Sioux Falls camping options extend beyond the city's established RV parks into nearby recreation areas within 30 miles. The region features rolling prairie landscapes interspersed with quartzite formations, with elevations ranging from 1,400 to 1,600 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures average 70-85°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall offer milder temperatures with occasional frost.
What to do
Explore hiking trails: Lake Vermillion Recreation Area offers a scenic trail system with wildlife viewing opportunities. "We stayed here at site 69 E for one night in August 2020. Nice, clean campground with partial shade in some sites. The campground was fairly empty, but there were many families enjoying the lake on Sunday afternoon," notes one visitor to Lake Vermillion Recreation Area.
Rock climbing: Palisades State Park provides unique quartzite formations perfect for climbing enthusiasts. "This is a sweet little tucked away oasis near Sioux Falls featuring trails, bluffs and climbing options. Great views and clean camp sites," shares a camper at Palisades State Park Campground.
Kayaking: Big Sioux Recreation Area allows easy river access for paddlers. "Beautiful area, very shaded by trees in the RV camping spots. Clean bathrooms. Quiet camp grounds and easy access to the river. Loading area for kayaks and canoes right next to the campgrounds."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Dakota Sunsets RV Park (formerly Camp America) offers well-maintained sites with attention to detail. "The gravel roadways to each campsite are groomed perfectly level. Art, sculptures and flower pots are everywhere. Not a thing out of place. The Wifi was really fast…the best we have seen in over 1 yr and full time camping," reports a visitor to Dakota Sunsets RV Park.
Family-friendly amenities: Sioux Falls Yogi Bear features numerous activities for children. "Great for kids! We had a slight issue with inconsiderate neighbors who kept driving their golf carts through our camp (which can happen anywhere) but otherwise it's a great place for families to camp," says one reviewer at Sioux Falls Yogi Bear.
Convenient locations: Several campgrounds offer strategic positioning for travelers. "Small quiet campground surrounded by farmland. Easy pull through sites for RV. Sites a little close together but fine for our needs. Reservation online was easy. Only draw back was early check out at 1000. Clean campground."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Most campgrounds near Sioux Falls have peak periods requiring advance planning, particularly on weekends.
Entrance fees: State parks charge separate entrance fees in addition to camping costs. "We made a reservation using the phone number provided. On short notice, we were charged 80+ dollars for two nights after requesting a tent site without electricity. On arrival, we were charged 30 dollars for entrance passes to put on the car."
Internet connectivity: Wi-Fi quality varies significantly between campgrounds. At Parker RV Campground, connectivity is limited: "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," notes a visitor to Parker RV Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Schedule around organized campground events for maximum enjoyment. "Our family spent a long weekend here enjoying all of the activities they had to offer. Everything from laser tag to chocolate milk chugging contests. The sites were extremely well maintained. Restrooms were aging but were well cleaned and taken care of."
Consider noise factors: Some campgrounds have railway or highway noise that might affect sleep quality. "We stayed on the lake at site 13. It's a small lake. Very quiet and dark."
Book specific sites: Request sites near playgrounds for convenience with small children. "We requested a specific site and they were very accommodating. So friendly. Impressed with the camp store. Everything clean and well maintained. We got a spot right in front of the playground which was perfect for our toddler," shares a camper at Sioux Falls KOA.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Big Sioux Recreation Area offers shaded sites ideal for summer camping. "Lots of trails for hiking! Just outside of Sioux Falls. Stayed here for a night on the way to the black hills. It was a nice campground right on the Sioux River," notes a visitor to Big Sioux Recreation Area.
Hookup availability: Check specific site amenities as they vary widely. "The super nice and informative couple who own the campground (CG) checked us in and then we were escorted to pull through site 41 with FHUs. The site was more than long enough for our 39' 5th Wheel and F-450 truck."
Off-season options: Several campgrounds remain open year-round with reduced services. "This was our overnight spot headed out west to Badlands/Black Hills, about 4-5 hours away."
