Best Campgrounds near Lake Preston, SD

Camping near Lake Preston, South Dakota, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and unique experiences. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to unwind or a place filled with activities, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

• Explore the Ingalls Homestead: This historic site lets you camp right on the prairie. Visitors love the chance to tour the dugout, barn, and schoolhouse. One reviewer said, “$20pp to tour the property for the whole time you are staying. Check out the dugout, house, barn, schoolhouse, church and garage.” You can find more about it here.
• Enjoy water activities at Lake Herman State Park: This park is perfect for fishing, kayaking, and swimming. A camper mentioned, “Great campground with a lot to do. Nice beach and walking trails and outdoor excessive area. Nice fishing dock.” Check it out here.
• Visit Oakwood Lakes State Park: This park has trails for hiking and horseback riding. One visitor noted, “Great place for horseback riding and canoeing, plus boating and fishing.” You can learn more about it here.

What campers like:

• Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained bathrooms and showers. A review for Sexauer City Park states, “Showers and toilets clean and well lit.”
• Quiet atmosphere: Many campers enjoy the peacefulness of the campgrounds. One camper at Campground 2 — Oakwood Lakes State Park said, “One of the best campsites I've been to! Large lots, campfires allowed, lakes, trails, friendly people and sooo incredibly quiet.”
• Family-friendly activities: Campgrounds like Lake Herman State Park offer playgrounds and trails, making it a hit with families. A reviewer mentioned, “The staff was very nice and helpful!”

What you should know:

• Limited amenities at some sites: Not all campgrounds have full hookups. For example, Pioneer / Montrose City Campground has been noted for its “clean and well-maintained” sites but also has some issues with water quality.
• Reservations are recommended: Some campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Sexauer City Park advised, “Ideal small campground, reserve in advance!”
• Seasonal closures: Be aware that some facilities may close during colder months. A visitor mentioned, “Apparently when temps reach towards freezing they close all restrooms and showers.”

Tips for camping with families:

• Bring outdoor games: Many campgrounds have open spaces for kids to play. A parent at Campground 1 — Oakwood Lakes State Park said, “They have a playground which my 4-year-old son loved!”
• Plan for activities: Look for campgrounds that offer educational experiences, like the Ingalls Homestead. One fan of the site said, “If you’re a Laura Ingalls Wilder fan, like me, this is a must stop, if only for a night!”
• Pack snacks and drinks: Some campgrounds don’t have markets nearby. A camper at Dakota Sunsets RV Park mentioned, “Friendly place, clean, well taken care of.”

Tips from RVers:

• Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Ingalls Homestead noted, “Unless you have a small vehicle and camper, it is tricky to get turned around if it is full.”
• Be cautious with dump stations: Some dump stations can be tricky to use. A camper at Lake Herman State Park warned, “Be forewarned it's on a slope, so emptying your tanks completely will be a challenge.”
• Stay connected: Some campgrounds have limited Wi-Fi. A visitor at Dakota Sunsets RV Park mentioned, “WiFi was average but there were not many RVs in the park for our 3 nights stay.”

Camping near Lake Preston, South Dakota, offers a variety of experiences, from historical sites to beautiful lakes. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for everyone to enjoy!