4 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
No campgrounds with dedicated horse corrals or equestrian facilities are identified within the Harrisburg, South Dakota area based on the provided data. The four campgrounds listed (Big Sioux Recreation Area, Newton Hills State Park, W.H. Lyon Fairground, and Union Grove State Park) all specifically indicate "NO horse-corral" in their features list. While these campgrounds allow pets generally, none offer specialized accommodations for horses such as corrals, stalls, hitching posts, or designated equestrian campsites.
Visitors seeking horse camping near Harrisburg must look beyond these immediate options or make private arrangements. The campgrounds do offer various amenities for general camping including electric hookups, water access, and shower facilities. Big Sioux Recreation Area features extensive trail systems, though these are not specifically designated for equestrian use. Trails are primarily designed for hiking and biking, with no mention in reviews of horse-friendly trail access or rider accommodations. The parks maintain standard camping policies requiring pets to be leashed, which would apply to any horses brought to non-designated areas.
"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."
"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!"
"Convenient location to a lot of attractions, stores, and restaurants. Can camp during events. Huge area."
from $50 / night
Check Availability"Play equipment, horse trails, hiking trails, well maintained. Beautiful area."
"Lower one is for horses. Upper is not. Sites in upper campground are a little small and close together but very well maintained. Hosts are very friendly."
from $10 - $15 / night
Check Availability
GuideWe stayed here one night and got to experience some South Dakota wind rocking our camper during the night. The bathrooms are huge and very clean but someone left dirty diapers in trash and by morning the smell was rough. Area along fence borders highway with much closer sites and road noise. We opted for area on grass near arena.
GuideI had an amazing time at Newton Hills Campground in South Dakota with my family and young children. The spacious and clean facilities provided the perfect backdrop for our outdoor getaway, offering a blend of adventure and relaxation away from the city. The kids had a blast exploring the natural surroundings and participating in the family-friendly activities. This campground is a true gem for those seeking a wholesome outdoor experience.
TravelerSouth Dakota State Park, Brandon SD. Great stop. We spent 2 days. Very nice campground with lots to do and see. Big spacious sites ours backed up to the bike path and river. New bathhouse entire park was very clean. About half hour to Sioux Falls. Worth the trip to see the Falls and the bike/hike trail around the city.
GuideSuch a nice campground. Nice big shady trees and manicured lawns. They sell campfire wood for 6$ a bundle on site so we had some great campfires going. 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. The showers were very nice and hot without a lot of traffic.
There is no sewage hookup or water hook ups. They do that 50/30 amp sites available. There is a dump station right at the entrance to dump when you leave and it also has a separate fresh water station if you want to fill up right when you get there so youre not traveling with a bunch of water in your tank.
It was a great campground and the falls were close by and palisades state park was also in the area with a nice hike.
There is an extra $8 car fee per night that you have to pay on top of any camping fees. If you are staying longer than 5 days it better to just get the annual parking pass for $32, which would cover parking for all state parks and recreation areas in SD.
They have great discounts if you are a veteran and south dakota resident.
TravelerBeautiful campground! Sites are well spaced. Lots of trees for great shade in the hot summer. Very nice bathroom and shower house. Easy drive in to Sioux Falls. Several trails around the park. This was our final stop on our South Dakota trip. It was a wonderful and restful campground for us. After we arrived, Park staff came around and shared maps and info on things to do in the area. The first night a storm rolled through and the host drove thru and knocked on doors to check on people and let them know where shelter was just in case. Definitely will keep this campground on our list for future trips.
GuidePlay equipment, horse trails, hiking trails, well maintained. Beautiful area.
RangerTwo campgrounds within the park. Lower one is for horses. Upper is not. Sites in upper campground are a little small and close together but very well maintained. Hosts are very friendly. Bathrooms on include showers and we're extremely well maintained. Trails in the area give you a chance to stretch your legs. Convenient to the interstate, but that also means some highway noise if you are not in a hard sided camper.
GuideI spent the night here and had to pay the entrance fee to the park as well as the camping fee for my tentsite. 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. Not too big a deal as no one wanted to use the play area at night while I was sleeping, but still. I also looked over at the power lines. There was a flush toilet facility close by but there was a very bright light on all night. Good for families needing to navigate in the dark but not wonderful if you like sleeping in darkness. And though I was told that quiet hours began at 10PM, the site next to me was quite loud through the trees until at least midnight so the quiet hours are not enforced. Meh. I don't think I'll be going back.
