Lake Preston, South Dakota provides several camping options within a short drive of town, with Lake Thompson Recreation Area serving as the primary developed campground in the immediate vicinity. The area features a mix of established campgrounds that accommodate tent camping, RVs, and cabin rentals. Outback Campground, a newer facility opened in 2024, offers full hookup sites for RVs, while Lake Preston City Park & Campground provides basic tent and RV sites with minimal amenities. Nearby attractions include the historic Ingalls Homestead in De Smet, which offers unique camping experiences including covered wagon rentals alongside traditional tent and RV sites.
Seasonal considerations affect campground operations throughout the region, with Lake Thompson Recreation Area open year-round while other facilities may have limited availability during winter months. Many campgrounds offer electric hookups for RVs, though not all provide full services like water or sewer connections. Reservations are recommended, especially during summer weekends when lakefront sites fill quickly. The region experiences typical Northern Plains weather patterns with hot summers and cold winters, making spring and fall particularly pleasant for camping. A camper noted, "Beautiful location on the north shore of Lake Thompson. Some sites face the lake, others have shade with enough open sky for your StarLink dish."
Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the Lake Preston area, with Lake Thompson providing opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating. Several campgrounds feature developed beaches and boat launches, making water recreation easily accessible. The surrounding prairie landscape offers scenic views and wildlife observation opportunities. Oakwood Lakes State Park, located approximately 30 minutes from Lake Preston, provides additional camping options with two separate campgrounds featuring electric sites and cabin rentals. A recent review highlighted, "Lake Thompson Recreation Area has both electric standard sites for campers and tent sites. Two shower houses and multiple vault toilets throughout the campground for accessibility. Walking trails in grass or gravel. Three walkways down to the water's edge with one being a large swimming area."
"This is a truly magical place, and if you’ve ever read any of the Little House on the Prairie books and are anywhere near De Smet South Dakota, do yourself a favor and swing by."
"For $30, we had W&E, fire pit (firewood not sold), picnic table and free access to the homestead. Bathrooms were so clean and smelled like cedar wood. "
"In true, South Dakota fashion, I think it's pretty expensive."
"Walking trails in grass or gravel. Three walkways down to the water’s edge with one being a large swimming area. Boating is permitted as well."
$15 / night
"It is close to two lakes. Lake Whitewood and Lake Thompson. Very good fishing at both lakes. You are within 10 minute drive from fishing, swimming and boating on 2 fun lakes."
"We visited Arlington, SD on our way west and easily located this cute little campground on the main drag."
"Nice town to bike or walk! Grocery store, gas mini mart and Main St all close. No vehicle needed!"
$26 / night
"Despite being close to Brookings this park is quiet and i didnt find it very full."
"Super cool hiking trail around Scout Island! Great history at Ol Mortimers Cabin and the old military fort. Kayaking, boating, fishing, and swimming are excellent!"
LegendEverything is in great shape, well maintained and ready for spring. They also have a number of trails making the best of the smaller park. The water is very green. I don't think it is very deep but this green this early in the season is concerning.
LegendSmaller campground on a peninsula with lots of water views. It had a number of open spots, full hookups and rebuilt decks. Likely for month to month rentals but seemed to have nice bathroom facilities.
LegendPretty huge private month to month campground. I bet the pricing is reasonable and good access to the lake.
LegendDesigned more for month to month camping. There are spots open as you can see in the pictures and it is very well maintained and orderly. We were staying at the state recreation area.
LegendWe stayed in spot number 2 back hidden under the trees. Because the wind was so bad. Early season, bathrooms are closed, so pit toilets were open. Very pretty very nicely well maintained park. In true, South Dakota fashion, I think it's pretty expensive. It's forty dollars for a spot with electric only if you're from out of state and you still need to pay your park entrance fee on top of that if you don't have a state parks pass.
LegendThe sites is very well maintained with what look to be a number of new investments like trails, docks, shooting range for bows. It was early in the season so bathrooms weren't open but the spigots were on and the pit toilets were clean. Nice lake views and a few short trails for hiking or horses. Boat dock for big boats, fishermen and canoeing. Might be super busy in summer but early season was beautiful.
ScoutSpent 2 weeks here in january. Fairly priced with full hookup year round. The sites seem a little tight if it were to get filled up in the summer but very spacious this time of year. The owners were a little hard to get a hold of but are nice enough
LegendI think how much you like this. Place depends on what you're looking for and the time of year. It is right on the water. It does have a beautiful sandy beach. All the campsites have access to it, but that also means they're exposed. There's not a lot of shade and like today. It's pretty cold and there's pretty big wind miserable to be outside. There are bike trails to town and to county park, which is just a couple of miles away. I think the place is great. The bathrooms are probably standard. They have a couple of shelters, but we're not gonna stay for today because of the wind and the cold.
