6 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Oahe Downstream Recreation Area's glamping accommodations north of Pierre showcase a blend of outdoor luxury and riverside relaxation. Several glamping cabins perch directly on the Missouri River, offering panoramic water views combined with modern conveniences. The sites feature electrical hookups, comfortable beds, and proximity to clean shower facilities, while maintaining enough space between accommodations for privacy. Big Pines complements these offerings with its woodland glamping sites nestled among pine trees, including yurts that provide a distinctive circular dwelling experience. "Beautiful treed area with room to breathe. The staff is awesome and bathrooms are clean," noted one visitor about Big Pines' accommodations.
Little Bend RV Park adds to Pierre's glamping options with premium waterfront sites overlooking the Missouri River. Guests appreciate the stunning vistas while enjoying full hookups and well-maintained facilities in a tranquil setting away from highway noise. American Inn & RV Park rounds out the selection with glamping accommodations that blend hotel-style amenities with outdoor immersion. The recreation area surrounding these properties offers numerous activities including disc golf, kayaking on the Missouri River, hiking trails, and a butterfly garden that hosts seasonal tagging events. According to a camper, "We got to join in the fun tagging butterflies - was such a cool experience for both my son and me!" The area's proximity to Pierre provides convenient access to additional dining options and urban amenities while maintaining a true retreat atmosphere.
"They are Electric only, have picnic tables and fire rings and are fairly level. The area is clean and well kept and the showers and toilets are also clean. The hosts were friendly and welcoming."
"Bring your bikes because you can ride to the trailrace area or around the campgrounds. There are other biking & hiking areas with in the area and Pierre Sd."
"We stopped here on our way across South Dakota, and it was the perfect place. It’s right off the interstate and is extremely well-managed and clean."
"Con: site wasn’t completely level, showers and bathrooms had curtains only, not doors. There were lots of garbage bins. Other reviews mentioned the tired mobile homes near the entrance."
"You can also access the river via a 10 minute drive down to the docks and there is a restaurant very close by."
"I also liked the delivery service they offer, so as we packed our lunch for the day, they brought us ice."
"Water and electric hookup . Clean bathrooms and showers . Super friendly hosts ...seriously helpful and service was amazing. Very close to Custer for stores and restaurants."
from $25 - $100 / night
Check Availability"Close to the highway, there’s restaurants and gas stations within walking distance. Perfect for what we needed, a quick, friendly stop. Cheaper than most too!"
"The directions take you the wrong way, it is actually located at 303 E 5th St. They have laundry and showers."
"They are not big on signs in the park either as once you pull in there is no signage pointing to campground entrance, boat ramp or day use areas so of course we ended up having to turn our 26' trailer"
"Camping, pull through, picnic tables, fire pits at each site. Sites are very spacious."
from $16 - $22 / night
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TravelerWe stopped here on our way across South Dakota, and it was the perfect place. It’s right off the interstate and is extremely well-managed and clean. They have lots of yard space to walk dogs along their property, and the staff was incredibly nice and helpful throughout our stay!
TravelerWe were only staying for a night, but we found this campground just fine.
Plus: amazing hot water and water pressure in the showers. Amazing wifi (best we’ve had available this trip). Most sites had a wooden covered area for the picnic table, which would be very helpful if it rained.
Con: site wasn’t completely level, showers and bathrooms had curtains only, not doors.
There were lots of garbage bins. Other reviews mentioned the tired mobile homes near the entrance. They are separated from the RV park by a chain link fence. The RV side is clean and maintained.
GuideThis campground is great for an overnight stay. There was machinery and farm equipment in some of the RV sites. The property has not been mowed in some time. It is W/E only with a dump station for the majority of the sites. There is not a host on site and no one from the hotel that owns the campground came by. There is a bathhouse with showers (dirty) and flush toilets and sinks. The RV site we had was level gravel. This property is next to an interstate so beware of the noise.
LegendThere are 2 campgrounds in this area. They are Electric only, have picnic tables and fire rings and are fairly level. The area is clean and well kept and the showers and toilets are also clean. The hosts were friendly and welcoming. We were able to get cell service here and there was plenty of room between sites.
This area is great for Bird watching, hiking, fishing, and relaxing. We stayed in Campground 2 for a bit the 3rd week of May and 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. Just 1 week and it would have not been a problem. Otherwise this is a wonderful place to visit.
