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Best Campgrounds near Lemmon, SD

20 Reviews

Camping opportunities near Lemmon, South Dakota include several developed campgrounds around Shadehill Reservoir, where the Hugh Glass Campground and Shadehill Recreation Area provide established sites for tents and RVs. The Grand River National Grassland offers dispersed camping options approximately 3 miles south of Lemmon. Shadehill Recreation Area features electric hookups, cabins, and shower facilities, while Hugh Glass Campground provides more primitive camping with vault toilets and picnic tables. Sites at these locations accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some areas offering lakeside views of the reservoir.

Road conditions vary throughout the region, with Hugh Glass Campground requiring travel on dirt or gravel roads. The campgrounds remain open year-round, though services may be limited during winter months. Most developed sites in the area have basic amenities like vault toilets, while Shadehill Recreation Area offers additional facilities including showers, electric hookups, and a sanitary dump station. Cell service can be limited, especially in more remote areas of the grasslands. No permits are required for camping at Hugh Glass Campground, though fees apply at Shadehill Recreation Area. A camper noted that "Hugh Glass Campground is on a bluff over Shadehill reservoir in national grassland. Most sites are pretty close together."

Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the region, with several sites offering views of Shadehill Reservoir. The shoreline provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming during summer months. Campers report the area is generally quiet, especially during weekdays, with increased activity on weekends. Wildlife viewing is possible throughout the grasslands, and the open landscape offers expansive night sky viewing. The Hugh Glass Monument, commemorating the frontiersman portrayed in "The Revenant," is located nearby and adds historical interest to the area. According to visitor feedback, "There is a nice sandy bottom close to the boat launch" at Hugh Glass Campground, making it suitable for swimming despite the lack of a designated swim area.

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Best Camping Sites Near Lemmon, South Dakota (15)

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Recent Camping Photos near Lemmon, SD

2 Photos of 15 Lemmon Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Lemmon, SD

20 Reviews of 15 Lemmon Campgrounds

  • Lisa B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2025

    Grand River National grassland

    Grand river national grassland

    Large open area next to the reservoir. Had some locals visit fishing and swimming during the day. Did not seem that used and need 4x4 for clearance. Didn't have trouble driving even after a little rain. FS gravel roads were solid but narrow. Just a few miles south of Lemmon SD.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 25, 2025

    Hugh Glass Campground

    It’s not free but it is beautiful !

    Memorial Day weekend and there is only one other camper. The campground is run by the South Dakota Fish and Game and the current rate is $16.91 per night with a 14 day max stay. Easy 4 mile drive of highway on well maintained dirt/gravel road.

  • cThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 19, 2024

    Raleigh Reservoir

    Free campground with electricity

    This is actually a campground with vault toilets, picnic tables, and trash receptacles. There is a beautiful lake. ( no swimming).

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 2, 2024

    Hugh Glass Campground

    Didn't stay

    I planned to stay but severe storm was on the way. Drove through to at least check out. Free camping. Vault toilets. Water taps. Campground is on a bluff over Shadehill reservoir in national grassland. Most sites are pretty close together. I would have selected #11 if I had stayed.
    It looks almost abandoned since you have to know it is here. Hard to impossible to find info on USDA web. I only knew about it from The Dyrt.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 2, 2024

    Shadehill Recreation Area

    Pleasant escape

    Very nice campground. What appear to be lakeside sites are actually elevated above the water. Clean vault toilets and also shower house with running water. Lots of big rigs; I felt tiny in my truck tent. Some of the rigs left outdoor lights on all night, so was not a very dark sky location.

  • L
    Aug. 17, 2022

    Mirror Lake City Park

    Peaceful and quiet

    Very beautiful campsites next to Mirror Lake. It is a small city campground. They have water and electricity. Sewer dump is in town. Cost is only $20 a night with a limit of 10 nights. Very peaceful.

  • Brian K.
    Aug. 14, 2021

    Hugh Glass Campground

    Simple campground with great views of the reservoir

    Remote with ~14 campsites. You take a dirt road all the way in. First come first serve no fee. There isn’t a designated swim area but there is a nice sandy bottom close to the boat launch.

  • E
    Aug. 10, 2021

    Isabel Lake

    Mountains are Gorgeous

    Had hook up for campers and RVs and logged cabins.

