Camping Madison, SD
Madison is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Madison. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Camping Sites Near Madison, SD (63)
1. Lake Vermillion Recreation Area
Canistota, South Dakota29 Reviews•59 Photos•134 SavesA popular destination for boaters, paddlers, and water skiers, Lake Vermillion is a 512-acre artificial reservoir on the East Fork of the Vermillion River. Both the river and the lake are named for the red quartzite stone found along the river’s banks. Lake Vermillion is popular with area anglers for its abundance of walleye, bluegill, crappie, and northern pike. Two boat ramps provide easy access for fishing on the lake, as well as putting in other recreational watercraft. There are plenty of onshore activities at Lake Vermillion as well, with various sports fields, horseshoe pits and a short nature trail, all located within the lake’s camping and picnic areas. The year-round campground at Lake Vermillion, just 30 minutes west of Sioux Falls, features more than 90 tent and RV campsites in three areas, on the northwest and northeast shores of the lake. Most sites are equipped with electrical hookups, and all include picnic tables with sun shades, and fire pits with grills. There are also four rustic, walk-in tent sites, two ADA accessible sites, and seven camping cabins. All camp areas have water faucets, and access to flush restrooms, vault toilets, and showers; a dump station is located near the campground entrance. The West Campground also has a kid’s play area, picnic area, swim beach and fishing dock. Campsite rates are $17–$21/night, plus entrance fee; cabins are $45/night.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$15 - $55 / night
2. Sioux Falls KOA
Sioux Falls, South Dakota25 Reviews•56 Photos•83 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
3. Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux
Brandon, South Dakota33 Reviews•62 Photos•228 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
4. Palisades State Park Campground
Garretson, South Dakota27 Reviews•77 Photos•191 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
5. Dakota Sunsets RV Park
Canistota, South Dakota11 Reviews•24 Photos•33 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$24 - $42 / night
6. Lake Herman State Park Campground
Madison, South Dakota4 Reviews•6 Photos•31 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
7. Sioux Falls Yogi Bear
Brandon, South Dakota19 Reviews•26 Photos•47 SavesFor over 25 years our Family Owned and Operated, Award Winning South Dakota campground and RV Park, has offered some of the best family camping and entertainment in the Sioux Falls, SD region. Our city close and country quiet South Dakota campground is the perfect environment to share fun, family, friends and even some Pic-A-Nic Baskets. We have a list of amenities and planned activities that satisfy any vacation style. Check out our blog for useful tips and also check out campjellystone.com and be sure to visit our onsite corn maze open from Late August to the end of October! Please visit us soon and make your reservation for upcoming weekends and holidays today as the best spots always go first! Whether you are enjoy one of our cabin rentals, RV Sites or camping in a tent spot, you will always find great accommodations, first rate amenities, and fun family activities. Thank you for visiting our site, and we hope to see you soon!
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$40 - $200 / night
8. Blue Mounds State Park Campground
Hardwick, Minnesota45 Reviews•128 Photos•142 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- RVs
$20 - $35 / night
9. Pioneer / Montrose City Campground
Canistota, South Dakota7 Reviews•5 Photos•28 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- RVs
$25 / night
10. Walkers Point Recreation Area
Madison, South Dakota2 Reviews•1 Photo•13 SavesTucked along the shore of Lake Madison, this small but complete park meets the many needs of campers, anglers and boaters. Campsites offer picturesque views of the 2,800-acre lake, while anglers enjoy both on- and off-shore fishing.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$15 - $55 / night
Pet-friendly camping near Madison
Lake Vermillion Recreation Area
134 Saves
A popular destination for boaters, paddlers, and water skiers, Lake Vermillion is a 512-acre artificial reservoir on the East Fork of the Vermillion River. Both the river and the lake are named for the red quartzite stone found along the river’s banks. Lake Vermillion is popular with area anglers for its abundance of walleye, bluegill, crappie, and northern pike. Two boat ramps provide easy access for fishing on the lake, as well as putting in other recreational watercraft. There are plenty of onshore activities at Lake Vermillion as well, with various sports fields, horseshoe pits and a short nature trail, all located within the lake’s camping and picnic areas. The year-round campground at Lake Vermillion, just 30 minutes west of Sioux Falls, features more than 90 tent and RV campsites in three areas, on the northwest and northeast shores of the lake. Most sites are equipped with electrical hookups, and all include picnic tables with sun shades, and fire pits with grills. There are also four rustic, walk-in tent sites, two ADA accessible sites, and seven camping cabins. All camp areas have water faucets, and access to flush restrooms, vault toilets, and showers; a dump station is located near the campground entrance. The West Campground also has a kid’s play area, picnic area, swim beach and fishing dock. Campsite rates are $17–$21/night, plus entrance fee; cabins are $45/night.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
$15 - $55 / night
Sioux Falls KOA
83 Saves
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux
228 Saves
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
Palisades State Park Campground
191 Saves
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
Dakota Sunsets RV Park
33 Saves
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
$24 - $42 / night
Lake Herman State Park Campground
31 Saves
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
Recent Reviews in Madison
325 Reviews of 63 Madison Campgrounds
SomadNomad M.