LegendWe stopped to walk around. I think we saw everything on the walk from a chapel. Two paths to gardens to campsites to full hookups, numerous bathrooms and other amenities.
The prairie landscape surrounding Lake Preston, South Dakota features rolling grasslands punctuated by natural lakes formed from glacial depressions. Located approximately 1,700 feet above sea level, this region experiences typical Northern Plains temperature swings ranging from highs near 90°F in summer to below-zero temperatures in winter. Campers visiting Lake Preston can choose from several small-town campgrounds with varying levels of amenities, from basic tent sites to full-hookup RV facilities.
Horseback riding trails: Oakwood Lakes State Park offers excellent horseback riding opportunities about 30 minutes from Lake Preston. A camper noted, "Great place for horseback riding and canoeing, plush boating and fishing. In addition to natural beauty there are games to rent, playground, etc."
Laura Ingalls Wilder historic activities: Ingalls Homestead provides hands-on 1880s activities less than 10 miles from Lake Preston. "There's a one-room school house with tours, a barn with animals, a covered wagon ride where you (or your kids) can lead the horse-drawn wagon, opportunities to learn how to make a jump rope, twist hay, wash clothes—all things the Ingalls family had to do on a farm from long ago," explains one visitor.
Island exploration: Scout Island at Oakwood Lakes State Park features unique hiking trails around the perimeter. "Super cool hiking trail around Scout Island! Great history at Ol Mortimers Cabin and the old military fort," shares a camper who enjoyed the historical elements.
Private bathrooms: The shower facilities at Oakwood Lakes State Park Campground 2 receive consistent praise for cleanliness and privacy. One camper mentioned, "The bathrooms are amazing for a campground. One of the few places I've ever camped where you get a full bathroom to yourself."
Swimming beaches: Lake Thompson Recreation Area features multiple water access points with developed swimming areas. According to a visitor, "Three walkways down to the water's edge with one being a large swimming area. Boating is permitted as well."
Small-town convenience: Lake Preston City Park & Campground offers easy access to local amenities despite its small size. A camper shared, "This park is a nice little stop in a super small town. We came through just to visit the Ingall's homestead and enjoyed this peace and quiet so much we decided to stay for four days."
New campground option: Outback Campground opened in July 2024 and provides full hookup sites near two fishing lakes. A camper notes, "It is close to two lakes. Lake Whitewood and Lake Thompson. Very good fishing at both lakes. You are within 10 minute drive from fishing, swimming and boating on 2 fun lakes."
Limited shade at some sites: The campsites at Lake Thompson Recreation Area vary in terms of sun exposure. One camper observed, "Some sites face the lake, others have shade with enough open sky for your StarLink dish."
Insects can be prevalent: Lake Thompson campers should come prepared with insect repellent, particularly after wet weather. A visitor warned, "Be sure to use bug spray as mosquitoes were all over- maybe due to wet weather."
Historical immersion activities: Kids particularly enjoy the interactive pioneer experiences at Ingalls Homestead. One family reported, "My oldest son also learned how to drive the covered wagon to the schoolhouse down the road (another highlight). Each station on the self-guided tour has an activity with incredibly nice and informed hosts."
Unique sleeping arrangements: Lake Poinsett State Recreation Area offers family-friendly cabin options in addition to traditional campsites. Families with children appreciate the campground layout: "We stayed at campground 1 number 36 it was the perfect pull through spot to set up for the weekend! The bathrooms were very clean which made the stay 10 times better."
Midweek visits for more space: Families often find weekday camping provides a quieter experience with more available facilities. A camper at Oakwood Lakes State Park noted, "We visited during the week so we pretty much had the campsite to ourselves!! They have a playground which my 4 year old son loved! He can't wait to go again!"
Dump station positioning: RVers at Ingalls Homestead should be aware of the dump station layout. A reviewer cautioned, "There is a dump station but be fore warned it's on a slope, so emptying your tanks completely will be a challenge."
Entry strategy for tight spaces: Norland Park in Arlington provides basic RV sites within 20 minutes of Lake Preston. A camper advised, "A very utilitarian campground in Arlington, SD. Best feature aside from the shade is there is a laundrymat in the same lot!"
Campsite maneuvering tip: When staying at Ingalls Homestead with larger RVs, consider your approach. One RVer recommended, "Our suggestion if you stay here is, pull in the parking lot and back up the driveway to the camp sites. Unless you have a small vehicle and camper, it is tricky to get turned around if it is full."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Lake Preston, SD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lake Preston, SD is Ingalls Homestead with a 5-star rating from 7 reviews.
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