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Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Hartford, SD

361 Reviews

Lake Vermillion Recreation Area accepts pets at all accommodation types including tent sites, RV spaces, cabins and glamping options. Located near Hartford, South Dakota, this year-round recreation area features spacious campsites with fire rings, picnic tables with shade canopies, and clean restroom facilities. The campground borders a large lake popular with boaters and water sports enthusiasts. Tower Campground provides pet-friendly camping with full hookups and paved parking areas. The campground experiences significant traffic noise due to its location adjacent to major roadways and the nearby airport.

Several pet-friendly campgrounds surround the Hartford area with varying amenities. Sioux Falls KOA welcomes pets and offers market services alongside traditional camping facilities. Big Sioux Recreation Area maintains pet-friendly policies year-round with both drive-in and hike-in access points. Palisades State Park Campground permits pets throughout its property while providing electric hookups and shower facilities. Most campgrounds require pets to remain leashed when outside vehicles or camping units. JRs Camping Oasis stands out with its farm setting where campers can view baby cows and other farm animals while camping with their pets. Campsites typically feature standard amenities including picnic tables, fire rings where permitted, and access to drinking water and sanitary facilities.

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Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Hartford, South Dakota (59)

    1. Lake Vermillion Recreation Area

    33 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

    37 Reviews
    Brandon, SD
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 582-7243

    "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."

    "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."

    4. Sioux Falls Yogi Bear

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

    $40 - $200 / night

    "The place is very well kept, the staff are friendly and helpful, all the amenities like propane, dump station, ice, firewood, good little camp store, off leash dog run, heated pool, and lots to do for"

    "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."

    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

    "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."

    "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."

    8. W.H. Lyon Fairground

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

    $50 / night

    "this campground is on leash pet friendly.  there are few trees, but it has full hookups, clean restrooms and showers.  pay 6 get 1 free. "

    "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 just off the highway, but you wouldn’t know it when you’re in the rig. Super quiet and the owners were so sweet. They spaced us out with a beautiful pull through and plenty of room."

    "There is no formal dog park, but plenty of area around the CG to walk."

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Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Hartford, SD

29 Photos of 59 Hartford Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Hartford, SD

361 Reviews of 59 Hartford Campgrounds

  • Angie G.
    May. 5, 2021

    Sioux Falls KOA

    Awesome pet-friendly stopover

    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! In fact, Sioux Falls is a very dog-friendly city and was able to take my dog everywhere! The showers were great if you don’t want to use your own in your camper, but they have laundry and such if you need it. We were close to the showers, pet area and laundry house. Yea, it’s next to a Camping World but you know what, it was a great stay with nice folks and the road noise really isn’t a problem, especially if you just go in your camper and watch tv because you shouldn’t be there for that. 🙃 They just opened for the season so they are still adding some things but I would recommend! We were grateful to stay and not travel during 50mph winds.

  • G
    Oct. 3, 2021

    W.H. Lyon Fairground

    Convenient to downtown and fine for the night

    We 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.

  • Steve & Ashley G.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2019

    Blue Mounds State Park Campground

    Small State Park in Farmland

    We stayed here for one night on the way to the Black Hills in South Dakota. The campground is in the far south western corner of Minnesota about 30 minutes for Sioux Falls South Dakota. The site is in the middle of grasslands and cornfields. They have very organized park staff that have an efficient check in process. The campground has some nice ponds and bike routes. It’s located next to a bison range and tours are available. Unfortunately the camp sites are packed in on top of each other with no privacy. You have a lot of local large RV users using loud generators and playing music until after midnight. They have good facilities with showers and dump stations. During our stay, the water in the camp tested positive for bacteria and the camp was giving out free drinking water. Since you don’t have many options in the area, this may be a good choice. The overcrowding was our main issue.

  • Nicholas S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2023

    Newton Hills Campground — Newton Hills State Park

    Perfect to relax and bring the kids!

    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, 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.

  • M
    Jun. 18, 2022

    Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    Clean and Dog Friendly

    Such 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.

