Harrisburg, South Dakota camping areas sit within the Big Sioux River basin at approximately 1,400 feet elevation, where seasonal temperatures range from winter lows near 0°F to summer highs reaching 90°F. The flat prairie terrain around Harrisburg transitions to more varied landscapes toward the north at Big Sioux Recreation Area, with camping options available year-round despite South Dakota's significant seasonal weather variations. Most campgrounds require day-use fees in addition to camping fees, which typically run $15-50 per night depending on amenities.
What to do
Frisbee golf courses nearby: Big Sioux Recreation Area offers a complete disc golf course alongside camping options. According to one camper, "They do have a Frisbee golf course. Took a short walk on their trail system to the suspension walking bridge."
Beach access during summer: Lake Vermillion Recreation Area provides a sand beach area for swimming, though water conditions vary by season. "The park has a lake with a beach area - looked to have quite a bit of algae while we were there in early July. The area is very busy with boaters," notes one visitor.
Hiking trail exploration: Multiple Big Sioux Recreation Area paths wind through restored prairie lands. A camper mentions, "Beautiful hiking trails, play grounds, disc golf, volleyball net, and so much more. Also, the lady at the front was cute as a button!"
Brewery visits: The Sioux Falls KOA offers easy access to craft beer options. A visitor notes, "Also a neat little micro brewery walking distance, across the road. Very nice staff and an RV dealer next door."
What campers like
Well-maintained restroom facilities: Most Harrisburg area campgrounds feature clean washrooms with modern amenities. At Lake Vermillion Recreation Area, "There's both a shower house and vaulted toilets in the east area. Spring was coming alive with gobbling turkeys and cackling pheasants; we even got a show from a strutting tom turkey."
Private tent sites: Big Sioux Recreation Area offers secluded tent camping options. "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."
Family-friendly activities: Jellystone Park provides extensive programming for children. One visitor reports, "Great for kids! We had a slight issue with inconsiderate neighbors who kept driving their golf carts through our camp (which can happen anywhere) but otherwise it's a great place for families to camp."
Pet-friendly accommodations: RV parks near Harrisburg welcome dogs with designated exercise areas. A Sioux Falls KOA visitor mentioned, "The pet areas were awesome! In fact, Sioux Falls is a very dog-friendly city and was able to take my dog everywhere!"
What you should know
Reservation requirements: South Dakota state parks fill quickly during peak season. "Residents of South Dakota love their camping, so book a site as early as allowable. I would recommend the east campground. Very pretty."
Non-resident fees: Out-of-state visitors face additional charges at state recreation areas. "We had already paid the $30 a night plus $10 nonresident reservation fees, to find out starting this year we needed to pay a non-resident $15 a night state park fee or $60 for a year pass."
Seasonal operation differences: Several RV campgrounds near Harrisburg operate on limited schedules. At Dakota Sunsets RV Park, "This is a great little place right off of the highway. Facilities are clean and well maintained. There is a nice little playground for the kids. Staff was friendly and helpful."
Agricultural surroundings: Some campgrounds experience seasonal farm-related odors. One camper at Dakota Sunsets RV Park noted, "The CG was surrounded by corn and soybean fields and is quiet. This is a real gem of a campground. Not a thing wrong with it."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity considerations: When camping with children, request sites near recreational areas. At Sioux Falls Yogi Bear, "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."
Swimming options for hot days: Lake Vermillion offers water recreation but check conditions first. "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."
Unique camping accommodations: Several parks offer alternatives to traditional tent/RV setups. One family reported, "We stayed in the TeePee and it was definitely an experience our family will cherish forever. Awesome staff as well."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for convenience: Choose appropriate spots based on your setup and plans. At Lake Vermillion Recreation Area, "We continued to the end loop and backed into site 43 (50/30/20 AMP), which was easy thanks to its corner location. As soon as we had settled in, the very friendly camp host come over to check us in."
Internet connectivity options: RV campgrounds near Harrisburg, South Dakota offer varying levels of connectivity. "Verizon had 3 bars, T-Mobile had 2, and our T-Mobile house internet clocked 207 Mbps down/3.49 Mbps up. Satellite reception should be fine in most sites except site 45, which is heavily shaded."
Early morning dump station strategy: Plan waste disposal to avoid peak times at popular campgrounds. "The dump station is in the West Campground. The fresh water fill spigot is in a large pull-out on the right, past the boat launch and just before the 10 mph sign."
Site spacing considerations: Parker RV Campground offers varying levels of site separation. "This is a very nice stop over. Sites 1-4 have water, electric (50, 30, 15 amp) and sewer. Those sites go for $25.00 per day. Sites 5-6 are electric only and are in full sun. Site 7 is electric but has a sewer site as well. Shade found in sites 1-4."
