Best Campgrounds near Harrisburg, SD

Campgrounds near Harrisburg, South Dakota range from full-service RV parks to state recreation areas with cabin options. The area includes several established facilities like Big Sioux Recreation Area, Tower Campground, and Countryside Campgrounds, all within a 30-minute drive of Harrisburg. Most campgrounds in this region accommodate multiple camping styles, with sites supporting tent camping, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Facilities like Newton Hills State Park and Lake Vermillion Recreation Area provide year-round access with amenities such as electric hookups, drinking water, and sanitary stations.

Seasonal considerations impact camping experiences near Harrisburg, with several campgrounds operating on limited schedules from April through October. Full hookup services remain available throughout winter at select locations including Tower Campground and Newton Hills Campground. "This campground 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," notes one Tower Campground visitor. Road noise affects some properties, particularly those positioned along major highways like I-29 and I-90, though sites farther from main roads offer quieter environments. Most established campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer weekends and holiday periods.

Campers report mixed experiences regarding noise levels at properties near major roadways. Several reviews mention highway noise as a significant factor at Tower Campground, where proximity to I-29 creates a consistent background of traffic sounds. W.H. Lyon Fairground provides convenient access to Sioux Falls attractions with basic amenities in an open setting. A visitor described it as having "huge open area at the fairgrounds" that's "convenient location to a lot of attractions, stores, and restaurants." For those seeking more natural settings, Big Sioux Recreation Area and Palisades State Park Campground receive positive reviews for their recreational opportunities including hiking, biking, and canoeing. Many campgrounds near Harrisburg feature full hookups with sewer connections, showers, and laundry facilities, making them suitable for extended stays.

Best Camping Sites Near Harrisburg, South Dakota (77)

    1. Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    38 Reviews
    Brandon, SD
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 582-7243

    "South Dakota State Park, Brandon SD. Great stop. We spent 2 days. Very nice campground with lots to do and see. Big spacious sites ours backed up to the bike path and river."

    "They have nice long paved trails for walking and biking. We got to walk our dogs on it to avoid tick contact from the grassy trails. There was a cool suspension bridge that was fun to walk on."

    2. Sioux Falls KOA

    28 Reviews
    Sioux Falls, SD
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 332-9987

    "We decided to stay at this campground because it was close to Falls Park. It’s 4 miles away from the KOA to Downtown. It wasn’t crowded, very clean, met lots of Texans and the pet areas were awesome!"

    "Also a neat little micro brewery walking distance, across the road. Very nice staff and an RV dealer next door. Very close to I-90 and it’s noise, but that comes with the easy access."

    3. Sioux Falls Yogi Bear

    23 Reviews
    Brandon, SD
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 332-2233

    $40 - $200 / night

    "At the time of our visit I-90 was being rebuilt nearby so access from the interstate was more difficult, but this isn’t the fault of the campground."

    "Location is right on interstate and easy to find. Not for nature lovers."

    4. Tower Campground

    12 Reviews
    Sioux Falls, SD
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 332-1173

    "The airport is close by which made it neat to watch."

    "This campground is a great location when passing through Sioux Falls. It is right off I29, and there a quick in and out sites up front."

    5. Palisades State Park Campground

    30 Reviews
    Garretson, SD
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 594-3824

    "We passed through Palisades State Park earlier this year and spent some time in the day-use area so we knew it was a good place to camp as we passed through South Dakota on another trip."

    "South Dakota is known for its well-maintained state park campgrounds, and this area offers two great options: King and Queen."

    6. Newton Hills Campground — Newton Hills State Park

    11 Reviews
    Canton, SD
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 987-2263

    "I had an amazing time at Newton Hills Campground in South Dakota with my family and young children."

    "Love this place very close to the major city of anything is needed. Nature and trails all around, lake for fishing and swimming, love to come out during the summer with the dogs!"

    7. W.H. Lyon Fairground

    3 Reviews
    Sioux Falls, SD
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 367-7178

    $50 / night

    "Convenient location to a lot of attractions, stores, and restaurants. Can camp during events. Huge area."

    8. Lake Vermillion Recreation Area

    33 Reviews
    Canistota, SD
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 296-3643

    $15 - $55 / night

    "We stopped here on our way through south Dakota headed back to Colorado. The staff were really friendly when we pulled in."

    "South Dakota charges a day use fee ($6) plus a fee for tent camping ($17); I opted to pay for an Annual Pass of $30 since I plan on doing more SD camping this year."

    9. Countryside Campgrounds

    2 Reviews
    Harrisburg, SD
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 372-4166

    "Nice camp site tucked in near the interstate. 2 things not crazy about sound of trucks exiting off interstate using jakebrake (engine exhaust brakes) and sale barn near by."

    10. Red Barn RV and Campground

    1 Review
    Harrisburg, SD
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 368-2268
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Recent Reviews near Harrisburg, SD

387 Reviews of 77 Harrisburg Campgrounds


  • Erik R.
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Blue Mounds State Park Campground

    Meh, ups and downs

    In many ways, this is just like any other MN State Park campground. Most of the campground caters to RVs. Here are the things that make this place unique. #1 They have tipis you can reserve! They look cool, but they are hard to come by. There is no seasonal information available about these, but I can tell you they aren’t available in October. I am here now and they are empty with no way to rent. Bummer. That would have been cool. #2 Here is what I really dislike about this campground. It is sooo loud. The noise from the nearby interstate is constant, like all night constant. Really takes away from the experience. #3 other than the tipis and noise if you know what it is to stay at a MN State Park campground, you know pretty much everything else to expect.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Magnolia City Campground

    Convenient to I90

    Very basic sites. Town park. Dated and feels strange when no one else if here. But, $20 a night for full hook ups can’t be beat.

