Missouri River access defines most campsite options in the Pierre area, with spots ranging from developed electric sites to remote dispersed areas. Camping in this region requires preparation for strong winds that frequently sweep across the open prairie landscape. The river valley creates a distinct microclimate where evenings can be significantly cooler than daytime temperatures, even during summer months.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: At Oahe Downstream Recreation Area, seasonal restrictions protect wildlife habitats. "The bird watching is wonderful here and the Bald Eagles will put on a show for you. The area is picture perfect. This area is very popular," notes a visitor to Campground 3 — Oahe Downstream Recreation Area. During spring, specialized viewing opportunities exist at Richland Reservoir.
Water activities: Farm Island State Recreation Area offers extensive rental equipment for water recreation. "This beautiful campground has rentals galore! Handbikes, canoes, paddleboards, so much fun!!! Plus a well maintained beach and facilities and an awesome staff!" reports one camper at Farm Island State Recreation Area.
Hiking and biking: The Lewis and Clark Trail connects many campgrounds near Pierre. Griffin Park provides direct access to this trail system. "You are right on the Lewis and Clark Trail for riding," explains a reviewer at Griffin Park, who also noted the park has both RV and tent sites with the tent sites positioned along the river.
What campers like
Riverfront camping spots: Sites with direct river views receive consistent praise across multiple campgrounds. "We stayed in Campground 2 for a bit the 3rd week of May... This area is great for Bird watching, hiking, fishing, and relaxing," explains a camper at Campground 2 — Oahe Downstream Recreation Area.
Elevated views: RV sites situated on higher ground provide panoramic vistas of the river valley. "A new campground that sits on a hill overlooking the Missouri River and Pierre, SD. Beautiful views and there are benches placed around the campground to enjoy them. Level sites with full hookups," notes a visitor at River View RV Park.
Quieter spots during weekdays: Several campgrounds become significantly less crowded midweek, particularly outside holiday periods. "Midweek was quite, nice clean park," reported a camper at Farm Island State Recreation Area. Another mentioned, "We were the only campers. The campground was easy to find from directions on here. The vault toilet was clean. We saw so many birds, deer, fish & turtles, and of course, the beautiful landscape."
What you should know
Road conditions to dispersed sites: Access to some free camping areas requires careful planning, especially during wet weather. A visitor to Richland reservoir dispersed camping noted: "Go about 5 miles down gravel road to get here, did it in RV, just take it slow, lots of washboarding. Good fishing here, also!"
Seasonal challenges: Spring camping brings specific conditions to consider. One camper at Oahe Downstream Recreation Area advised: "I would advise people to go earlier or a week after. We couldn't control nature but the cottonwoods were dropping their seed pods and they were sticking to everything, including in between my dogs pads of their feet and it was hard and painful to remove them."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. At Richland Reservoir, a camper shared: "I used a cell booster with a 20ft antenna to get cell service. Your mileage may vary." Another reported having just "1 bar of Verizon LTE" at the same location.
Tips for camping with families
Beach and playground access: Multiple recreation areas offer family-friendly amenities. "Great for kids. Kayak rentals. Playground and beach area. Bike paths," shares a camper at Farm Island State Recreation Area, while another notes, "This campsite was a wonderful stop for us on our way home. You do have to pay to enter the recreation area in addition to paying for your campsite."
Activity options: Recreation areas often provide varied activities for different age groups. A visitor to Oahe Downstream notes, "Nice, well kept campgrounds with playground & good places for the kids to run/explore. Only drawback was, when we were there, the swim beach had a bunch of dead fish everywhere."
Spacious campsites: Sites with adequate room for families receive positive mentions. "Very roomy sites so you're not right on top of each other. Camped along the river- fishing/swimming access right from the campsite," explains a camper at Farm Island State Recreation Area.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric-only sites predominate at many campgrounds near Pierre. "We have a small enclosed trailer, so was nice to have electric. Always haul our water- good as none on site. Dump station and water in park, but not at sites," reports a visitor at Farm Island State Recreation Area.
Wind protection: The open prairie landscape means wind can be a significant factor. "We stayed here one night while traveling West. It's a beautiful spot in the middle of the SD prairie. We arrived on a hot windy day, parked against the trees as wind protection and unfolded the awnings for shade. Around sunset some storms rolled by and the wind kicked up something fierce!"
Accessibility for larger rigs: Some areas accommodate larger vehicles better than others. "The site is more level than many rv parks," notes an RV camper at Richland Reservoir, while another at River View RV Park explains, "We spent two weeks here visiting family. Absolutely fantastic views of Ft Pierre and Pierre, and the Missouri River Valley. We are several hundred feet above the river, so it stays windy. It seems to always be hot in Pierre. The whole park is new in 2018, 50 amp water and sewer in all sites."
