Best Tent Camping near Mobridge, SD

The Missouri River corridor surrounding Mobridge, South Dakota offers several primitive tent camping options within a short drive. Lake Pocasse Campground near Pollock provides basic tent-only sites from May through September, while Isabel Lake campground offers more amenities for tent campers including picnic tables, fire pits, and toilet facilities. Langeliers Bay in neighboring North Dakota, approximately 30 miles northwest of Mobridge, supports both walk-in tent sites and drive-in access with minimal development but allows campfires and pets.

Most tent campgrounds in the Mobridge region feature minimal amenities, requiring self-sufficiency from campers. Lake Pocasse notably lacks firewood, picnic tables, showers, and trash service, making it suitable for experienced backcountry tent campers prepared to pack everything in and out. Isabel Lake provides more services with drinking water, toilets, and trash collection, making it appropriate for families or those seeking primitive tent camping with basic conveniences. Sites typically sit on natural surfaces with little to no grading. Summer temperatures can reach into the 90s, making shade a premium consideration when selecting tent sites.

Tent campers at Langeliers Bay frequently mention the small, off-grid nature of the campground that creates a secluded experience. According to reviews, the area is "not for everyone" but ideal for those seeking authentic primitive tent camping. Isabel Lake offers a more developed experience while maintaining a natural setting. One camper noted the "lightly sheltered campground" features a small beach area for wading, picnic benches, and a fire pit. The location provides good access to fishing opportunities, with several spots to cast from shore. Cattail Bay, accessible by boat, offers another option for adventurous tent campers seeking water access with the added benefit of picnic tables and toilet facilities.

Best Tent Sites Near Mobridge, South Dakota (6)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Mobridge, SD

33 Reviews of 6 Mobridge Campgrounds


  • Bradley H.
    Jul. 26, 2020

    Indian Memorial

    Very beautiful spot on Lake Oahe/ Missouri River

    This location used to be called Indian Memorial Campground but now it is operated by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. It is now called “ the Bay at Grand River Casino & Resort”.

    The campground is beautiful. Lots of large trees offer shade to most of their 81 RV slots. Grass surrounds each site and a picnic table and fire ring complete the accommodations. There is 30/50 amp service at every pad. They have recently added water to 28 of the 81 sites. No sewer hookups are available on any of the sites. There is a dump station available on the premises. Most of the pads are of good size. Our RV is a 32 foot, 5th wheel and we had no problem with parking it and our long bed truck. On the property are two bathroom facilities with showers that extremely clean and up to date! Some tent sites are available along a large park within the campground. A resident flock of wild turkeys reside at the campground and are regular visitors as it gets dark. Nearby boat ramp gets you on Lake Oahe is just a few minutes. Across the lake is the town of Mobridge SD. Everything you might need is there. The staff are awesome and very welcoming!!

    Regular charge per night is $25.00 but the charge for seniors 55 and older is $15.00. That’s a bargain for what you get in return.

    This is an extremely nice campground and the price is right.

    We highly recommend “the Bay at Grand River!!

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 13, 2023

    Beaver Creek

    Lovely waterfront campground

    Stayed 3 days, due to not wanting to drive in the storm the last day. First 2 days were lovely and just the right amount of shade from the trees. Only 2 vault toilets, 1 in each of the RV and Tent areas. Could have done with a regular clean, but there were only 2 sites taken when we stayed. An extra 2 toilets and shower block by the boat ramp. Also a playground. (Note: Drinking water and showers are seasonal, so check the website if you need these to be operational) Each of the RV sites had their own grill and picnic table. Looked like the tent sites may share these facilities. Lots of locals visit to fish, and seemed to be quite lucky as well with Catfish and Walleye. Lovely place to visit for a few days. Also note, if you have an annual parks pass, you may get up to a 50% discount when booking.

  • Charles C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2020

    East Whitlock Recreation Area

    Primitive Camping on the Beach, too costly

    We needed a place to spend the night, and with COVID many areas were closed.  The ones that were full were packed.  This site had everything I wanted, which was simply a place to spend the night.  We parked in the grass, Vault toilet was close by.