  • Sarah A.
    Aug. 24, 2023

    Dakota Sunsets RV Park

    Beautiful + quiet

    This is just off the highway, but you wouldn’t know it when you’re in the rig. Super quiet and the owners were so sweet. They spaced us out with a beautiful pull through and plenty of room. They also gave us treats for the pups and cookies for us. Nice little thoughtful dog park with water and toys. Sunflowers right there for you to enjoy. The flies were definitely out, so had to manage getting in and out of the rig quickly as a few got in.

    We’d definitely stay again.

  • J
    Sep. 19, 2020

    Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    Eastern South Dakota Gem

    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. 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.

  • Melissa K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 10, 2018

    Lake Vermillion Recreation Area

    Beautiful campground

    We stopped here on our way through south Dakota headed back to Colorado. The staff were really friendly when we pulled in. Got us checked in right away, gave us directions to our site and sent us off. Thry also sell firewood for $5 a bundle. We are in tent site 4. There are only 4 strictly dedicated tent sites. you park across the street and walk a very short distance, maybe 200 feet to the site. The bathroom is in the parking lot along with a water source. The lake is on the other side of the parking lot. There is also a dumpster there in the parking lot.

    The camp site is extremely spacious. plenty of room for tents if you have more then one. It's nice and mowed out with the bordering area still long providing an edge to the site. The four sites are clustered fairly close but the way it's landscaped, you won't see your neighbornuntil you step out to the path to your car. They all have fire rings with a grate to cook on. The picnic table has a nice shade canopy over top. The bathroom surprised me a little. most pit toilets are dark at night but this one has a light! it also has a trash can and hand sanitizer! it smells decent and it's very clean. it will quickly become BYTP but we are only here the one night so hopefully it won't run out. The lake is gorgous! it's a huge long lake and seems to be a favorite boat spot. water skis were abundant, which also meant it got pretty loud with boats buzzing, people partying and music blaring. this is why it lost a star. it was pretty loud up until probably 9 pm. The mosquitos are bad, bring bug spray!

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2021

    Sioux Falls Yogi Bear

    Great for passing through

    Clean bathrooms and showers and close to Falls Park. Tons of amenities for families with kids. Close to the interstate. Great for a one night stay on the way to bigger and better sights. Stayed with a dog and was glad to see the other campers had their pets leashed at all times.

Guide to Hartford

Discovering pet-friendly camping options near Hartford, South Dakota, opens up a world of adventure for you and your furry friends. With a variety of well-reviewed campgrounds, you can enjoy the great outdoors without leaving your pets behind.

Pet-friendly campgrounds include Big Sioux Recreation Area

  • The Big Sioux Recreation Area offers spacious sites with electric hookups and plenty of room for pets to roam.
  • This campground features beautiful hiking trails and picnic areas, making it a great spot for a family outing with your dog.
  • Campers appreciate the friendly atmosphere and the ability to have pets on-site while enjoying amenities like showers and fire pits.

Pet owners like Lake Vermillion Recreation Area

  • At Lake Vermillion Recreation Area, you’ll find well-spaced RV sites and a lovely beach area perfect for a day of fun with your pet.
  • The campground is known for its clean facilities and nearby hiking trails, allowing for plenty of exploration with your furry companion.
  • Visitors enjoy the convenience of a boat launch and fishing pier, making it easy to spend a day on the water with their pets.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Hartford

  • The Palisades State Park Campground features scenic hiking trails that are perfect for walking your dog while enjoying stunning views of the cliffs and water.
  • Campers at Sioux Falls KOA can take advantage of the on-site pool and playground, ensuring a fun-filled stay for both pets and their owners.
  • The Sioux Falls Yogi Bear offers a variety of kid-friendly activities, making it an ideal spot for families traveling with pets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Hartford, SD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Hartford, SD is Lake Vermillion Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 33 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Hartford, SD?

TheDyrt.com has all 59 dog-friendly camping locations near Hartford, SD, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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