Fort Sisseton State Park Campground offers a unique camping environment near Lake City, South Dakota. Located at 11545 Northside Drive, this year-round destination provides multiple accommodation options including tent sites, RV spaces, and upscale glamping units. The campground sits within a historic military outpost with restored 19th-century buildings forming a distinctive backdrop for outdoor recreation.
What to do
Explore historic buildings: Fort Sisseton State Park preserves multiple historic structures that visitors can tour while glamping near Lake City, South Dakota. The grounds feature exceptionally maintained historic buildings connected by a network of walking paths. According to James, a visitor who rated the park 5 stars, the campground costs "$26 with electric" and is "so well taken care of."
Wildlife observation: The park hosts diverse wildlife that frequently visits camping areas. "A couple of wild turkeys came by in the evening," notes Leslie B., who enjoyed "camping in the middle of history" at Fort Sisseton State Park Campground. Bird watching opportunities are abundant throughout the seasons.
Water recreation: The park provides lake access for swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating during warmer months. Leos P. mentions "there is a lot of outdoor advantage in the area" and describes Fort Sisseton as "a small, quiet, friendly park" where they "have stayed there a number of times."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise the maintenance standards at glamping locations near Lake City. "The showers are gorgeous, there are cabins, wood for sale and all amenities," reports Teresa T., who described Fort Sisseton State Park Campground as "a very pretty park" with "extremely well maintained grounds and buildings."
Spacious sites: The camping areas provide ample room between units, creating a comfortable experience. Leos P. notes that "the campsites are clean, well groomed, and spacious" and "the staff are always helpful." This extra space enhances privacy while maintaining the community atmosphere typical of glamping experiences.
Trail system: A network of walking paths connects camping areas with natural features. Teresa T. mentions that the park has "a good set of trails, along with access to a lake." These paths accommodate various ability levels and provide scenic routes for morning or evening walks.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: While glamping accommodations near Lake City are available year-round, spring and early summer can bring insects. Leslie B. from Fort Sisseton State Park Campground noted the "only downside is that campsite was fly infested. It was pretty clean so I think the flies came from horse areas."
Reservation requirements: Due to limited availability of premium glamping units, advanced booking is recommended, especially for summer weekends and during special events. Sites with electrical hookups tend to fill fastest.
Local supplies: While basic camping supplies are available on-site, major grocery stores are limited in the immediate area. Teresa T. mentions that there is "wood for sale" at Fort Sisseton, which eliminates the need to transport firewood from outside sources.
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: The historic setting provides learning experiences for children about frontier military history. Leslie B. found it "fun to explore the historical buildings" at Fort Sisseton State Park Campground, making this glamping destination educational as well as recreational.
Safety considerations: The lake areas lack lifeguards, requiring parental supervision during water activities. The established trails provide safer walking routes for younger children than off-trail exploration.
Evening activities: Campfire programs and stargazing opportunities can engage children after dark. With firewood available for purchase on-site, evening gatherings around campfires become convenient family bonding experiences.
Tips from RVers
Hookup details: Electric sites at glamping locations near Lake City typically provide 30-amp service rather than 50-amp connections. This is sufficient for most moderate power needs but may require conservation for larger rigs with multiple air conditioning units.
Dump station logistics: The sanitary dump stations can become congested during peak checkout times. Plan accordingly or use facilities during off-peak hours to minimize waiting.
Site selection: RV glampers should consider the level of shade desired when booking. Some sites offer full shade which keeps units cooler but may interfere with satellite reception if needed.
