Garretson, South Dakota sits at 1,490 feet elevation in the Split Rock Creek watershed, an area characterized by distinctive Sioux quartzite formations that date back 1.7 billion years. The camping season typically runs from April through October, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak months. During these months, water levels in Split Rock Creek fluctuate based on rainfall, affecting paddling conditions at camping sites near Garretson, South Dakota.
What to do
Rock climbing opportunities: Palisades State Park Campground offers unique quartzite rock formations ideal for climbing. "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," notes one visitor to Palisades State Park.
Kayaking on Split Rock Creek: Launch directly from Split Rock Park for paddling adventures. "Beautiful spot. Go see Devils Gultch! There was a really nice dump station outside of the park near entrance to Devil's Gultch," mentions a visitor to Split Rock Park. The creek widens in several areas, creating calm paddling zones ideal for beginners.
Frisbee golf: Big Sioux Recreation Area features a complete disc golf course available to campers. "We come here often. The showers are great, the walking trail is great, and the spots are nice and spread out. Overall a great park!" reports a visitor to Big Sioux Recreation Area. The course winds through both open prairie and wooded sections.
What campers like
Wi-Fi connectivity: King Campground at Palisades State Park offers surprisingly good technology amenities. "King also 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," notes a camper who stayed at Palisades State Park.
Wildlife viewing: Blue Mounds State Park Campground hosts a managed bison herd visitors can observe. "Park features natural prairie and a buffalo herd. Bison tours are available. Plenty of hiking trails and some cliff climbing," shares a camper at Blue Mounds State Park. The herd typically contains 75-100 animals roaming a 533-acre enclosure.
Bathhouse facilities: Split Rock Creek State Park maintains exceptionally clean facilities. "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," reports a visitor to Split Rock Creek State Park.
What you should know
Train noise considerations: Split Rock Park experiences regular train traffic. "Family favorite. Large sites. Dog friendly. Trees for the hammock. We have 3 kids 5 and under. They like it too, but there are cliffs and water, so plan accordingly. Also, trains. The kids think it's cool watching the trains to by, but they do go in the middle of the night," explains a camper who stayed at Split Rock Park.
Campsite selection: Palisades State Park offers two distinct campground zones. "South Dakota is known for its well-maintained state park campgrounds, and this area offers two great options: King and Queen. 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."
Water contamination issues: Some area campgrounds have experienced water quality problems. "This is a beautiful state park campground. The sites are large and wooded without feeling closed in. There is biking and hiking. I believe you can also fish in the river, but we didn't try it. 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."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds proximity: Sioux Falls KOA offers sites directly adjacent to play areas. "We got a spot right in front of the playground which was perfect for our toddler. The trees provided nice shade. They even let us drive our car up. There's also a brewery in walking distance," shares a visitor to Sioux Falls KOA.
Swimming options: Multiple parks offer water recreation. "Very nice campground with big sites. 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," notes a camper at Palisades State Park.
Safety considerations: Split Rock Park requires extra vigilance with children. "We have 3 kids 5 and under. They like it too, but there are cliffs and water, so plan accordingly." The rock formations create 50+ foot drops in some areas that lack guardrails.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Space constraints exist at several area parks. "Nice State Park kind of in the middle of nowhere. Super easy access and close to Pipestone National Monument. On a nice little lake with prairie views. 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," advises an RVer who stayed at Split Rock Creek State Park.
Family-oriented amenities: Sioux Falls Yogi Bear campground offers dedicated children's activities. "Our family spent a long weekend here enjoying all of the activities they had to offer. Everything from laser tag to chocolate milk chugging contests. The sites were extremely well maintained. Restrooms were aging but were well cleaned and taken care of," notes a visitor to Sioux Falls Yogi Bear.
Winter camping options: Several campgrounds in the Garretson area remain open year-round. "We were at camp spot 12E it was very nice! 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."
