Several camping options surround Lake Preston in eastern South Dakota, situated in the glacial lakes region at approximately 1,700 feet elevation. The area experiences seasonal weather patterns with warm summers and cold winters, making late spring through early fall the most popular camping periods. Cellular service varies across campgrounds with stronger signals near larger towns.
What to do
Water recreation: Lake Preston area offers multiple lakes for fishing and boating. Memorial Park campground on Lake Kampeska provides easy water access with "clean, quiet, open space right on beautiful lake Kampseka" according to reviewer ML W. The campground is "close to beach, fishing dock and close to playground for kids" as Rebekah M. notes.
Historic exploration: Visit local homesteading sites. Ingalls Homestead attracts history enthusiasts with interactive 1880s experiences. One camper explains, "De Smet is where the Ingalls family lived during the 'Long Winter' of 1880-1881, and the Ingalls Homestead is a 'family run business' that brings to life many activities from the 1880s such as visiting a one-room schoolhouse, making a corn on the cob doll, going on a covered wagon ride, etc."
Walking trails: Explore nature paths. Oakwood Lakes State Park features "a swimming beach, several boat launches, handicap accessible fishing dock. There is a horse trail and trail campsites," according to Louann J. Another camper mentions, "Nice path around lake for walking the dog" while staying at the park.
What campers like
Affordable camping options: Budget-friendly sites throughout the area. At Ingalls Homestead, campers appreciate the value: "A very cool and unique campsite on the grounds of the Laura Ingalls Homestead near De Smet, SD. Unique in that you can camp right on the open prairie and for only $10 a night."
Spacious campsites: Room to spread out. Lake Herman State Park offers "large spots maintained very well. RV spots have electric. Many spots have shade, some are near the lake, and some with lake views," according to Carrie F., who adds that "they spray regularly for bugs, which is extremely important to me!"
Cleanliness: Well-maintained facilities. Several campers note clean bathrooms across the region's campgrounds. A visitor to Pioneer Campground writes, "Clean and well maintained. Free showers and even a pool in season. For $30 for hook-ups the price can't be beat."
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Most facilities operate between April and October. While some state parks maintain year-round accessibility, most private campgrounds have limited seasons. Pioneer Campground operates "May 1 to November 1" according to their listing information.
Variable water quality: Filter recommendations. Some campers report issues with water quality at certain campgrounds. A reviewer at Pioneer Campground noted, "The water is bad there. We use a filter on our water hose. It still messed up our faucets and toilet. Inside the filter was a bunch of black stuff in it."
Dump station challenges: Some uneven terrain. While most RV campgrounds provide dump stations, conditions vary. One camper mentions about a dump station at a local campground: "The only issue is it's on a slight hill, with the ground washed away, and people sometimes park around it."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer play areas. Norland Park in nearby Arlington provides "a couple of city parks with electrical hookup and about six sites with picnic tables" and "the sites back right up to a cute little park with a lake/pond complete with bridge and small island."
Historical learning opportunities: Hands-on experiences for children. At Ingalls Homestead, "the other really cool thing about this spot—especially for families—are all the fun activities at the homestead itself. 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."
Swimming options: Public pools and beaches available. Several campgrounds offer swimming access, with one camper noting, "Town pool across the street" at Pioneer Campground. Oakwood Lakes State Park provides a "nice swimming beach" according to visitor reviews.
Tips from RVers
Site positioning: Consider setup and views. Dakota Sunsets RV Park receives positive feedback for thoughtful site layout: "The gravel roadways to each campsite are groomed perfectly level. Art, sculptures and flower pots are everywhere." Another camper added, "Nice grassy spaces between each site. Stunning sunsets and amazing dawns."
Internet connectivity: Strong signals in select locations. RV travelers report variable but often good connectivity options. One camper at Dakota Sunsets noted, "We had over 50Mbps on our Verzion and ATT hot spot as well as the RV park's Wifi system. This park is smoked hot for internet connectivity."
Overnight convenience: Multiple options for short stays. For those traveling through the Lake Preston area, campgrounds like Outback Campground provide convenient access. A reviewer 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."
