Roy Lake State Park offers camping at both East and West units near Lake City, with both tent and RV sites available along the lakeshore. Sites at the West unit are generally more spacious and divided between two separate camping areas. The East unit provides a dump station while the West unit has shower facilities. Both areas feature lake access with opportunities for fishing, swimming, and water recreation, with most campsites including fire rings and picnic tables.
What to do
Explore historical sites: Fort Sisseton State Park Campground contains preserved historical buildings that provide context for the area's past. "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," notes Teresa T. about Sica Hollow State Park.
Water recreation: Pickerel Lake Recreation Area offers boat launches and shoreline access. "A boat launch and day use area is around the bend. This State Recreation Area has plenty to do and is beautifully maintained," writes Art S. about the West Unit at Pickerel Lake.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes in the region support fishing, with Roy Lake being particularly noted. "Well maintained park with great fishing at Roy and many other surrounding lakes," according to Alex R. at Roy Lake West.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention the well-maintained grounds and facilities at area campgrounds. "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," notes Teresa T. about Fisher Grove State Park.
Wildlife viewing: The area offers opportunities to observe local wildlife. "A couple of wild turkeys came by in the evening," Leslie B. writes about their stay at Fort Sisseton.
Affordability: Several campgrounds offer reasonable rates. "An economical little spot within the City of Webster. Water and dump station available. Close to grocery, restaurants, and liquor store," reports Debra G. about Webster City Park.
What you should know
Campground layout: Some campgrounds have distinct sections with different features. "There is another one on the eastern shore. It seemed like there are only a few campers here but a group of kids and their chaperones showed up later at night," explains Art S. about Pickerel Lake.
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in the Lake City region operate seasonally, with Silver Lake Recreation Area open from May 1 to October 1.
Bug preparation: Insect protection is necessary, especially on trails. "A groomed trail leads right out of camp - bug spray needed for the trail," warns Art S.
Hookup limitations: "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," advises Patrick S. about Silver Lake Rec Area.
Tips for camping with families
Recreation options: Many campgrounds offer family-friendly activities. "Campground has canoe rentals, playground, beach, Disc Golf course, hiking path to an island and two boat docks," notes Jordan H. about Roy Lake East.
Swimming areas: Designated swimming beaches provide safe water access for children. "There was a very nice swimming beach and what appeared to be a new playground for the kids," Patrick S. mentions about Silver Lake.
Quiet vs. active sections: Some campgrounds designate specific areas for different camper types. "There is a north section that is apparently for quiet people that don't stay up late and south section for all the others," explains Patrick S.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Site conditions vary across campgrounds. "Our site had a gravel pad that required very little leveling with very nice grass surrounding it," notes Patrick S.
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds have dump stations on site. "Only the east side has a dump site. Some sites on the west area are rather sharply angled," Gerard J. points out about Roy Lake.
Dog friendly campgrounds near Lake City: Most campgrounds welcome pets but have specific regulations. "Dogs are welcome but must be cleaned up after and kept out of certain sections of the campground," explains Patrick S. about Silver Lake Rec Area.
