Best Campgrounds near Hartford, SD

Hartford, South Dakota offers a range of camping experiences within a 30-mile radius, from full-service RV parks to state recreation areas with cabin options. Lake Vermillion Recreation Area, located approximately 20 miles west of Hartford, provides year-round access with accommodations for tents, RVs, and cabins. Other notable campgrounds in the region include Sioux Falls KOA, Big Sioux Recreation Area, and Tower Campground, all offering varying levels of amenities within easy driving distance of Hartford.

Most developed campgrounds in the area require advance reservations, particularly during the peak season from May through October. Several campgrounds offer full hookups and accommodations for large RVs, though site availability can be limited during summer weekends. "Spacious campsites right by the lake if desired. Plenty of things to do for kids with nice playground areas and hiking trails," noted one visitor about Lake Vermillion Recreation Area. Road noise can be a consideration at some locations, especially those positioned near highways like Tower Campground which borders busy roadways.

Campers report varying experiences with noise levels across the region's campgrounds. While lakefront sites like those at Lake Vermillion Recreation Area receive positive reviews for recreational opportunities, urban campgrounds closer to Sioux Falls often experience traffic noise. Several visitors mentioned highway proximity as a factor at Tower Campground, with one review noting it was "right on the freeway with a lot of traffic noise." JRs Camping Oasis, a smaller establishment with only 8 sites, has received praise for its unique farm setting. The W.H. Lyon Fairground provides a more basic camping experience with full hookups but minimal amenities, making it suitable for travelers seeking convenience rather than scenery. Most campgrounds in the Hartford area remain open seasonally, with several closing between late October and early April.

Best Camping Sites Near Hartford, South Dakota (65)

    1. Lake Vermillion Recreation Area

    32 Reviews
    Canistota, SD
    12 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."

    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. Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    35 Reviews
    Brandon, SD
    18 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."

    4. Sioux Falls Yogi Bear

    22 Reviews
    Brandon, SD
    15 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."

    5. Tower Campground

    12 Reviews
    Sioux Falls, SD
    10 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."

    6. Palisades State Park Campground

    30 Reviews
    Garretson, SD
    22 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."

    7. Pioneer / Montrose City Campground

    10 Reviews
    Canistota, SD
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 363-5065

    $25 / night

    "Beautiful little campground with electric n water hook ups Great setting in park near river and towns Rec fields. Fun local bar, Post Office and coffee shop are short walk. Lots of walking paths."

    "Lots of grass and places to walk the dog. Bath house was clean and close by. There is a small play area and also a pool with a lifeguard. It does cost extra but I’m sure it’s affordable."

    8. W.H. Lyon Fairground

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

    $50 / night

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

    9. JRs Camping Oasis

    1 Review
    Sioux Falls, SD
    8 miles
    +1 (605) 929-1115

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Situated on farm style land, this is a great place to get away from it all. There are farm animals on the property, including baby cows!! Check them out and leave them some love."

    10. Dakota Sunsets RV Park

    12 Reviews
    Canistota, SD
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 705-3234

    $30 - $55 / night

    "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."

    "The only issue I will say is that our site was next to the “Stinky Waste” Water Lagoon and it did stink pretty bad when they started up the pump in the morning.  "

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Recent Reviews near Hartford, SD

352 Reviews of 65 Hartford Campgrounds


  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Palisades State Park Campground

    Average

    Overpriced, no water hookup at electric site and do dump station. Friendly staff but probably wouldn’t stay again

  • Jennifer K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Blue Mounds State Park Campground

    Beautiful and peaceful

    Super friendly people all around. Very quiet and beautiful campground. Well minus the semitrucks going down the road here and there. Beautiful clean bathrooms and showers. Pathway is well lit without being obnoxious. Seems to be mostly electric sites. There's a dump and water fill with small clean dumpsters throughout. The hosts were super nice to talk to. Sites are clean and manicured and pretty level. Would definitely stay here again. Beautiful little oasis amid what seems to be endless farmland. Just such a welcome stop after a long drive.

