Best Equestrian Camping near Madison, SD

Horse Campground near Oakwood Lakes State Park provides drinking water, picnic tables, and basic amenities for equestrians camping with their horses. The campground features reservable campsites, toilets, and trash facilities. It accommodates RVs and cabin stays with space for horse trailers. Bathrooms and showers are notably clean, making it convenient for overnight stays. Campers reference The Dyrt for top tips on camping near Madison, South Dakota. The campground's location allows for easy access to the state park's trails and surrounding areas.

Lake Thompson Recreation Area offers another horse-friendly camping option within driving distance of Madison. Electric hookups are available for RV campers, along with shower facilities, drinking water, and sanitary dump stations. The campground provides market access for supplies and reservable sites for planning ahead. The lakeside location creates additional recreational opportunities beyond horseback riding. Beach access points make this campground appealing for those wanting to combine equestrian activities with water recreation.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Madison, South Dakota (4)

    1. Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    35 Reviews
    Brandon, SD
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 582-7243

    "South Dakota State Park, Brandon SD. Great stop. We spent 2 days. Very nice campground with lots to do and see. Big spacious sites ours backed up to the bike path and river."

    "They have nice long paved trails for walking and biking. We got to walk our dogs on it to avoid tick contact from the grassy trails. There was a cool suspension bridge that was fun to walk on."

    2. Lake Thompson Recreation Area

    2 Reviews
    Lake Preston, SD
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 847-4893

    "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."

    "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."

    3. Horse Campground — Oakwood Lakes State Park

    1 Review
    Bruce, SD
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 627-5441

    $22 / night

    4. W.H. Lyon Fairground

    3 Reviews
    Sioux Falls, SD
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 367-7178

    $50 / night

    "Convenient location to a lot of attractions, stores, and restaurants. Can camp during events. Huge area."

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Madison, SD

41 Reviews of 4 Madison Campgrounds


  • G
    Oct. 3, 2021

    W.H. Lyon Fairground

    Convenient to downtown and fine for the night

    We stayed here one night and got to experience some South Dakota wind rocking our camper during the night. The bathrooms are huge and very clean but someone left dirty diapers in trash and by morning the smell was rough. Area along fence borders highway with  much closer sites and road noise. We opted for area on grass near arena.

  • J
    Sep. 19, 2020

    Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    Eastern South Dakota Gem

    South Dakota State Park, Brandon SD. Great stop. We spent 2 days. Very nice campground with lots to do and see. Big spacious sites ours backed up to the bike path and river. New bathhouse entire park was very clean. About half hour to Sioux Falls. Worth the trip to see the Falls and the bike/hike trail around the city.

  • M
    Jun. 18, 2022

    Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    Clean and Dog Friendly

    Such a nice campground. Nice big shady trees and manicured lawns. They sell campfire wood for 6$ a bundle on site so we had some great campfires going. They have nice long paved trails for walking and biking. We got to walk our dogs on it to avoid tick contact from the grassy trails. There was a cool suspension bridge that was fun to walk on. The showers were very nice and hot without a lot of traffic. 

    There is no sewage hookup or water hook ups. They do that 50/30 amp sites available. There is a dump station right at the entrance to dump when you leave and it also has a separate fresh water station if you want to fill up right when you get there so youre not traveling with a bunch of water in your tank. 

    It was a great campground and the falls were close by and palisades state park was also in the area with a nice hike. 

    There is an extra $8 car fee per night that you have to pay on top of any camping fees. If you are staying longer than 5 days it better to just get the annual parking pass for $32, which would cover parking for all state parks and recreation areas in SD. 

    They have great discounts if you are a veteran and south dakota resident.

  • T
    Aug. 6, 2021

    Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    Shady and relaxing

    Beautiful campground! Sites are well spaced. Lots of trees for great shade in the hot summer. Very nice bathroom and shower house. Easy drive in to Sioux Falls. Several trails around the park. This was our final stop on our South Dakota trip. It was a wonderful and restful campground for us. After we arrived, Park staff came around and shared maps and info on things to do in the area. The first night a storm rolled through and the host drove thru and knocked on doors to check on people and let them know where shelter was just in case. Definitely will keep this campground on our list for future trips.

  • Carolyn M.
    Oct. 23, 2019

    Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    Ok place to spend the night, but could have been better

    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, so the families had to walk right through my campsite to get to the play area. Not too big a deal as no one wanted to use the play area at night while I was sleeping, but still.  I also looked over at the power lines. There was a flush toilet facility close by but there was a very bright light on all night. Good for families needing to navigate in the dark but not wonderful if you like sleeping in darkness. And though I was told that quiet hours began at 10PM, the site next to me was quite loud through the trees until at least midnight so the quiet hours are not enforced. Meh. I don't think I'll be going back.

  • Judy C.
    Jul. 10, 2021

    Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    fine for an overnight

    It was okay for an overnight, The sites are nice, plenty of shade. It was crowded the night I was there but quiet. It's a strange place in that it is on the edge of suburbia, located right next to an apartment housing development. If you like proximity to services, restaurants, etc. It would be a good stop. It would be great if you were visiting family/friends in the area, easy to get to. Just not what I was looking for.

  • P
    Aug. 6, 2018

    Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    Lots of shade and grass!

    We stayed here in a travel trailer. The site was level with lots of shade and grass. Spacious sites,not too close. Our site was along the river but it wasn't easy to access the water from our site. The biking, walking trail was great! Lots of bugs and mosquitoes. It was very quiet here, and the rangers were really nice. We had electricity and could access water close by. Only a long drop toilet nearby, but there were bath houses. There was firewood for sale at the entrance.

  • Nathan L.
    Jul. 18, 2024

    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!

  • Cari E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 15, 2023

    Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    Absolutely lovely

    One of my favorite state parks I’ve been to in any state. Sites are spacious and the showers/bathrooms are clean and well kept. It offers the most lovely paved path for walking/running/cycling that meanders by the river and through the woods, in addition to more dirt hiking/cycling paths. The disc golf course really took this park to the next level, though be warned—the narrow fairways and dense OB make it challenging (I lost one of my discs on 10). Site 35E was ideal as it’s angle par to the tree line for additional privacy and it’s just a 3 minute stroll to the showers. Tip: the best spots are those that back up to the river as you can cut through the tree line to pop out on the walking path. Con: there is a race track nearby that was very loud Sunday night when I arrived until nearly 11PM, but that was the only real downside.


Guide to Madison

Horse camping in South Dakota offers a unique blend of scenic trails and well-equipped facilities for equestrian enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, the state has some excellent options.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

Equestrian campgrounds include essential facilities

  • W.H. Lyon Fairground offers a large open area with basic amenities, including clean restrooms and showers, catering to horse campers looking for a straightforward camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Madison, SD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Madison, SD is Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux with a 4.5-star rating from 35 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Madison, SD?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Madison, SD, with real photos and reviews from campers.