Lake Andes sits at approximately 1,470 feet elevation along the Missouri River in south-central South Dakota. The surrounding landscape features rolling grasslands and river bluffs, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 60-90°F. Camping options in the area include electric campsites, full-hookup RV sites, and safari-style glamping cabins, with most facilities concentrated around the shores of Lake Francis Case.
What to do
Fishing from shore: North Point Recreation Area provides excellent shore fishing opportunities along the Missouri River. According to one camper, "Beautiful and peaceful setting on the Missouri River. If you pick a site on the water (as we did) you can enjoy a beautiful sunset over the Missouri River and the rolling hills of the southern shore."
Walking local trails: Buryanek Recreation Area features hiking paths with river views. A visitor notes, "This is a great campground on the west bank of the Missouri River. Very nice and well kept facilities."
Swimming beaches: The area offers several swimming spots during summer months. At Lake Mitchell Campground, "Had nice showers and bathrooms. Also had coin laundry on site. Playground for kids and swimming area in lake."
Paddle boarding: The Missouri River provides calm waters ideal for paddle boarding. One visitor shared, "The sunset paddle boarding on the river was a real treat. Kinda cool to say you SUP'd from South Dakota to Nebraska with a beer on the board."
What campers like
Spacious campsites: North Point Recreation Area receives praise for its generous sites. A camper mentioned, "Perfect place to unwind. Large, well spaced out campsites. Beach, walking paths, fishing and golf nearby. Quiet and well manicured."
Clean facilities: Glamping close to Lake Andes, South Dakota includes access to well-maintained amenities. According to a review, "Beautiful campground to visit. Nice size lots, and lovely scenery. We enjoy fishing, walking the trails, and seeing the wildlife."
Water views: Sites overlooking the water are particularly popular. One visitor to Lake Mitchell Campground shared, "Nice swim area, pretty campsites, especially the tent areas that sit high over the lake and have pretty views of the water."
Privacy between sites: Buryanek Recreation Area offers secluded camping. A reviewer noted, "Big sites. A lot of room between sites. Well maintained dirt road to access recreation area. Spacious campground. Very nice."
What you should know
Seasonal water access: Water-based amenities typically close during colder months. As one camper reported, "Open year round but Oct 1– April 30 water sourced amenities may be shut off."
Road conditions: Some recreation areas require traveling on unpaved roads. A Buryanek visitor warned, "Access to this area is off highway 44 but be prepared for several miles of minimally maintained dirt road (with some big hills) to get there."
Algae concerns: Lake water quality can vary by season. A camper at Lake Mitchell Campground noted, "We tent camped for one night! Had nice showers and bathrooms. Also had coin laundry on site. Playground for kids and swimming area in lake. There was hazardous algae in the water when we went, so couldn't swim."
Reservation recommendations: During peak season (May-September), securing sites in advance is advised, especially for waterfront locations and glamping units near Lake Andes, South Dakota.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Armour Lions Park provides family-friendly amenities. A visitor commented, "Great little city park. Showers/restrooms were clean."
Beach proximity: Select campsites with convenient water access. One North Point Recreation Area visitor mentioned, "Camp site was near beach, fishing dock and playground for the kids!"
Protected swimming areas: Several campgrounds offer designated swimming zones. As one camper noted, "The campground was surprisingly quiet for how large it was."
Budget-friendly options: Armour Lions Park offers economical camping. A recent visitor explained, "It's a little confusing in price/paying. There is a box that says $10 donation. A sign that says $15 donation. The donations go towards the park."
Tips from RVers
Electrical hookup options: Carney Park in nearby O'Neill, Nebraska provides affordable electric sites. A visitor noted, "Water and electric with pad and picnic tables and trees for $20! Also some tent sites."
Level site availability: Many campgrounds feature concrete pads. According to one camper, "Very clean and sites are level. Clean showers and restroom. Stay up to 3 days without checking in to the city offices."
Dump station locations: While not all sites offer sewer hookups, many have dump stations for departure use. A visitor to Hills RV Park shared, "Most of the sites are W/E only with a dump on exit. There are FHU available for $5 more per night."
Big rig accessibility: Several campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles. One visitor commented, "Really nice pull through sites with water, electric and sewer. $30 per nite. Some shady sites. Very little road noise."