  • Karla J. B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Blue Mounds State Park Campground

    Peaceful prairie getaway

    We went to Sioux Falls for a concert and added a few night to our trip to camp at Blue Mounds. Sites were not full on the weekend, even less so on Sunday night. Do the prairie tour, interesting and worth the time and the $15. Some sites were smaller and closer together than others, so your experience may vary. But people were quiet and respectful, so I’m sure you can enjoy your stay. The naturalists here are friendly and knowledgeable, take advantage of programming! Visit the nearby Pipestone National Monument while in the area. Misc notes: Others have mentioned clean facilities, we did get manure smell with the breeze, but very few mosquitoes, great sunsets!

  • kThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Lake Vermillion Recreation Area

    As good as a KOA

    Rangers are nice, park Host is amazing Facilities are clean Wifi is a little week for T-mobile but had star link for text Beautiful place view of lake, sites are paved, no stones Lots of trees and shade , i stayed in east campground

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2025

    Sioux Falls KOA

    A small but well maintained KOA campground

    Although this is not a large campground it is very well maintained and the staff are super friendly. Please see pictures and video for reference.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 14, 2025

    Tower Campground

    Right on the highway, so convenient, but noisy

    A parking lot style campground with nice green areas for pets. Level sites, full hookups. If you are looking for a convenient spot by Sioux Falls, this one fits the bill. Book online as staff is not in the office (or at least were not when we arrived).

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 14, 2025

    Palisades State Park Campground

    Expensive

    We made a reservation using the phone number provided. On short notice, we were charged 80+ dollars for two nights after requesting a tent site without electricity. 0n arrival, we were charged 30 dollars for entrance passes to put on the car. The trains ran close by, and the flies were terrible.

  • Lynn M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 13, 2025

    midway camp, Volga South dakota

    Relax by river

    Hidden gem. Midway camp is known for weddings and events. There are 24 sites most on the Sioux river. All back in sites. Grounds well maintained.

  • B
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Blue Mounds State Park Campground

    Blue Mounds State Park

    Very quiet even on holidays, sites are in the woods so all sites have shade. All types of camping is available, tent, RVs trailers, 5th wheels, Class A, etc. We have 46 foot toy hauler, Clean bathrooms and plenty of dumpsters. Park features natural prairie and a buffalo herd. Bison tours are available. Plenty of hiking trails and some cliff climbing. LuVerne MN is 6 miles and has all supplies wanted available.


Guide to Hartford

Camping near Hartford, South Dakota, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to set up your tent or park your RV.

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. A camper shared, "We could hear the Bison, wasn't able to see them but we could hear them."
  • Disc Golf: Enjoy a round of disc golf at Big Sioux Recreation Area. One reviewer 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. A visitor at Palisades State Park Campground noted, "Bathrooms are SUPER CLEAN and there are two different bathroom and shower buildings."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A reviewer at Lake Vermillion Recreation Area mentioned, "Well spaced and clean RV sites."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpfulness of the staff. One camper at Mitchell KOA said, "The entire team was very friendly."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or activities. A visitor at Sioux Falls KOA mentioned, "Lots of noise since it’s off the highway."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. A reviewer at Lake Mitchell Campground pointed out, "I did not rate it 5 stars because it does not have a lot of amenities."
  • Reservations Recommended: It’s a good idea to book your spot ahead of time, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Dakota Campground said, "Reservation was a snap to make, and the price was outstanding."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. One family at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park said, "It was an absolute blast for our kids with plenty of activities to keep them entertained."
  • Swimming Areas: Choose campgrounds with swimming options. A visitor at Lake Vermillion Recreation Area mentioned, "Clean beach, spacious spots for our 35' camper."
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Make sure to set expectations for quiet hours. A camper at Palisades State Park Campground noted, "Park employees walk the park on foot in the dark at the 11pm to enforce quiet time."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Big Sioux Recreation Area said, "Sites are big and roomy."
  • Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds that offer full hookups for convenience. A camper at Mitchell KOA mentioned, "They have a pool, and mini golf."
  • Be Prepared for Weather: Check the forecast before you go. A visitor at Lake Mitchell Campground noted, "Older bathroom/shower, but it was very clean."

Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, the campgrounds near Hartford, SD, have something for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Hartford, SD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hartford, SD is Lake Vermillion Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 32 reviews.