Best Campgrounds near Lake City, SD

Lake City, South Dakota provides several established campgrounds with a range of accommodation options. Fort Sisseton State Park Campground offers tent, RV, cabin, and glamping sites with amenities including drinking water, electric hookups, and showers. Roy Lake State Park, with both East and West units, features lakeside camping with boat-in access and cabin rentals. Pickerel Lake Recreation Area's West Unit also accommodates various camping styles with fire rings and picnic tables. Most campgrounds in the region maintain electric hookups and basic facilities, though amenities vary significantly between locations.

Camping is available year-round at several sites, though services may be limited during winter months. "Well maintained park with great fishing at Roy and many other surrounding lakes!" noted one visitor about Roy Lake State Park. Road conditions are generally good for standard vehicles, with most campgrounds offering drive-in access suitable for RVs and larger rigs. Cell service can be spotty in more remote areas, so travelers should plan accordingly. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer weekends and holidays. The region experiences cold winters with potential for snow and ice, while summers are typically warm and pleasant, making late spring through early fall the most popular camping season.

Waterfront camping represents a significant draw in the Lake City area, with several campgrounds offering direct lake access. Roy Lake State Park receives consistently positive reviews for its fishing opportunities and lakeside sites. A camper mentioned that the West Unit at Pickerel Lake Recreation Area offers "spacious grassy campground that is lakeside" with "a boat launch and day use area around the bend." Wildlife viewing is another highlight, with opportunities to spot deer, otters, and various bird species including pelicans. While some campgrounds like Webster City Park and Chamber of Commerce Campground offer convenient in-town locations with nearby amenities, others provide more natural settings with greater privacy and scenic views. Most campgrounds feature fire rings and picnic tables, though fire restrictions may apply during dry periods.

Best Camping Sites Near Lake City, South Dakota (32)

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Recent Reviews near Lake City, SD

62 Reviews of 32 Lake City Campgrounds


  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    City Park

    Nice with full hook ups

    Functional park with hookups and shade. Well done.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Traverse Co Park

    Very little shade

    The spots are arranged in a circle around the property with two campers on each electrical hook up. No water or sewer connections but a dump station. Pit toilets. The attraction is the lake and there is a small beach and boat access.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Sica Hollow State Park Campground

    I think this area is surprising

    This is a horse campground with very basic services. Trash, pit toilets, corals but there are well maintained trails that go throughout and streams and small waterfalls. Some of the most interesting hiking on this end of the state. Only 11 or so spots and very little shade and it has been surprisingly busy. I will do as much as I can on the trail system.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Fort Sisseton State Park Campground

    Very well maintained

    This is a very pretty park. Lots of camping extremely well maintained grounds and buildings and a good set of trails, along with access to a lake. The showers are gorgeous, there are cabins, wood for sale and all amenities.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Forman City Park and Campground

    Small but convenient

    I wanted to come and see the historical museum and lucked into finding this. 3 spots with electric and bathrooms. It is right near the road but otherwise private. No one here but I assume during the county fair it is fully occupied.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Wyndemere Rock Garden County Park

    I don't think this is open

    When you suggest an edit, it doesn't leave any place to explain so figured I would do A. Review to provide some information. There are technically 2 campgrounds in windmere. The GPS Coordinates for the rock garden are the other campground, but neither seem to actually be at least R. V camping. I'll put up some pictures to help explain, but I wouldn't stay in either place. Where the GPS Coordinates are is across from the school which is open. And it's basically the football field and I didn't see any formalized camping there in The Rock garden. There's no way to camp in that. There's another park, a blockdown where I suppose you could camp. But there's no entrance or anything for an R. V. So I don't think either. Are actually open.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Barney Campground

    Quiet spot for a night

    This really is a spot for an evening unless you know someone in town. I was given the first night free and only staying one night, ok. Parked behind the manager who is very nice. Wouldn't have found it except from the sign on the road.

  • M
    Jun. 14, 2025

    Sheyenne National Grassland

    If you're a newbie like me...

    So you're gonna wanna look up a map about this area. Don't just park where the marker is that is not open land that is private. The Dyrt site/app map helped zoom in and find the roads. Also this: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/dpg/maps-guides. If it is during the week, you can stop by the Ranger office and probably pick up a map.

    It's really pretty out here. Make sure your vehicle has decent clearance but nothing too extreme. 2007 Toyota Sequoia with a 1.75 inch lift.

    When you get nearby, these grasslands just look for those signs for the roads on the map like 1212, 1215, 1217 etc.

  • Jenny The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 7, 2025

    City Park

    Small and clean

    We’ve used the facilities here. Completely self-service. Site had dump station, bathrooms.

    Sites have sewer, water and electric.


Guide to Lake City

Camping near Lake City, South Dakota, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and campsites. A review for Hartford Beach State Park Campground stated, "Very nicely maintained campground and facilities."
  • Quiet atmosphere: Many enjoy the peaceful surroundings. A visitor at Hankinson Hills Campground said, "It was quiet and peaceful."
  • Wildlife sightings: Campers love spotting wildlife. One reviewer at Big Stone Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "We also saw a deer walking through the campsite too!"

What you should know:

  • Biting insects: Be prepared for mosquitoes and flies, especially in the summer. A camper at Hankinson Hills Campground warned, "Only downside was the abundance of biting flies and mosquitoes."
  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Jorgen's Hollow Campground, have minimal facilities. A visitor noted, "Decent primitive campground... decent vault toilets and water pump."
  • Cell service can vary: Depending on your location, cell service may not be reliable. A reviewer at Hankinson Hills Campground mentioned, "Verizon works okay, not great but I had a bar or two."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. One reviewer at Codington County Memorial Park said, "Close to beach, fishing dock and close to playground for kids!"
  • Spacious sites: Choose campgrounds with roomy sites for family activities. A camper at Wylie Park Campground mentioned, "Sites have full hookups which make long stays more enjoyable."
  • Plan for noise: Expect a lively atmosphere on weekends. A visitor at Wylie Park Campground noted, "This place is positively overrun with kids."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Hartford Beach State Park Campground mentioned, "Some sites are not very level."
  • Bring long cords: If you need electric hookups, ensure you have long cords. A camper at Big Stone Lake State Park Campground advised, "The electric hook up is pretty far from the picnic table/fire ring area."
  • Explore nearby attractions: Take advantage of local attractions. A visitor at Fort Ransom State Park Campground shared, "Come early, around the ticks and mosquitoes. Maybe I will bring the canoe next time."

Camping near Lake City, South Dakota, has something for everyone. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot for your next outdoor adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Lake City, SD?

According to TheDyrt.com, Lake City, SD offers a wide range of camping options, with 32 campgrounds and RV parks near Lake City, SD and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Lake City, SD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lake City, SD is Fort Sisseton State Park Campground with a 5-star rating from 4 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lake City, SD?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Lake City, SD.