Split Rock Creek State Park Campground provides electric sites with ample space between them for privacy. Located northwest of Garretson, this park features a small lake with five fishing docks and a swimming beach accessible to visitors. The campground maintains exceptionally clean facilities including pit toilets and shower buildings with warm water availability throughout the camping season.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: Palisades State Park Campground offers distinctive trails through unique quartzite formations. "The campground features hiking trails where leashed dogs can accompany their owners among quartzite formations," notes Tim R. who adds, "Both campgrounds offer excellent hiking opportunities for the whole family."
Water activities: Split Rock Creek State Park Campground provides rental equipment for visitors without their own gear. "A small lake with 5 docks and a swimming beach," according to Mary Jo S. Clarke N. confirms, "This area is very nice for hiking and pretty sure swimming and kayaking. We were there early spring so water was too cold to swim."
Rock climbing: The quartzite formations at Palisades State Park create natural climbing areas for more adventurous visitors. Jessica B. mentions, "Stunning 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."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Tower Campground receives consistent praise for its well-maintained shower and restroom buildings. "Nice bathrooms with showers and laundry facility," notes Tracey S. Another camper, Carla B., confirms "Clean showers and laundry room."
Spacious sites: Visitors appreciate the ample room between campsites at several parks near Garretson. At Split Rock Creek State Park, Janet K. observed, "Nice peaceful campground with large sites nicely spaced apart for privacy." Mary Jo S. agreed, noting "Really big sites with plenty of space between them."
Wildlife viewing: The natural prairie landscape creates opportunities for wildlife observation. At Blue Mounds State Park Campground, "Park features natural prairie and a buffalo herd. Bison tours are available," according to Bruce P. Sydney J. confirms, "Great prairie views and it's always great to see Bison."
What you should know
Train noise considerations: Split Rock Park campground sits near active train tracks which affects light sleepers. Carolyn F. warns, "They don't just pass, they blow a LOUD horn right as they go by. It happened multiple times throughout the night, felt like every hour. It would wake even the heaviest sleeper."
Water quality issues: Some campgrounds in the area have reported water concerns. At Blue Mounds State Park, Kristen B. explains, "The only downside is that their water is contaminated. They provide directions to a city site where you can fill your camper tank, and they give out a gallon of drinking/cooking water when you check in."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. Tim R. reports at Palisades State Park, "King offers free Wi-Fi with a download speed of 22 Mbps, while Queen has no T-Mobile service. However, King provides 15 Mbps of service."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Big Sioux Recreation Area offers play areas for children. However, Carolyn M. cautions about tent placement: "They had only a few tentsites available amid all the RV sites, but they were right on the edge of the playground, so the families had to walk right through my campsite to get to the play area."
Dog-friendly activities: Pet friendly camping near Garretson, South Dakota includes water access for dogs who enjoy swimming. Ryan W. notes about Split Rock Park, "Beautiful spot. Easy water access." Amber P. adds, "Beautiful lil place with lots of scenery to look at."
Safety considerations: Some parks require extra vigilance with young children. Cody H. explains, "We have 3 kids 5 and under. They like it too, but there are cliffs and water, so plan accordingly."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Larger rigs face limitations at some campgrounds. Sheila H. advises about Split Rock Creek State Park, "Don't recommend for larger rigs. We struggled with our 44ft 5th wheel, only one site could fit us and it was tight to get in and out."
Hookup availability: Sioux Falls KOA offers various hookup options for RVers. Jeff G. notes, "Super easy access as well as easy pull through. Level enough to not unhook." Douglas S. describes it as "A small but well maintained KOA campground."
Winter camping options: Some campgrounds remain open year-round with special accommodations. At Tower Campground, one reviewer explains, "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."