Traveler
River Park Campground
Nice
Crowded on holidays
Ken G.
Guide
Palisades State Park Campground
beautiful area, clean campsite
This was a wonderful spot. Lots of really nice short hikes down by the water which was really beautiful with the cliffs on the water. Sites were very nice and clean. We were able to get a site on a Friday night last minute by calling ahead.
Ari A.
Legend
Mitchell KOA
One of the better KOAs
Well-maintained facilities, the team was very friendly and helpful, and the location provides easy access to I-90 and downtown Mitchell. It's a great spot to spend a couple of nights recharging if on a long trip-- the 24-hour laundry room is a nice touch for that. Or use it as your base to check out the world-famous Corn Palace. The sites and roads have plenty of room to maneuver in and out of and if you don't book a site with sewer, the dump station is easily accessed. Also, even though you're close to I-90 and the campground is on SD 38, you don't really hear road noise so it's quiet for sleeping.
Corey S.Guide
Blue Mounds State Park Campground
Terrific Campground
Peaceful and serene, great site. Was able to walk around before the sun went down and listen to the Bison, wasn't able to see them but we could hear them. Sites were great and amenities were clean and spacious.
Carolyn M.
Scout
Split Rock Park
Beautiful Scenery, Clean Park
This place is so cool! The falls was constructed during the Great Depression by the WPA, and the visitors center is made from the same pink quartz that lines the river. Really cool kayaking into Devils Gulch and up the Split Rock Creek. Will return to this nicely kept State Park. Gas station in town is quaint but has a public restroom and some basic supplies. Really lovely town. Falls lull you to sleep at night and the trains passing by are really neat to hear. Trains will go by till around midnight.
Deb M.
Ranger
Lake Mitchell Campground
Great overnight stop
This is a nice campground for an overnight on the way to Custer. It’s a Bono’s the freeway, so there’s none of that noise, just some from the main road. Sites are level and well marked, although somewhat small. Most have full hookups, and there’s a nice tent area. Very friendly host. Older bathroom/shower, but it was very clean. Had some hiking trails that weren’t super maintained, and the lake in Augusta was green with algae. Overall would stay here again if we need a short stay.
Molly M.GuideLake Mitchell Campground
Lovely campsites along the lake
Nice swim area, pretty campsites, especially the tent areas that sit high over the lake and have pretty views of the water. Nice bathrooms and park. Very friendly park host, she came and introduced herself and welcomed us quickly.
- LLumpie C.Traveler
Palisades State Park Campground
New King section open in Palisades
Totally new entrance with easy access to new section that will handle larger RVs with toads. Open area with no shade but easy placement for satellite reception on RV or ground. New hard surface roads with gravel sites.
- EEric P.Ranger
Tower Campground
Clean Rv park
Went to visit friends in SD. Park is clean and well kept. Right off the highway.
Bibs O.Legend
Parker RV Campground
Next to busy roadway. Nice stop over.
