Big Sioux Recreation Area and Lake Thompson Recreation Area offer the primary horse campgrounds near Madison, South Dakota. These facilities provide specialized accommodations in the eastern South Dakota plains, where the elevation ranges between 1,600 and 1,800 feet. The region experiences distinct seasons with hot summers and cold winters, making spring and fall particularly suitable for equestrian camping activities.
What to do
Trail riding access: Horse Campground at Oakwood Lakes State Park connects to multiple riding trails through wooded terrain. "The bathrooms and showers were very clean. Also, the campsites are very clean beach areas and boat ramps were very clean. Also a nice frisbee, golf course and great beach access," notes Tony H.
Disc golf courses: Big Sioux Recreation Area offers disc golf among its recreational options. "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! Beautiful hiking trails, play grounds, disc golf, volleyball net, and so much more," writes Nathan L.
Water recreation: Lake Thompson Recreation Area provides swimming and boating opportunities. "Three walkways down to the water's edge with one being a large swimming area. Boating is permitted as well," reports Audrey F.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Most campers comment on the well-maintained facilities at equestrian campgrounds near Madison. "We come here often. The showers are great, the walking trail is great, and the spots are nice and spread out. Overall a great park!" says Trevor A. about Big Sioux Recreation Area.
Spacious sites: Campers appreciate having room for horse trailers and camping equipment. "Our site was nice, level, spacious, and had plenty of grass coverage (instead of dirt). Bugs were a pain but not much you can do about that. Bike trails are awesome," notes Heidi M.
Beach access: The lake-adjacent campgrounds offer shoreline recreation. "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," writes Audrey F. about Lake Thompson.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: South Dakota horse campgrounds require different preparations by season. "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," advises an experienced camper at Lake Thompson.
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian camping facilities require advance booking. "Located in Brandon not far from Sioux Falls. Clean bathrooms with showers. Firewood available to purchase. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Bike and hiking trails. Plus plenty of privacy," mentions Myrna G. about W.H. Lyon Fairground.
Fee structure: State parks charge entrance fees plus camping fees. "My complaint would be the fees. I thought i was paying one fee for the non-e tent site but then there was an additional fee for non-res and another fee for park day use fee or permit. This fee was confusing whether I was supposed to pay this or not," explains Tyson K.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Some sites are positioned near play areas. "We had a tent site, number 24, and it was tucked into the woods but still close to the parking lot! Beautiful hiking trails, play grounds, disc golf, volleyball net, and so much more," shares Nathan L.
Historical sites: Visit nearby historical attractions with children. "For history buffs, campground is less than 10 miles from the Laura Ingalls Wilder homestead and De Smet. There are 4 dump stations near the campground entrance with multiple fresh water hookups around the campground," recommends Steven W. about Lake Thompson Recreation Area.
Noise considerations: Quiet hours vary by campground and enforcement differs. "I spent the night here and had to pay the entrance fee to the park as well as the camping fee for my tentsite. They had only a few tentsites available amid all the RV sites, but they were right on the edge of the playground," reports Carolyn M.
Tips from RVers
Dump station locations: Access to sanitation facilities matters for extended stays. "There are 4 dump stations near the campground entrance with multiple fresh water hookups around the campground. Staying here mid-week and there are few campers here," notes Steven W.
Hookup availability: Electric sites are more common than full-service hookups in state-operated horse campgrounds. "Site was level. Trees surrounding area. Electric hook up but no water. Flush toilets with showers very nice," explains Carol J. about Big Sioux Recreation Area.
Fairground alternatives: For urban proximity, consider fairground camping. "This a a huge open area at the fairgrounds. There are some hookups. Convenient location to a lot of attractions, stores, and restaurants. Can camp during events. Huge area," reports Carrie F. about the Lyon Fairground facility.