GuideWe are heading west and chose this campground for a one night stop. It's about 20 minutes off of I90. Good thing we were following GPS because there was not a single sign for a campground on SR47. They are not big on signs in the park either as once you pull in there is no signage pointing to campground entrance, boat ramp or day use areas so of course we ended up having to turn our 26' trailer around at the boat ramp.
check in lady at gate very nice but told us wrong direction to pull through our site. We got it figured out though. Our site, as most, had electric with picnic table, wind block screen and fire pit. Most sites were pull through which is quite convenient for us trailer people. Lots of space at each site, but not much shade. It was beautiful spring weather for us and no wind, ideal conditions.
Bath house was immaculate and had plenty of stalls and showers in ladies room. Water spigots were available and interesting to operate. The hubby had to ask someone how to turn on.
Most sites have water view and our site 12 had unobstructed view. Shoreline is steep with rock rip rap to climb down to water. There was nice playground area for kids and a 9-hole disc golf course.
GuideCamping, pull through, picnic tables, fire pits at each site. Sites are very spacious. The Campgrounds also offer fishing, fish cleaning station, boat ramp, biking, frisbee golf, a playground, horseshoes and bean bag toss. Something for everyone. Bathroom are very nice and clean. Showers are also very clean.
LegendSeason May 1– Sep 30 Off season Sep 3– May 1
Fees $18.00 standard electric $14.00 tent non electric
Reservations 877-444-6777 or recreation.gov
Sites 81 campsites electrical (30– 50) 12 campsites non electrical
PROS Fishing hunting water sports family camping heritage
CONS Bugs at time Wind
Sites are pull thru if you are the first, otherwise back in with each rv tail to tail there are some sites that are just back in
Electric showers dump station boat ramp fish cleaning station courtesy dock picnic shelters picnic table grills disc golf fire ring firewood paved sites pets allowed water horseshoe pit ice
There are a few gas stations and little shoppets just before the entrance of the park otherwise bring your supplies with you.
Lake Sharpe was formed by the building of the Oahe Dam and runs 80 miles south of Big Bend Dam at Fort Thompson. The lake encompasses 56,000 acres and offers 200 miles of beautiful shoreline. The Brule Indian Reservation western shore is along Lake Sharpe and the Crow Creek Indian Reservation is along the eastern shore. Hunting fishing and boating of all types provides an abundance of outdoor activities If you want to check out the beauty of this area outside the lake area a beautiful drive is the Native American Scenic Byway. It is 101 miles that will take you to the edge of the bluffs to the river bottom. Watch out for a treasured view of a tribal buffalo herd.
Fireworks prohibited
Stop AIS (google for info) DRAIN CLEAN DRY Don’t move firewood
All Federal lands at Lake Sharpe are governed by regulations in Title 36, Section 327, State, local and Tribal laws apply on Corps of Engineers lands and waters.
GPS 44.21’26.9999 99.26’21.9998
TravelerWe reserved site #63 for two weeks. It’s a great site in that it is at the end of the row, giving us a ton of green space, is close to the well kept shower house and bathrooms, as well as being just across the street from the beginning of Lake Sharpe, below the Big Bend Dam. Concrete picnic tables and benches and the greatest curved wooden “clam shell” like structure that offers shade (for the most part) during the day. There are mature trees, which are spaced out in the Rec areas/day space and each site appears to be home to at least one such tree. They have fire pits with concrete bases. Ice and firewood are for sale at the camp host booth which has great hours (like 10 am to 8 or 9 pm?). The hosts are plentiful and most helpful. It’s clean and truly a breath of fresh air in every way.
Update: We had some vehicle issues that meant downing an additional 3-4 days beyond the maximum 14 days. The ranger and hosts were very accommodating and helpful. We sure appreciated their willingness to let us stay a few more days, even after the work on our Silverado was completed. We wanted to “test” the repairs before leaving for Wisconsin. This was a great campground to be “marooned”. You could not have found more friendly people who were willing to help in any way they could. Our dog makes a bee line to the camp host cart whenever he sees Bob coming — loves him!
GuideWe had a wonderful experience! Sites were spacious, tables had shade. Bathhouse was spotless and showers were wonderful with plenty of hot water and good water pressure. The camp host was welcoming, friendly and helpful!