This is a very nice stop over. Sites 1 - 4 have water, electric (50, 30, 15 amp) and sewer. Those sites go for $25.00 per day. Dotes 5 - 6 are electric only and are infill sun. Site 7 is electric but has a sewer site as well. Shade found in sites 1 - 4. It is best to call ahead and make reservations. This campground stays busy.
- JJanet K.Guide
Split Rock Creek State Park Campground
Small peaceful campground
Nice peaceful campground with large sites nicely spaced apart for privacy. We stayed in #6 (non-electric but there are lots of electric sites.) Cleanest pit toilet ever with many amenities!! Mirror, shelf, hooks, hand sanitizer, garbage can, reading material on wall listing ‘things to do’!! Showers clean too with plenty of warm water. Saw some fireflies, no mosquitoes!! We had a very pleasant one night stay.
Nathan L.Scout
Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux
Nice little nook with lots of cover!
This campsite was great! We had a tent site, number 24, and it was tucked into the woods but still close to the parking lot!
The neighboring sites are far enough away where you still have privacy but if you had two next to each other with a large group it could still function as one. Beautiful hiking trails, play grounds, disc golf, volleyball net, and so much more. Also, the lady at the front was cute as a button!
Highly recommend!
Jessie C.TravelerBig Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux
Fun and relaxing
We booked this site last minute as we needed a place to stop for the night. The website was pretty easy to use to book the site. The ranger at the station was super friendly and helpful. Our camp site is beautiful and there is plenty of room. There are lots of trails here, so I got a good run in. My husband biked over to Brandon to get a good ride. There is a sweet disc golf course too! I’m mad I didn’t bring my discs!
Barb N.RangerBig Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux
Wilderness abound
Level spots with electric. Has a nice bike bath and is very peaceful.
Michelle B.Traveler
Ingalls Homestead
Love the quaintness!
Love that there are only 4 sites. We stayed here with family and had 3 of the sites. Beautiful land! 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. $20pp to tour the property for the whole time you are staying. Check out the dugout, house, barn, schoolhouse, church and garage.
- AAudrey F.Guide
Lake Thompson Recreation Area
Great beach & campground
This campground has both electric standard sites for campers and tent sites. Two shower houses and multiple vault toilets throughout the campground for accessibility. Walking trails in grass or gravel. Three walkways down to the water’s edge with one being a large swimming area. Boating is permitted as well. Be sure to use bug spray as mosquitoes were all over- maybe due to wet weather. This is a natural lake formed by farmland that flooded in the 1980s.
- Bibs O.Legend
Heib Memorial Park
Free location
This place is great. Water available. 15, 30 amp service for free. Location is in city limits. No dump site. Great stop over location. Nearby traffic can seem heavy at times.
- Bibs O.Legend
Lake Carthage Lakeside Use Area
We stayed overnight here
2 fire pits. 1 porta-potty. Open area you can camp anywhere. No water, no electric, no dump station, no potable water.
Town is 2 miles away, and they have a free dump station. Town also offers free showers. The laundry mat is available next to showers.
One mile out of town is a paid campground at the Lake Carthage campgrounds.
In town at the city park is a paid campground ss well.
Ila R.GuideLake Mitchell Campground
Great little campground
The host here is the sweetest, busiest woman I've ever seen! The campgrounds are nice and shady. Restrooms and showers are clean! Price is very reasonable. $29 for tent site with electric.
- Ila R.Guide
Split Rock Park
No showers/toilets
It is a beautiful little park. Good place for kayaking or fishing. I was just there to camp. The park is small. There are no showers or toilets, just outhouses, and they were a good distance for me to walk being disabled. If you have T-Mobile, there is absolutely NO service.
Jenni L.Scout
Pioneer / Montrose City Campground
Little hidden gem
Lovely sites by a small river. Clean and well maintained. Free showers and even a pool in season. For $30 for hook-ups the price can’t be beat.
