Camping in Mitchell, South Dakota includes multiple options within 30 miles of town. Located in southeastern South Dakota at 1,312 feet elevation, the area sits among agricultural fields with corn and soybean production dominating the landscape. Campers find moderate summer temperatures averaging in the mid-80s, though storms can move through quickly across the open prairie terrain.
What to do
Visit area lakes: Lake Mitchell Campground offers water activities when algae conditions permit. "Plenty of area to walk a dog with nice grass," mentions a visitor at Hills RV Park, which features a pool that visitors find "an absolute total plus for a hot July day."
Explore local attractions: The Corn Palace in Mitchell draws visitors looking for unique regional culture. One camper at Famil-E-Fun Campground & RV Park noted, "We stopped at Betts for a night on our way to the Black Hills and it was a great stop. The Corn Palace is near by and our kids had a great time in the outdoor pool."
Mini-golf with family: Several campgrounds provide on-site recreational facilities beyond swimming. According to a camper at Mitchell KOA, the park has "golf and playground for the kids" along with other family amenities making it a convenient stopover with entertainment options.
What campers like
Clean, updated facilities: The Mitchell area campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms and showers. A visitor to Mitchell KOA mentioned, "Clean, GORGEOUS bathrooms, friendly hosts!" while another noted the campground has "terrific pull through sites, right off the highway."
Lake views: Several campgrounds offer waterfront sites with direct lake access. A camper at Lake Mitchell Campground shared: "Nice swim area, pretty campsites, especially the tent areas that sit high over the lake and have pretty views of the water."
Overnight convenience: Many rv campgrounds near Mitchell provide easy highway access for travelers. At White Lake Lodge & RV Campground, one reviewer appreciated that it was "right off the highway. Friendly and clean," making it "great for an overnight stay."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most rv parks in the Mitchell area operate from April through October. Famil-E-Fun Campground operates "April 1 to October 25" while Lake Vermillion stays open year-round for more adventurous campers.
Limited winter availability: Cold South Dakota winters limit camping options from November through March. Plan ahead if traveling during shoulder seasons as many facilities close completely.
Free camping options: For budget-conscious travelers, free camping exists within driving distance. Twin Lakes Campground offers no-cost sites but with fewer amenities. One visitor noted: "Great spot on a little lake. Breeze blowing in in the morning makes it hard to get up. No electricity. Public toilets available."
Weather considerations: The open prairie landscape means wind and storms can move through quickly. Travelers should secure items and prepare for rapid weather changes, especially during summer thunderstorm season.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Several campgrounds offer swimming facilities during summer months. A visitor to Famil-E-Fun Campground noted it has "a pool and camp store" while another mentioned "our kids had a great time in the outdoor pool."
Playground amenities: Many campgrounds include play areas for children. A camper at Lake Vermillion Recreation Area appreciated the "plenty of things to do for kids with nice playground areas and hiking trails."
Tent site selection: When tent camping with families, choosing the right site matters. At Lake Mitchell Campground, a visitor recommended: "If you have a tent I encourage you to choose a tent only site since they are more secluded."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area provides chances to see local wildlife. One Lake Vermillion visitor reported "Spring was coming alive with gobbling turkeys and cackling pheasants; we even got a show from a strutting tom turkey."
Tips from RVers
Pull-through availability: Many Mitchell area campgrounds offer convenient pull-through sites. At Hills RV Park, one RVer appreciated that "sites are level pull through gravel" and that "our rigs length truck and camper connected is 47'. We were able to pull thru the campsite and park. Without having to unhook."
Internet connectivity: Working campers find good service options at multiple parks. Dakota Sunsets RV Park offers strong connectivity with one visitor reporting "over 50Mbps on our Verzion and ATT hot spot as well as the RV park's Wifi system."
Spacing between sites: Site size varies significantly between rv campgrounds in Mitchell. White Lake Lodge offers sites that are "open field with campsites next to each other" while others provide more spacing and privacy.
Utility reliability: Most parks maintain dependable hookups with electrical service ranging from 30-50 amp options. One visitor to Hills RV Park noted "the hook ups were great" when describing their experience at the facility.