  • Donna H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    Beautiful but pricey.

    The park is on the outskirts of a little town just east of Sioux Falls. I made my reservations online ($30 for the reservation, $1.26 tax, $0.45 for more tax, and $10 for the non-resident reservation fee). The campsites are clean, spacious, and beautiful. Absolutely loved it there. I had no sooner settled in, and a woman knocked on my van asking that I pay a city tax, an additional $15. I really don't mind paying the fees as that's what supports the park...What I didn't like was that it wasn't mentioned when making the reservations. Other than that little "gotcha" it was a wonderful experience. Would definitely visit again.

  • John D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    Nice for occasional family camping.

    This SD State Recreation site is next to Sioux Falls. Make reservations early. It will get filled on weekends and holidays. Not a bad park for a family, first timers, or those who want to just get outside. This park may be in the city limits of Brandon SD. Grocery store, restaurants, and gas stations within about two miles. This is a very good park if you are visiting someone in the area or a traveler.

  • John D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Lake Vermillion Recreation Area

    Very nice state park

    During the off-season, sep thru mid May (when the kids are in school) is the perfect time to stay at this state park. I do not stay during the high occupancy times since I don't like crowded camping, and this park is close to Sioux Falls and right off I90, which can make this place busy. There is a very nice sand beach, playgrounds, fishing, star gazing, and four campgrounds. I would not camp at the west side north area since it is very new and has very few trees. Great park if you're just passing through. Residents of South Dakota love their camping, so book a site as early as allowable. I would recommend the east campground. Very pretty. There are four very nice tent only sites in one area. I would give it five stars but to many people during the season.

  • Emer O.
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Sioux Falls Yogi Bear

    Great night stay family orientated

    Just booked as a stopover. Friendly staff, everything needed available as a couple travelling lovely to see families enjoying themselves. Recommend stop

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    Another overnight stop.

    Just another overnight stop on my drive to Iowa. I spent the night in a non-electric tent site so I can't really comment on the other parts of the campground. It does have nice bathrooms with running water and showers. The non-e tent sites are in a forested section, all shaded. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings. Sites are located a very short walk from the designated parking. I had a great night's sleep as it was relatively quiet. I didn't partake but they do have a Frisbee golf course. Took a short walk on their trail system to the suspension walking bridge. My complaint would be the fees. I thought i was paying one fee for the non-e tent site but then there was an additional fee for non-res and another fee for park day use fee or permit. This fee was confusing whether I was supposed to pay this or not. So what looked like a small fee to spend the night turned into much more.

  • Shirlee A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Freeman City Park

    Perfect stop over

    What a great thing for the city to offer for travelers coming through!

    Flat fully leveled sites - 4 in total with electric hookups and a bathroom near by and a dump station.

    Right outside is a big park, playground, pool and volleyball court. Perfect to stop for the night for a very fair price.

  • Shirlee A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    River Road Campground

    Convenient stop over

    Super easy to access and right near Blue Mount State Park. There is a playground which is great for kids and awesome bike trails right to the sight that leads to town, river and a huge playground.

    Has all hookups for 35$ a night.

    I wouldn’t stay more than the night due to RVs being really close together - not so much room to open space or have privacy , but if you’re looking for a stop over it’s perfect.


Guide to Harrisburg

Camping near Harrisburg, South Dakota, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene parks to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone looking to escape into nature.

What to do

  • Hiking Trails: Explore the beautiful trails at Blue Mounds State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "We went on a couple trails and just enjoyed the beautiful fall colors."
  • Wildlife Viewing: Check out the bison at Blue Mounds State Park Campground. Campers have reported hearing the bison during their stay, adding a unique touch to the camping experience.
  • Disc Golf: Enjoy a round of disc golf at Big Sioux Recreation Area. One camper said, "The disc golf course really took this park to the next level."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers at Lake Vermillion Recreation Area. A visitor noted, "The bathrooms exceptionally clean. Showers great."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy campsites at Big Sioux Recreation Area. One review highlighted, "Sites are big and roomy."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Families love the activities available at Sioux Falls Yogi Bear. A parent shared, "It was an absolute blast for our kids with plenty of activities to keep them entertained."

What you should know

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds, like Sioux Falls KOA, can be noisy due to their proximity to highways. One camper mentioned, "Lots of noise since it’s off the highway."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have markets or stores nearby. For instance, Lake Vermillion Recreation Area lacks a market, so plan ahead for supplies.
  • Seasonal Operations: Some campgrounds, like Sioux Falls KOA, are only open from May to October. Make sure to check the season before planning your trip.

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Sioux Falls Yogi Bear, which offers lots of activities for kids. A review stated, "Great place to stay with kids! Large park, lots of trees for shade."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring along games or sports equipment to keep the kids entertained. One family enjoyed the "great pool and kid activities" at Yogi Bear Campground.
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can help keep the little ones happy. A camper at Camp America Campground appreciated the "cookies from a local bakery" provided by the owners.

Tips from RVers

  • Look for Spacious Sites: RVers enjoy campgrounds like Big Sioux Recreation Area for their roomy sites. One reviewer said, "We have two big dogs and were able to put them both on 30-foot leads."
  • Check for Amenities: Ensure the campground has the necessary hookups and facilities. A visitor at Dakota Sunsets RV Park noted, "The site was more than long enough for our 39’ 5th Wheel."
  • Be Prepared for Bugs: Some areas can have flies or mosquitoes, so bring insect repellent. A camper at Camp America Campground mentioned, "The flies were definitely out, so had to manage getting in and out of the rig quickly."

Camping near Harrisburg, South Dakota, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great spot for families and RVers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Harrisburg, SD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Harrisburg, SD is Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux with a 4.5-star rating from 38 reviews.