Lake Preston, South Dakota sits on the eastern edge of the Prairie Coteau, a plateau rising 400 to 900 feet above the surrounding plains. This elevated region features a mix of grassland and wetland ecosystems with Lake Thompson, the state's largest natural lake, nearby. Winter temperatures often drop below 0°F, while summer days can reach the 90s with high humidity, making spring and fall popular for camping.
What to do
Water recreation at Lake Thompson Recreation Area: The park offers multiple access points to the shoreline with designated swimming areas for families. According to a camper, "Three walkways down to the water's edge with one being a large swimming area. Boating is permitted as well." Lake Thompson Recreation Area provides plenty of fishing opportunities with cleaning stations for your catch.
Historical exploration at Ingalls Homestead: Located less than 10 miles from Lake Thompson, this site offers an immersive pioneer experience. "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," notes a visitor. At Ingalls Homestead, children can participate in hands-on activities from the 1880s.
Kayaking on local waterways: The area's rivers and lakes offer paddling adventures for all skill levels. One visitor to River of the Double Bend Campground shared, "We rented kayaks and went up river, then floated to our camp site. Half way we ran out of beer - AND THEY BROUGHT US SOME!!!"
What campers like
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Visitors consistently mention the upkeep of campgrounds in the area. At Dakota Sunsets RV Park, campers appreciate "the attention to detail you see in this park is not something we have seen a lot during our travels. The gravel roadways to each campsite are groomed perfectly level."
Easy lake access: Lake Thompson campsites offer convenient water proximity. "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. Beach access at the campground," reports one camper.
Historical attractions: The area's pioneer heritage draws many glamping enthusiasts. Memorial Park campers note its location advantage: "We had a great time at the lake, our campsite was in view of the water, beautiful town, beautiful atmosphere." This puts you within driving distance of historical sites while enjoying nature.
What you should know
Weather considerations: The prairie climate brings variable conditions. Bug protection is essential according to one camper at Lake Thompson who advised, "Be sure to use bug spray as mosquitoes were all over- maybe due to wet weather." Summer brings potential for severe thunderstorms with high winds.
Reservation requirements: Most glamping close to Lake Preston, South Dakota requires advance booking, especially for unique accommodations. At Memorial Park, one camper noted, "Called last minute to see if they had anything available, as we had been driving for 2 days without a shower. They had a primitive tent site available."
Limited shade at some sites: The open prairie landscape means tree cover can be sparse. A camper at Dakota Sunsets RV Park described the setting as having "nice grassy spaces between each site" but minimal shade protection at many locations.
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: The Ingalls Homestead offers unique hands-on learning experiences for children. A visitor explained, "My oldest son also learned how to drive the covered wagon to the schoolhouse down the road. Each station on the self-guided tour has an activity with incredibly nice and informed hosts."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for kids. One Memorial Park visitor highlighted that their site was "close to beach, fishing dock and close to playground for kids!" This convenience allows parents to keep an eye on children while enjoying the campsite.
Budget-friendly option: South Dakota State Fairgrounds provides affordable camping close to amenities. "Overall this park is average the sites are level and grassy limited shade sites tho, showers and bathrooms are close by and it's quiet except the occasional train."
Tips from RVers
Dump station considerations: When seeking glamping near Lake Preston with RV facilities, check dump station specifics. At Ingalls Homestead, one RVer warned, "There is a dump station but be fore warned it's on a slope, so emptying your tanks completely will be a challenge."
Internet connectivity: For those needing to stay connected while glamping, some sites offer surprisingly good service. At Dakota Sunsets RV Park, an RVer reported, "The Wifi was really fast…the best we have seen in over 1 yr and full time camping. We had over 50Mbps on our Verzion and ATT hot spot as well as the RV park's Wifi system."
Navigation tips: Some campgrounds require careful maneuvering for larger rigs. At Ingalls Homestead, a camper advised, "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."