Oahe Downstream Recreation Area offers glamping in the Upper Missouri River region at an elevation of approximately 1,400 feet. Luxury outdoor accommodations near Pierre, South Dakota provide views of Lake Oahe, which extends 231 miles northward as part of the massive Missouri River reservoir system. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F with cooler nights, while spring and fall bring more moderate conditions ideal for outdoor activities.
Disc golf course: Oahe Downstream Recreation Area features an 18-hole disc golf course that provides recreational opportunities for all skill levels. "They have an 18 hole Disc Golf coarse. Bring your bikes because you can ride to the trailrace area or around the campgrounds," notes a visitor to Oahe Downstream Recreation Area.
Butterfly tagging: The recreation area hosts seasonal butterfly tagging events at their garden, offering educational experiences. According to a camper at Left Tailrace - Lake Sharpe, "We had a wonderful experience! Sites were spacious, tables had shade. Bathhouse was spotless and showers were wonderful with plenty of hot water and good water pressure."
Water activities: The Missouri River provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and kayaking. "Camping, pull through, picnic tables, fire pits at each site. Sites are very spacious. The Campgrounds also offer fishing, fish cleaning station, boat ramp, biking, frisbee golf, a playground, horseshoes and bean bag toss. Something for everyone," reports a visitor to Left Tailrace.
Spacious sites: Many glamping locations near Pierre provide ample space between accommodations. "Beautiful, clean park. Decent sized lots. Bathrooms clean. Staff was super. I highly recommend this place," says a camper at New Frontier RV Campground.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms and shower facilities. A visitor to Left Tailrace - Lake Sharpe mentioned, "Beautiful views, clean bathrooms and hot showers! I wish we could have spent another night here. Very clean and well organized campground. It is on a peninsula so great views from some spots."
Shade structures: Many sites feature wind blocks and shade elements to enhance comfort. "They have very nice windblocker screens beside picnic table which is necessary as the wind can blow and adds a bit of privacy," notes a camper at Left Tailrace.
Seasonal considerations: The camping season typically runs from May through September or October, with some facilities closing earlier. "Season May 1–Sep 30 Off season Sep 3–May 1. Fees $18.00 standard electric, $14.00 tent non electric," explains a visitor to Left Tailrace.
Wind exposure: The Pierre area can experience strong winds, particularly in open areas near the water. Prepare accordingly with secure tent stakes and windbreaks. A camper at Big Pines noted, "Nice place with very friendly and helpful staff. The camp was very full when we were there but oddly very quiet. The breeze blowing through the pine trees was very peaceful and relaxing."
Cottonwood season: Be aware of cottonwood seed pod dropping periods which can affect comfort. According to a camper at Oahe Downstream Recreation Area, "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."
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer playground facilities for children. "The Campgrounds also offer fishing, hunting, water sports, family camping, heritage," notes a visitor to Left Tailrace.
Educational opportunities: Take advantage of nature programs and wildlife viewing opportunities. A visitor to American Inn & RV Park shared: "We went here last minute on way to Badlands SD. Easy to find with full hookup. Not pricy. Good for a short stay. Quiet and safe (on premises of hotel)."
Biking options: Bring bicycles to explore the extensive trail systems. "Bring your bikes because you can ride to the trailrace area or around the campgrounds. There are other biking & hiking areas within the area and Pierre SD," explains a visitor to Oahe Downstream Recreation Area.
Hookup variations: RV sites offer different levels of hookups depending on the campground. "We enjoyed our stay at Big Pines June 2020. They were very attentive and helpful. I also liked the delivery service they offer, so as we packed our lunch for the day, they brought us ice," mentions a visitor to Big Pines.
Pull-through availability: Many sites offer convenient pull-through access for larger rigs. "Sites are pull thru if you are the first, otherwise back in with each RV tail to tail there are some sites that are just back in," explains a Left Tailrace camper.
Site selection strategy: Consider location within campgrounds for best views or access to amenities. A visitor to Little Bend RV park explains, "Had a peaceful and relaxing time staying at Little Bend RV park. The views of the Missouri River are absolutely stunning. You can also access the river via a 10 minute drive down to the docks and there is a restaurant very close by."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Pierre, SD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Pierre, SD is Campground 2 — Oahe Downstream Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Pierre, SD?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 glamping camping locations near Pierre, SD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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