Lake Vermillion Recreation Area provides a mix of camping options 30 minutes from Sioux Falls. The recreation area sits at 1,410 feet elevation with restored prairie habitat surrounding the 512-acre lake. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with occasional thunderstorms, while winters can drop below freezing, limiting certain camping activities.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The lake at Big Sioux Recreation Area offers good angling. "Located in Brandon not far from Sioux Falls. Clean bathrooms with showers. Firewood available to purchase. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Bike and hiking trails. Plus plenty of privacy," notes one visitor.
Prairie hiking: The 1.5-mile Otto Stream trail at Lake Vermillion takes you through restored prairie landscape. As one camper described: "There was only one trail, Otto Stream (no stream, no otters), which is about 1.5m trail thru restored prairie."
Playground access: Several campgrounds provide good play areas for children. A visitor to Magnolia City Campground reported: "The playground was rated 'amazing' by our kids. The electrical and water are a little spaced out."
Bird watching: Spring brings active wildlife to the area, especially for early risers. One Lake Vermillion camper observed: "Spring was coming alive with gobbling turkeys and cackling pheasants; we even got a show from a strutting tom turkey."
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Blue Mounds State Park Campground offers unique prairie wildlife opportunities. "Do the prairie tour, interesting and worth the time and the $15. The naturalists here are friendly and knowledgeable, take advantage of programming!" shared a recent visitor.
Sunrise experiences: Many campgrounds in the area provide early morning views. A Blue Mounds camper noted: "Beautiful little oasis amid what seems to be endless farmland. Just such a welcome stop after a long drive."
Lake access: Water activities remain popular during warm months. At Lake Vermillion Recreation Area, one camper shared: "Site 43 offered a beautiful lake view, which we enjoyed during our peaceful four-night stay in early May. Verizon had 3 bars, T-Mobile had 2, and our T-Mobile house internet clocked 207 Mbps down/3.49 Mbps up."
Private tent sites: For those seeking seclusion, certain campgrounds offer more private tent spots. "We stayed in one of the four designated tent sites. You have to park and haul your gear to the site, but it is a short and easy walk. The 4 tent sites are near each other, yet feel secluded and private."
What you should know
Campground fees: South Dakota parks often have multiple fee structures. "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."
Reservation requirements: For Sioux Falls KOA, advanced booking is recommended during peak season. "Incredibly friendly and helpful staff! A little on the small side but good for an overnight stop! We used it as a stop over for our trip to Badlands NP."
Highway noise: Some campgrounds near major roads experience traffic noise. A visitor to Tower Campground reported: "Highway noise was very very loud. Easy to see outside but not a lot of camp feel. Bright light through skylites while sleeping."
Weather considerations: The region experiences distinct seasons. "We stayed here the end of March so it was very quiet. We stayed on the lake at site 13. It's a small lake. Very quiet and dark."
Tips for camping with families
Teepee rentals: Unique glamping experiences are available for families seeking something different. At Sioux Falls KOA, a family shared: "We stayed in the TeePee and it was definitely an experience our family will cherish forever. Awesome staff as well."
Smaller campgrounds: Less crowded options can work well for families with young children. "A good place to camp for the night with gas and groceries nearby. All sites have electricity but only 20/30/60 amps. Water spigots are spread throughout the campground."
Site selection: Consider playground proximity when choosing sites. "Spacious campsites right by the lake if desired. Plenty of things to do for kids with nice playground areas and hiking trails."
Brewery access: For families with adults wanting refreshments, some campgrounds offer convenient options. "Very easy access as well as easy pull through. Level enough to not unhook. Nice play area and pool. Also a neat little micro brewery walking distance, across the road."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: Dakota Sunsets RV Park provides well-maintained sites. "Nice grassy spaces between each site. Stunning sunsets and amazing dawns," observed one RVer, while another noted: "The attention to detail you see in this park is not something we have seen a lot during our travels. The gravel roadways to each campsite are groomed perfectly level."
Internet connectivity: Working remotely is possible at select campgrounds. "The Wifi was really fast…the best we have seen in over 1 yr and full time camping. We had over 50Mbps on our Verzion and ATT hot spot as well as the RV park's Wifi system."
Dump station access: Some campgrounds have well-designed facilities. "The sites were large and level and well kept. The dump station is in the West Campground."
Power hookups: Check electrical options when booking. "Our site was spacious enough for our 40 5th wheel and F450. The electric hookup is at the back; we needed about 30 of cord. All sites here are electric only and nicely spaced apart."
