RV parks near Lemmon, South Dakota sit at elevations around 2,600-3,000 feet in northwestern South Dakota where the Grand River watershed flows toward the Missouri River. The region features rolling hills, grasslands, and reservoir access with temperature swings from below freezing to over 90°F seasonally. Cell reception varies significantly between campgrounds, with stronger signals available at established rv parks in Lemmon compared to remote locations.
What to do
Fishing access: Shadehill Recreation Area provides shoreline fishing with reservable electric sites along the water. A camper reports, "Well maintained electric hookup sites along the shore. Cabins also available. Playground and a couple beaches around the area. A popular boating reservoir."
Boating options: Heart Butte Reservoir offers multiple boat launches and water recreation from May through September. According to a visitor, "There are many nice, private and shaded campsites. The beach is beautiful. Fishing is good. The kids love the playgrounds. The only downfall is there are no atv, utv, or golf carts allowed."
Wildlife viewing: Raleigh Reservoir provides lakeside habitat for local wildlife with electric sites. As one camper noted, "This is actually a campground with vault toilets, picnic tables, and trash receptacles. There is a beautiful lake (no swimming)."
What campers like
Quiet locations: Hugh Glass Campground receives high marks for seclusion with minimal crowds. One visitor shared, "Working my way south from Bismark, North Dakota I was on the hunt for the Hugh Glass Monument. I had recently watched the movie the Revenant and wanted to see the area. It was raining and the roads were slippery and empty. I only saw one other person."
Budget-friendly options: Sheep Creek Dam State Recreation Area provides free camping with 10 electric hookups. A recent visitor reported, "10 electric hook ups, first come first serve. 1 water spigot. Zero humans! All sites are unmarked. Bathrooms I wouldn't mess with. No dump station."
Water recreation: Lake Tschida offers multiple primitive campgrounds with direct water access. A camper noted, "We stayed at the less traveled downstream campground. The downstream is a great thing place away from the noise. Stay during week and there is chance you have the place to yourself."
What you should know
Campground fees: Hugh Glass Campground costs $16.91 per night with a 14-day maximum stay despite previous reports of free camping. A 2023 visitor clarified, "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."
Road conditions: Several campgrounds require travel on unpaved roads. Hugh Glass Campground sits "Easy 4 mile drive of highway on well maintained dirt/gravel road." Another camper warns, "You do have to be careful driving in though, lots of cows sharing the roads."
Water quality concerns: Mirror Lake City Park provides water hookups, but some campgrounds have water restrictions. At Heart Butte Reservoir, "Spigot is currently locked due to the water quality not testing at potable. Potable water is found at the main site but I would advise not to drink it as it well water."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several rv parks Lemmon, South Dakota and surrounding areas feature recreational facilities for children. Heart Butte Reservoir offers "playground and a good concession stand/store" according to a Memorial Day weekend visitor.
Swimming locations: Heart Butte Reservoir has designated swimming areas with beach access. One visitor reported, "Lake Tschida was a great place to spend the long weekend. The campsites were clean and the campground host was friendly. There are a lot of water and other recreational activities."
Biking opportunities: Heart Butte Reservoir offers biking paths suitable for children. A camper noted, "There is playground and it's a great place to bike for kids. Fishing is very popular at the stream with locals visiting all day."
Tips from RVers
Electrical service: RV parks in the Lemmon area typically offer 30-amp service. Mirror Lake City Park provides "water and electricity. Sewer dump is in town. Cost is only $20 a night with a limit of 10 nights."
Campsite spacing: Shadehill Recreation Area accommodates larger rigs with adequate site separation. A truck tent camper noted, "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."
Dump station locations: Limited dump stations serve the region with facilities at Heart Butte Reservoir and Mott American Legion Park. One RVer mentioned Heart Butte has "a water fill station to fill up you tanks" near the dump station facility.
