Camping sites near North Sioux City, South Dakota range across three states with Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota all within a 30-minute drive. The region features riverside camping along the Missouri River at elevations between 1,100-1,300 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F, while spring and fall camping seasons offer milder conditions with occasional rainfall that can create muddy conditions at primitive sites.
What to do
Hiking trails with river views: Stone State Park Campground offers multiple trails through wooded areas, though campers should download trail maps before arrival. "The trails were overgrown and the map was not easy to orient. I only explored so far so I may have missed the cool stuff that signifies this park. There was sketchy coverage for your phone so I couldn't pull up Alltrails, make sure to download before You drive in," notes one visitor.
Water recreation access: Scenic Park Campground provides direct Missouri River access with boat ramps. "The trails I loved were along the river. The only con was that There was a major highway on the other side of the river and ambulances would pass by with sirens going," reports a camper.
Historical sites exploration: Visit the Lewis and Clark interpretive displays at Elk Point City Park Campground which marks historic expedition sites. "Cute and historical city park that offers multiple 30 Amp hook up sites for $15. Water is available. Lots of play grounds, dog park, disc golf, and historic Lewis and Clark campsite," shares a visitor.
What campers like
Level concrete pads: At Scenic Park, campers appreciate the well-maintained concrete sites. "The pads are in great shape. They offer full hookups. We did not have a full hookup site, but still had water, electric, and free cable tv. The view from our camper of the Missouri River and the Sioux City skyline was pretty great," one camper reports.
Quieter camping options: For those seeking less crowded options, Cottonwood Cove Park Campground offers a more peaceful experience. "Cottonwood Cove Park was the fifth campsite we rolled into in this tri-state area looking for a spot that we actually liked, and boy did we score! This is a little municipal park with only 12 sites, water/electric/cable TV for $22/night," notes a satisfied camper.
Affordability: Budget-conscious campers appreciate Elk Point City Park's value. "For $15 per night, it's hard to beat it. Spots are small. Wouldn't recommend anything with a slide-out. No pull through. Water is centrally located. Each site has electric. Some are 50 some are 30. All have 20A/110," explains a recent visitor.
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary significantly: Stone State Park's facilities receive mixed reviews. "Bathroom/showers are a mess, but it's a state park so I didn't expect much," reports one camper, while another notes, "The bathroom was so gross and the shower did not spray. It ran down the wall and I had to get really creative with washing my hair."
Cell service limitations: Turkey Ridge — Ponca State Park and Stone State Park have limited connectivity. A camper at Stone State Park warns, "There was sketchy coverage for your phone so I couldn't pull up Alltrails, make sure to download before You drive in."
Seasonal closures: While some campgrounds operate year-round, many have limited seasons. Turkey Ridge at Ponca State Park offers winter camping at reduced rates: "The primitive rate is $15, but they reduced it to $10 in the off-season. A pass is required to camp, so you can add another $5 if you're a Nebraska resident, and $8 if you're from out of state."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: KOA Campground North Sioux City offers numerous amenities for children. "This KOA has 5 types of RV sites, Tent sites and cabins. Lots of amenities for families including pool, mini-golf, corn hole, jump pad, playground. Trees and lots of grass, fire pits," shares a satisfied camper.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature playgrounds, though locations vary. At Scenic Park, a camper notes, "The park also has tennis courts, soccer fields, and baseball fields. There is a swimming pool and playgrounds, along with trails."
Park activities calendar: Ponca State Park frequently offers organized events. "For the 100 years celebration they had re-enactments, making walking stick adornments, bird catch and release to show an up close and personal peek at the local birds," reports a visitor to Turkey Ridge campground.
Tips from RVers
Extended stay options: Some campgrounds accommodate longer stays. At Scenic Park, a reviewer observed, "Many sites seemed to be extended stay and not all were well kept...plastic covering windows, haphazard decks, etc. All-in-all though an OK one night stopover spot if you're traveling through."
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer sewer hookups. At Cottonwood Cove, "Be aware that there is no dump station here," warns one RVer, while another notes, "Dump station available, but area may be a bit tight for larger rigs to access."
Electrical hookup options: RVers should check specific site requirements. At Elk Point City Park, a camper explains, "Each site has electric. Some are 50 some are 30. All have 20A/110," while Cottonwood Cove offers "water/electric/cable TV for $22/night."
