Rapid Speedway that lasted well into the evening. Extremely LOUD. Make sure to check the race schedule the night you want to stay and move on down the road if a race is happening," advises John G. about Island Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds for kids: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. Trevor A. says about Big Sioux Recreation Area: "The showers are great, the walking trail is great, and the spots are nice and spread out. Overall a great park!"
Swimming options: Water features provide entertainment for families with children. Amber P. highlights Island Park's features: "Huge swimming area with slides for kids, and river with a lot of fish!!! Brand New shower houses."
Site selection for families: Choose camping spots strategically based on proximity to facilities. Nathan L. shares about his experience at Big Sioux Recreation Area: "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."
Yurt camping for families near Garretson, South Dakota: Yurts provide a comfortable camping option for families who want more protection from the elements. Blue Mounds State Park Campground offers yurt accommodations that can make family camping trips more accessible, especially for those with young children or during shoulder seasons when temperatures fluctuate.
Tips from RVers
Hookup details: RV campers should research specific utility options before booking. At Dakota Sunsets RV Park, "The site was more than long enough for our 39' 5th Wheel and F-450 truck. WiFi was average but there were not many RVs in the park for our 3 nights stay, and we got 4 bars on Verizon," according to MickandKarla W.
Accessibility for large rigs: Some campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles better than others. Robert O. shares about Dakota Sunsets RV Park: "This park is Big Rig friendly with very large pull throughs."
Leveling considerations: Site terrain varies among campgrounds. Karen B. notes about Dakota Sunsets RV Park: "The sites were level enough that we didn't even half to unhook our trailer for our quick overnight stay."
Seasonal RV camping: Winter RV camping requires special considerations in this region. "This park is open year round and well set up for cold weather, the water spigot is heated so if you invest in a heated water line and have an insulated camper you should be good for the cold," explains Robert about Tower Campground, noting that "many units were tucked in for winter with skirting and large external propane tanks."