- JJudy J.Scout
Pioneer / Montrose City Campground
Clean but bad water
It was an easy drive -thru . Well kept up . But 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 . We had problems with the toilet for the rest of our 2 week trip . Don't think I would stay there again.
- John G.Scout
Mitchell KOA
Great
We just picked up our teardrop and this was our first stay on the way home. They could not have been more friendly and helpful. We got lucky making this our first. Bathrooms immaculate. Site level. Downwind from the cows wasn't always great but it got better. Definitely would stay again.
- DDorothy S.Scout
DeBates Memorial Park
Quiet. Electric. 4 sites.
Nice, easy quick in and out overnight while traveling through. Not sure if it’s plowed in the winter. No snow this year.
Joel R.LegendMitchell KOA
Good stop in an emergency
We were headed home from visiting our kids in Spokane and blew an engine on I-90. The tow truck driver helped up find this place, and towed both our Jeep and travel trailer 80 miles to get here. The manager helped us find a repair shop that only needed 3 days to find and replace the engine. This campground has lots of RV and tent sites. They have a pool, and mini golf. Mitchell is home to the Corn Palace. If you haven’t been there don’t go!
DakotaMinerScout
Sexauer City Park
Winter pass through
Driving from far north down south, stopped for an overnight that we had reservations for. Apparently when temps reach towards freezing they close all restrooms and showers (only listed on Facebook), unfortunately our RV was winterized so we stayed overnight with zero accessible restrooms or showers.
Teresa T.Legend
Lake Vermillion Recreation Area
Really nice
Late in the season and the only person there but a very nice place with pretty views and a nice walking trail.
Guide to Madison
Camping near Madison, South Dakota, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.
What to do:
- Hiking and Exploring: Check out the trails at Newton Hills Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Great trails and a short scenic road, plus some nice open spaces." The park is perfect for a leisurely hike or a family adventure.
- Fishing and Swimming: At Lake Vermillion Recreation Area, you can enjoy a swim or cast a line. A reviewer noted, "Nice swim area, pretty campsites, especially the tent areas that sit high over the lake."
- Disc Golf: If you're into disc golf, Big Sioux Recreation Area has a course that many campers rave about. One camper said, "The disc golf course really took this park to the next level."
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Palisades State Park Campground remarked, "Bathrooms are exceptionally clean. Showers great."
- Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds, like Dakota Campground, offer roomy sites. A camper shared, "Full service pull through sites fully shaded."
- Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. One reviewer at Mitchell KOA said, "Mark was a very helpful host and takes the time to set you up in your spot."
What you should know:
- Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or activities. A visitor at Sioux Falls KOA noted, "Lots of noise since it’s off the highway."
- Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. A camper at Lake Mitchell Campground mentioned, "I did not rate it 5 stars because it does not have a lot of amenities."
- Busy Weekends: If you plan to visit during peak times, be prepared for crowds. A reviewer at Newton Hills Campground said, "It was very busy with lots of families out and about."
Tips for camping with families:
- Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. One family at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park said, "It was an absolute blast for our kids with plenty of activities to keep them entertained."
- Choose Spacious Sites: Opt for campgrounds that offer larger sites for more room to play. A camper at Lake Vermillion Recreation Area noted, "Well spaced and clean RV sites."
- Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or check for nearby dining options. A reviewer at Big Sioux Recreation Area mentioned, "We got a good run in. My husband biked over to Brandon to get a good ride."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure the campground can accommodate your RV size. A visitor at Mitchell KOA said, "This campground has lots of RV and tent sites."
- Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer campgrounds with full hookups. A camper at Dakota Campground shared, "Full hookup sites, swimming pool and a small arcade for the kids."
- Be Prepared for Weather: Check the forecast before you go. A reviewer at Palisades State Park Campground mentioned, "We were very happy to stay somewhere without a fire ban."
Camping around Madison, SD, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or a peaceful retreat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Madison, SD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Madison, SD is Lake Vermillion Recreation Area with a 4.4-star rating from 29 reviews.
What parks are near Madison, SD?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 0 parks near Madison, SD that allow camping, notably Lake Oahe and Ashtabula Lake.