    People were camping with their rigs right on the beach which was nice. There were a few picnic tables and small pits or grills. There was a vault toilet. Yet$16 a night plus another$8 each day for the entry fee made for a very expensive overnight and Very Primitive camping experience. If you are a local or have an annual pass, you might get off on the fishing and camping your rig on the beach for a week or so, but to pricey for the rest of us.

  • West River J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 27, 2018

    Little Moreau Recreation Area

    Hidden Away Little Gem

    The campground and reservoir is nestled away in the wooded hillls south of Timber Lake, SD. Campsites and shelters are spread out along the southern and eastern sides of the water. Little clearings along hillsides with plenty of shade from tree cover. The dam is a nice place to go canoeing, boating or you can do a little bit of swimming near the dock, though there isn't a great 'beach' like area.

    There's a couple of campsites right across the road from the main dock. Or you can get further away from the water with sites farther up the road closer to the entrance. ATV trails in the hills surrounding the area.

  • Bibs O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2024

    Lakeside City Park - Eureka

    Nice overnighter.

    This campground has 18 sites. 1 - 13 are 30 - 20 amp service. Sites 14 - 18 are 50 - 30 -20 amp service. Located centrally in the park is a tornado shelter, kind of a nice touch. There are 4 fire pits to share between 18 sites. There is no sewer at locations. No water at locations, but they do have a hydrant located near the garbage dumpster. Bathrooms are OK clean. Showers are free. Campground is located next to high school athletic fields, so was very busy on Friday night. There is a beautiful Veterans Memorial across the street that was nice to walk through. Also across the street is a boat ramp and parking for a nice little lake. Grounds were mowed nicely and fairly clean of litter.

  • Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2019

    Lazy Sy Acres

    Relaxing farm stay

     Driving down muddy, rural roads brought up thoughts of this year’s extra snow and rain totals. It’s nice to immerse yourself in the results to open viewpoints. 

    Michael met me and walked me over to the camp area- after letting his 3 dogs greet me. He has a large gravel lot with an electric hookup. He spent time leveling it off so set up was a breeze. Nobody was staying in the guest house so we were able to use a bathroom that reminds me of a fancy hotel. 

    Looking around you find yourself surrounded by farm life. An old barn houses a group of cats. Hay is in this one for their horses to add to their diet. The land goes forever and life slows down. 

    Michael walked over with his dogs and invited me to walk the property line. This ended up being a couple hours of education and conversation. Michael has worked with government programs to make portions of this retired farm natural grasslands. He planted rows of cedars, plums, chokecherry and pear to attract pheasants- deer appreciate it too. He showed me his endless battle with wormwood crowding out the native species. Water formed a lake where there never is one and almost flooded out their neighbor. Lazy Sy is elevated but they are still fighting the water off this year. My dog found companionship with the farm dogs and we felt welcome and right at home. 

    Besides walking around the farm, we stopped in town right on the Missouri River. There are a number of restaurants and stores as well as a few State Recreation Areas to explore. 

    Our stay was very comfortable and easy. Welcomed into another lifestyle, conversation bridged the gap quickly. You will love this simple slowdown of life.

  • Lisa G.
    Sep. 3, 2022

    Lake Hiddenwood Recreation Area

    Newly Reopened, Quiet, Off The Beaten Path

    The campground is quiet and well maintained. It is newly reopened after being completely flooded in 2018. There is no longer a lake here.

    It is difficult to find, and down several miles of well maintained dusty gravel roads. There isn't any signage (at least from the direction we came).

    No electric, perfect for a getaway from it all.

  • Bibs O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2024

    West Pollock Recreation Area

    Pleasant overnight

    The grounds here are extremely well manicured. Flush bathrooms were clean and fresh, smelling. Pit toilets were clean. Picnic tables are in near new condition. Back in sites are fairly level. It rained while we were there, and the sites drained quickly. Views of the Missouri River (Lake Powell) extraordinary. Power as you would expect, 50, 30, 15 amp service. EMS showed no faults in electrical connections. $20.00 a night. Potable water at shower house and dump station.

