The Lake Andes area sits at around 1,500 feet elevation along the Missouri River in southeastern South Dakota. The region features rolling prairie landscapes with wetland habitats that attract migratory birds, particularly during spring and fall seasons. Summer temperatures typically reach the 80s while winter lows can drop below freezing, with campgrounds generally busiest from May through September.
What to do
Birdwatching opportunities: Big River Marsh RV Park offers access to prime waterfowl viewing areas. "The convenience of this full hook-up RV Park and its close proximity to the Missouri river boat dock makes this park one of our favorites. So quiet and peaceful for me and my husband while on our annual river waterfowl hunt," noted one camper who appreciated the location for wildlife observation.
Water recreation: North Point Recreation Area provides multiple water access points with boat ramps and swimming areas. "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," shared a camper who enjoyed the river views.
Fishing options: Pease Creek Recreation Area offers fishing opportunities with less crowding. "A wooded campground, about .25 mile walk/drive to the river. Clean bathrooms and vault toilets. Nice shoreline to stroll along with dogs," mentioned a visitor who enjoyed the shoreline access for fishing and walking.
What campers like
Shaded sites: Famil-E-Fun Campground features mature trees providing natural shade. "Campground is small, wooded with mature trees and shade. Was about 1/3 occupied on weeknight but scheduled to be full over holiday weekend," noted one camper who appreciated the natural setting despite its proximity to I-90.
Spacious waterfront camping: North Point Recreation Area offers sites with direct water views. "Although the park was full when we visited (July) we had plenty of space on either side of us and it was surprisingly quiet given that the camp was full," shared a camper who found the experience surprisingly peaceful despite high occupancy.
Clean facilities: Pease Creek Recreation Area maintains well-kept bathrooms and showers. "Clean bathrooms and showers, water provided so it worked out good anyways," mentioned a visitor who found the facilities satisfactory despite the lack of staff presence during their stay.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Many rv parks near Lake Andes, South Dakota operate year-round but with reduced services in colder months. "Open year round but Oct 1–April 30 water sourced amenities may be shut off," noted a North Point visitor, highlighting the importance of checking service availability during shoulder seasons.
Reservation requirements: White Lake Lodge & RV Campground provides convenient overnight stops for travelers. "Clean, convenient campground with friendly people including staff and fellow travelers," shared a camper who appreciated the accessibility for short stays along I-90.
Site sizing limitations: Some campgrounds have restrictions for larger rigs. "The road in is a very narrow country road meaning the camp and road are better suited for smaller rigs," explained a Pease Creek visitor, pointing out access challenges that aren't immediately apparent when booking.
Cell service variability: Connectivity differs between Lake Andes camping areas. "Verizon connection was good and I could stream live TV on Hulu," reported a camper at Famil-E-Fun Campground, providing useful information for those needing to stay connected.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Hills RV Park offers a swimming pool for families during summer months. "We stopped at Betts for a night on our way to the Black Hills and it was a great stop. The Corn Palace is near by and our kids had a great time in the outdoor pool," shared a family who enjoyed the amenities.
Playground access: North Point Recreation Area includes playground facilities near camping areas. "Camp site was near beach, fishing dock and playground for the kids!" noted a family camper who appreciated the convenient proximity to child-friendly amenities.
Cabin alternatives: Famil-E-Fun Campground provides cabin rentals for families without camping gear. "Family friendly, with tent and rv/camper sites. I was hammock camping and had just enough trees to do so," mentioned a visitor who noted the variety of accommodation options.
Tips from RVers
Budget-friendly options: Paulson RV Park offers affordable extended stays for RVers. "Super cheap too. $200 per month for long term plus electric you are responsible for and $15 per day for short term," explained an RVer who appreciated the cost-effective pricing structure for longer stays.
Overnight convenience: Many campgrounds near Lake Andes offer simplified check-in for one-night stays. "We texted the host asking for a spot and got a quick response back. We parked in our spot and put the payment in a box," shared a Paulson RV Park visitor who found the process streamlined for quick overnight stops.
Hook-up options: The Lake Andes area offers varied rv hookup configurations. "They had long term parking for campers not hooked up to anything and long term parking for full hookups. No dumping station because most the sites all have sewer. Were able to hook to water through the winter as well," noted a Paulson RV Park camper, highlighting the year-round water availability that's uncommon at other area campgrounds.
