Cabin camping near Lake Preston, South Dakota offers options around Lake Thompson and several nearby state parks. The area sits on the Coteau des Prairies, a plateau rising between 300-600 feet above the surrounding plains in eastern South Dakota. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F, with occasional thunderstorms that can bring sudden winds across the open prairie landscape.
What to do
Horseback riding trails: Oakwood Lakes State Park maintains dedicated horse trails and a separate Horse Campground. "Great place for horseback riding and canoeing, plush boating and fishing. In addition to natural beauty there are games to rent, playground, etc," notes one visitor.
Historical exploration: The Ingalls Homestead offers hands-on pioneer experiences alongside cabin stays. A camper explains, "Each station on the self-guided tour has an activity with incredibly nice and informed hosts. Most of the buildings are based on the original plans and descriptions from the Ingalls family."
Water recreation: Lakes throughout the region support multiple activities. "Kayaking, boating, fishing, and swimming are excellent!" shares a visitor to Oakwood Lakes. The park features "a swimming beach, several boat launches, handicap accessible fishing dock," according to another camper.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Bathrooms at Campground 2 — Oakwood Lakes State Park receive consistent praise. "Clean bathrooms with hot showers. Nice path around lake for walking the dog," notes one visitor. Another adds this is "one of the best campsites I've been to! Large lots, campfires allowed, lakes, trails, friendly people and sooo incredibly quiet."
Spacious sites: Many cabin areas feature generous spacing. "Very nice, our spot was large with electric. Quiet this weekend," reports one camper about Lake Herman State Park Campground. Another visitor describes "large spots maintained very well. RV spots have electric. Many spots have shade, some are near the lake, and some with lake views."
Family activities: Entertainment options beyond cabins appeal to many. A Lake Herman visitor notes, "They have small cabins for rent, as well as paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes. There is a lower park that's great for families, with activities on the weekends, a large playground, and easy lake access."
What you should know
Varied hookup options: While some cabins include electric, others are more primitive. At Lake Thompson Recreation Area, "This campground has both electric standard sites for campers and tent sites. Two shower houses and multiple vault toilets throughout the campground for accessibility."
Seasonal considerations: Mosquitoes can be prevalent, particularly after wet weather. "Be sure to use bug spray as mosquitoes were all over- maybe due to wet weather," advises one Lake Thompson visitor.
Booking recommendations: Weekdays typically see fewer visitors. One camper at Pelican Lake notes, "If one was to go here to find some quiet do so during the week or late weekend."
Tips for camping with families
Pioneer activities: The pioneer-themed activities at Ingalls Homestead offer educational entertainment. "Friendly folks and simple camping. Lots of things for the kids to do and play just like its 1880," shares one camper. Another notes specific activities: "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."
Playground access: Several cabin areas include play equipment. At Pelican Lake Recreation Area, you'll find "nice pebble beach, playgrounds, and walking areas" making it "family friendly" according to reviewers.
Swimming options: Beach areas provide safe water access for children. "The swim area was nice, no sand, but a nice place to swim where the water was clean!" reports one visitor about Lake Poinsett.
Tips from RVers
Dump station locations: Plan for waste management as hookups vary. "There is an area to dump waste on the exit," notes a Pelican Lake visitor, while at Ingalls Homestead, "Grey water dump is on a slight hill, with the ground washed away, and people sometimes park around it."
Site selection strategy: When choosing cabin or RV sites, consider navigation logistics. At Ingalls Homestead, one visitor suggests: "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."
Utility connections: Many cabins offer some utilities but not full hookups. Lake Herman provides more comprehensive services with "large spots maintained very well. RV spots have electric" and some sites include sewer connections.