  • West River J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 27, 2018

    Isabel Lake

    A Good Boating, Tubing, Fishing, Swimming Lake

    A nice, small, lightly sheltered campground just north of Isabel, South Dakota. Campground on north side of lake has a dock, boat ramp and small beach area for wading in. Also has picnic benches, small shelter and fire pit. There is also a second dock on the south side of the lake and a shooting range to the north of the campground. Just off of Highway 65, its a great, wide open lake with a couple back water spots. You can speed around tubing or troll over to one of the shores for some fishing.

    Isabel has 2 gas stations, a great restaurant in Sparky's Bar and Grill and an RV park. Can catch their summer rodeo the first weekend of August.


Guide to Mobridge

The region surrounding Mobridge, South Dakota offers primitive camping along the Missouri River floodplain at elevations around 1,600 feet. Tent camping sites tend to be situated on natural, ungraded surfaces with variable shade coverage. Summer nights typically cool down to the 50s even when daytime temperatures reach 90°F, making adequate sleeping gear necessary despite warm days.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Lake Isabel features multiple shore fishing spots along its perimeter with panfish and bass being common catches. Campers can access these spots within walking distance of tent sites. A visitor noted, "You can speed around tubing or troll over to one of the shores for some fishing."

Visit local establishments: When staying at Cattail Bay, campers can visit nearby towns for supplies and entertainment. According to one reviewer, "Small town community shows through with their hospitality. Lots of fishing spots! There is a bar/restaurant as well! They tend to have live music pretty often in the summer."

Rodeo events: Local summer rodeos provide entertainment for campers seeking cultural activities. The Isabel area hosts seasonal events, as one camper mentioned: "Can catch their summer rodeo the first weekend of August" when staying at Isabel Lake.

What campers like

Secluded atmosphere: The remote nature of camping areas near Mobridge appeals to those seeking quiet experiences. At Langeliers Bay, campers appreciate the isolation, with one noting, "It's not for everyone small and only off grid tent camping."

Water activities: The best tent camping near Mobridge, South Dakota often includes access to lakes suitable for various water sports. Isabel Lake receives positive reviews for its versatility, with one camper describing it as "A nice, small, lightly sheltered campground just north of Isabel, South Dakota. Campground on north side of lake has a dock, boat ramp and small beach area for wading in."

Multi-use facilities: Campgrounds often feature additional recreational areas beyond camping sites. Isabel Lake includes "a shooting range to the north of the campground" according to visitor reports.

What you should know

Limited services: Many campgrounds near Mobridge operate with minimal amenities. Lake Pocasse Campground has a defined season running May through September but lacks most developed facilities.

Access considerations: Some camping areas require boat access, limiting accessibility but enhancing seclusion. Cattail Bay primarily supports boat-in access for tent campers.

Weather preparation: Summer storms can develop quickly in the region, requiring secure tent setups and rain gear. Temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night are common, particularly in spring and fall.

Tips for camping with families

Swimming options: When tent camping near Mobridge with children, choose sites with gentle water entry points. Isabel Lake provides "a small beach area for wading in" that works well for families with younger children.

Community amenities: When staying at campgrounds with limited on-site facilities, nearby towns can supplement needs. Gettysburg City Park provides proximity to town services while offering camping options.

Accommodation variety: Some locations offer alternatives to tent camping for families seeking more structure. According to a camper at Isabel Lake, the area "Had hook up for campers and RVs and logged cabins."

Tips from RVers

Dump station locations: RVers should note limited sanitary dump facilities in the region. Both Gettysburg City Park and Cattail Bay offer dump stations, which are uncommon amenities in the Mobridge area.

Power considerations: Most tent camping areas near Mobridge lack electrical hookups. Zeeland City Park and other regional campgrounds require self-sufficient power solutions for RVers.

Size restrictions: Large RVs face limitations at most primitive sites in the region. Only select locations like Gettysburg City Park specifically accommodate big rigs with appropriate turning radius and parking dimensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Mobridge, SD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Mobridge, SD is Langeliers Bay with a 3-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Mobridge, SD?

TheDyrt.com has all 6 tent camping locations near Mobridge, SD, with real photos and reviews from campers.