Best Tent Camping near Lake Andes, SD
Tent campgrounds near Lake Andes, South Dakota offer primitive options along the shores of Lake Francis Case and the Missouri River. South Shore Lakeside Use Area provides secluded tent sites with basic amenities, while South Scalp Creek Recreation Area offers an alternative for tent campers seeking water access. Burke Lake Recreation Area, located about 30 miles west, provides year-round tent camping opportunities in a more isolated setting.
Primitive tent sites at South Shore feature fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets but lack drinking water and electric hookups. The campground road is well-maintained with sites either directly on the water or just across the camp road. Campers should bring insect repellent, particularly during summer months when mosquitoes can be problematic. Most tent campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with fees around $11.67 per night. Vehicle entry permits are required at most locations, with day-use fees typically $8 per vehicle.
The tent camping experience at these locations offers seclusion not commonly found at developed RV campgrounds. South Shore Lakeside Use Area remains notably uncrowded throughout much of the season. One camper noted, "This is an underrated campground with a great view from any site, and, most of all not crowded." Tent sites typically provide some shade from mature trees, making summer camping more comfortable. Areas closer to the Missouri River and Lake Francis Case provide fishing opportunities, with species including walleye, northern pike, and channel catfish. During winter months, campers can observe bald eagles along the shoreline. Miller Creek campground, while located in neighboring Nebraska, offers an alternative tent camping location with access to Lewis and Clark Lake, though visitors should be prepared for potentially rough road conditions, especially after rain.