ScoutIt was okay for an overnight, The sites are nice, plenty of shade. It was crowded the night I was there but quiet. It's a strange place in that it is on the edge of suburbia, located right next to an apartment housing development. If you like proximity to services, restaurants, etc. It would be a good stop. It would be great if you were visiting family/friends in the area, easy to get to. Just not what I was looking for.
While Harrisburg, South Dakota and surrounding areas offer numerous camping options, equestrian facilities remain limited. Located in the southeastern corner of South Dakota, the region features rolling hills, prairie landscapes, and small wooded areas with summer temperatures averaging 80-85°F during peak camping season. Campers can access several state parks and recreation areas within 30-45 minutes of Harrisburg, though specific accommodations for horses require planning ahead.
Hiking trails access: Newton Hills State Park provides multiple trail systems through wooded terrain. "There are plenty of trails and paved roadways to wander around on. The only thing that could be approved would be more established, kid friendly trails into the woods," notes Zach E.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Lakota at Newton Hills Campground offers fishing options when water levels permit. "If you enjoy water activities, spend some time at Lake Lakota swimming, kayaking, fishing, or just relaxing," mentions Lisa H., though recent visitors should note that "the lake is currently dried up" according to some reviewers.
Disc golf course: Big Sioux Recreation Area features a Frisbee golf course for visitors seeking recreational activities. One reviewer, Tyson K., mentions "I didn't partake but they do have a Frisbee golf course" as an option for campers seeking activities beyond hiking.
Clean facilities: Union Grove State Park maintains exceptionally clean amenities. As Austin and Natasha S. explain, it's "definitely one of the cleanest most well kept campgrounds I've seen in a while. Shower rooms/bathrooms are immaculate, and smell so nice."
Spacious sites: Newton Hills Campground offers room between campsites. Victor E. appreciates the "beautiful, quiet, shaded, level sites with plenty of space between. Great trails and a short scenic road, plus some nice open spaces."
Proximity to services: W.H. Lyon Fairground provides convenient access to urban amenities. Carrie F. notes its "convenient location to a lot of attractions, stores, and restaurants" making it practical for those needing supplies or planning to visit area attractions.
Fee structure: Multiple fees apply at most parks near Harrisburg. At Big Sioux Recreation Area, Tyson K. explains: "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."
Equestrian limitations: No dedicated horse campgrounds near Harrisburg, South Dakota exist within the immediate parks. Union Grove State Park has "two campgrounds within the park. Lower one is for horses. Upper is not," according to Leslie B., making it one of few options with some horse facilities in the broader region.
Highway noise: Some campgrounds experience traffic sounds. At Union Grove, Leslie B. notes there's "convenient to the interstate, but that also means some highway noise if you are not in a hard sided camper."
Playground access: Newton Hills offers family-friendly amenities. Nicholas S. reports: "I had an amazing time at Newton Hills Campground in South Dakota with my family and young children. The spacious and clean facilities provided the perfect backdrop for our outdoor getaway."
Site selection for tents: At Union Grove State Park, certain sites work better for tent camping. Leni K. advises: "We had the best tent site on the grounds, corner spot with decent trees and distance, most other spots are right on top of each other. Would definitely come back for a longer stay if we could get #4 or #5 for sure."
Noise considerations: Big Sioux Recreation Area can be busy during peak times. Carolyn M. notes: "I also looked over at the power lines. There was a flush toilet facility close by but there was a very bright light on all night. Good for families needing to navigate in the dark but not wonderful if you like sleeping in darkness."
Hookup options: Big Sioux Recreation Area provides electric connections but limited water access. Carol J. confirms: "Site was level. Trees surrounding area. Electric hook up but no water. Flush toilets with showers very nice."
Site spacing: W.H. Lyon Fairground offers basic services in an open layout. Dakota M. shares: "It has full hookups, clean restrooms and showers. Pay 6 get 1 free. It was exactly what I was looking for."
Seasonal considerations: Some campgrounds near Harrisburg operate year-round while others have limited seasons. Robert notes Union Grove has "large sites, with power. Some back in and some pull through. Great restrooms with showers. Campground host. Make reservations on line. Limited number of sites. Dump station."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Harrisburg, SD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Harrisburg, SD is Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux with a 4.5-star rating from 38 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Harrisburg, SD?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Harrisburg, SD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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