The Lake City area of northeastern South Dakota features diverse camping options within a landscape of glacial lakes and rolling prairie. Campsites near Lake City, South Dakota sit at approximately 1,800 feet elevation in a region known for its abundant fishing lakes and wildlife viewing opportunities. Camping facilities range from primitive sites to modern campgrounds with full hookups, with many locations concentrated around the numerous lakes in Day and Marshall counties.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Fort Sisseton State Park Campground provides access to multiple fishing spots. "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," notes Teresa T.
Hiking historical trails: Sica Hollow State Park Campground offers unique trails through wooded ravines. "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," according to one reviewer.
Disc golf: Roy Lake East campground features an 18-hole disc golf course suitable for beginners and intermediate players. "Busy/Full campground with alot of activities. Campground has canoe rentals, playground, beach, Disc Golf course, hinking path to an island and two boat docks," writes Jordan H.
Wildlife observation: Several campgrounds offer opportunities to spot deer, wild turkeys, and waterfowl. "A couple of wild turkeys came by in the evening," mentions Leslie B. about her stay at Fort Sisseton State Park.
What campers like
Spacious lakeside sites: West Unit at Pickerel Lake Recreation Area receives positive feedback for its layout. A camper describes it as a "Spacious grassy campground that is lakeside" with "a boat launch and day use area around the bend."
Well-maintained facilities: Many visitors appreciate the upkeep of campgrounds in the area. "Sites are nicely spaced on the west side. There are two separate areas. Only the east side has a dump site. Some sites on the west area are rather sharply angled. Well-maintained. Friendly staff," says Gerard J. about Roy Lake West.
Fall colors: Autumn camping provides special appeal in this region. One camper at Roy Lake East described it as a "Lovely spot on the water" with "Clean facility, lovely view and fall colors."
Historical features: Fort Sisseton State Park offers unique historical elements. "Small campground. Well maintained. It was fun to explore the historical buildings," writes Leslie B.
What you should know
Reservation needs: Many campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends. For the West Unit at Pickerel Lake, a visitor noted, "It seemed like there are only a few campers here but a group of kids and their chaperones showed up later at night... It also looks like they had a full weekend due to the reservation slips still on the posts."
Insects: Be prepared for bugs, particularly near wooded areas and horse facilities. "Only downside is that campsite was fly infested. It was pretty clean so I think the flies came from horse areas," mentions Leslie B. about Fort Sisseton State Park.
Cell service: Coverage varies significantly across campgrounds in the region. At Silver Lake Rec Area, a camper reports "Poor cell service but lots of open sky and the sat service is killing it today."
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds operate with reduced services outside peak season. Silver Lake Rec Area has a defined season of "May 1 to October 1," making it unavailable during winter months.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "A book exchange, playground, volleyball and horseshoe pit give entertainment options," notes Art S. about the West Unit at Pickerel Lake.
Swimming beaches: Roy Lake East provides family-friendly water access. Jordan H. mentions the campground has a "playground, beach" among other amenities.
Educational opportunities: Fort Sisseton State Park offers historical learning experiences. "Camping in the middle of history," titles Leslie B. in her review, noting the historical buildings to explore.
Town proximity: For families needing supplies or activities during inclement weather, Chamber of Commerce Campground - Webster provides convenient access to town amenities. "This is your basic campground in the middle of town when your visiting nearby or passing through," explains Shelly S.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup options: City of Britton RV Park provides exceptional value for RVers. "1st 2 nights free, $15 after that, 10 day max, full hookups as in water,sewer & 20/30amp electrical at all 4 sites, must call number or sign in at city hall," advises Bill S.
Shared power posts: At Silver Lake Rec Area, Patrick S. notes an important detail: "Our site had water and electric hookups however we shared a post with our neighbors and each post had one 30 amp and one 50 amp plug so you'll need an adapter if your neighbor is already plugged in to 30 amp service."
Dump station locations: RVers should note which campgrounds offer dump services. Gerard J. points out about Roy Lake, "Only the east side has a dump site," important information for planning longer stays.
Site leveling requirements: Silver Lake campsites generally require minimal effort to level. "Our site had a gravel pad that required very little leveling with very nice grass surrounding it," according to Patrick S.