Guide to Lemmon

Camping near Lemmon, South Dakota, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and friendly campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Many campers enjoy fishing at places like Heart Butte Reservoir (Lake Tschida). One reviewer mentioned, "Decent fishing for North Dakota. Try your hand at catching crappie, walleye, catfish, perch, white bass, pike, bluegill, large and smallmouth bass."
  • Hiking: The Reva Gap Campground is surrounded by beautiful geological formations, making it a great spot for hiking. A visitor shared, "The geological formations around us are beautiful, and this place is isolated."
  • Playgrounds: Families can enjoy the playgrounds available at campgrounds like Heart Butte Reservoir (Lake Tschida). One parent noted, "The playground is great for the kids and the lake fishing is nice."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the facilities. A reviewer at Twin Butte Campground said, "Amazingly clean bathrooms/shower thanks to Jodi."
  • Friendly Hosts: Many visitors enjoy the welcoming atmosphere. One camper mentioned, "The owner Dave is so polite and knowledgeable. Lovely spot green grass big shade trees."
  • Privacy: Campers often highlight the spaciousness and privacy of sites. A review for Reva Gap Campground stated, "The campsites are spread out so you get tons of privacy."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Reva Gap Campground, do not have water or electricity. A visitor noted, "No water. No electricity. Well spaced sites."
  • Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. One camper at Schnell Recreation Area mentioned, "I could see how pretty it would be later in the year," referring to the natural beauty and wildlife.
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds may have noise from nearby roads or trains. A review for Patterson Lake Rec Area mentioned, "There’s a train track right nearby with trains that run pretty much throughout the night."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Play Areas: Look for campgrounds like Heart Butte Reservoir (Lake Tschida) that have playgrounds. A parent shared, "The kids love the playgrounds."
  • Plan for Water Activities: If your family enjoys water activities, consider Patterson Lake Rec Area for swimming and fishing. One camper noted, "The lake seems to get the algae every summer as well so no swimming."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand is always a good idea. A reviewer at Twin Butte Campground mentioned, "We even got some homemade delicious cupcakes from the hosts daughter…yum!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure to check if the campground has the necessary hookups. A visitor at Twin Butte Campground said, "They have 30 and 50 amp hookups, lots of space."
  • Be Mindful of Space: Some RV spots can be tight. A camper at Patterson Lake Rec Area noted, "The RV spots that I seen looked small if you had a bigger rig."
  • Stay Connected: Many campgrounds offer decent cell service. One reviewer at Twin Butte Campground mentioned, "5Gs."

Camping near Lemmon, South Dakota, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to check the amenities and plan accordingly!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to camp at Mount Lemmon?

Most campgrounds around Lemmon operate on a first-come, first-served basis rather than requiring permits. Hugh Glass Campground offers no-fee camping with approximately 14 sites and enforces a 14-day maximum stay limit. The campground is accessible via a well-maintained dirt/gravel road about 4 miles from the highway. For more structured options, Shadehill Recreation Area uses a fee system for its electric hookup sites along the shore, though specific permit requirements aren't mentioned. Always check current regulations before your trip, as camping policies can change seasonally, especially during high-use periods or fire restriction seasons.

Where can I find free camping near Mount Lemmon?

For free camping near Lemmon, consider Grand River National grassland, which offers dispersed camping areas next to a reservoir. This location requires 4x4 vehicles for better clearance, especially after rain, though the forest service gravel roads remain solid. Another option is Gascoyne Lake Campground, which permits free stays up to seven nights. This campground features picnic tables scattered throughout a field along the lake, offering beautiful sunset views, plus shelter areas and a playground. While not all camping in the region is free, these locations provide budget-friendly alternatives for those seeking no-cost accommodations near Lemmon.

What amenities are available at Mount Lemmon campgrounds?

Campgrounds around Lemmon offer varying levels of amenities. Mirror Lake City Park provides water and electricity hookups for $20 per night with a 10-night maximum stay, plus a sewer dump station in town. For families, North Lemmon Lake Wildlife Management Area offers drive-in access to basic camping facilities. Many campgrounds in the region feature vault toilets, with some like Shadehill Recreation Area also providing shower houses with running water. Recreation amenities are abundant, including playgrounds, boat ramps, fishing access, swimming areas, and picnic facilities. Primitive sites typically offer fire pits and picnic tables, while more developed campgrounds include electric hookups suitable for RVs and may have shelter areas for protection from the elements.

When is the best time of year to camp at Mount Lemmon?

Late spring through early fall offers the best camping weather around Lemmon. May through September provides pleasant temperatures and fuller access to amenities. Memorial Day weekend can be surprisingly uncrowded at places like Heart Butte Reservoir (Lake Tschida), where campers report having entire areas to themselves, especially at the less-traveled downstream campground during weekdays. Summer brings ideal conditions for water activities at places like Isabel Lake, which features a dock, boat ramp, and small beach area. For those seeking solitude, spring and fall shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds while maintaining relatively comfortable camping conditions, though be prepared for potentially more variable weather.

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