Campers visiting Pierre, South Dakota can find a variety of campgrounds along the Missouri River where the surrounding grasslands meet the water. The region sits at approximately 1,450 feet elevation with summer temperatures typically ranging from 60-90°F. Winter camping is limited with most campgrounds closing between November and April due to freezing conditions affecting water systems and road access.
What to do
Fishing access points: Richland Reservoir offers excellent shoreline fishing opportunities in a remote setting. "We saw so many birds, deer, fish & turtles, and of course, the beautiful landscape," notes one camper at Richland reservoir dispersed camping.
Water recreation: Lake Sharpe provides numerous boating and swimming options. The Left Tailrace area includes "boat ramp, fish cleaning station, courtesy dock, picnic shelters, disc golf, fire ring," according to a visitor at Left Tailrace - Lake Sharpe.
Wildlife viewing: The Oahe Downstream area is known for birdwatching, particularly bald eagles. "We look forward going to. We always get a waterfront campground and since we camp during the week when school is still going there's hardly anyone there. Love watching the bald eagles," shares a frequent visitor to the area.
What campers like
Elevated river views: Several campsites provide panoramic views of the Missouri River and Pierre. A visitor to River View RV Park mentions "this campground sits on a hight overlooking Pierre, the capital, and the Missouri river. Beautiful at night."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the Pierre area consistently maintain clean bathroom facilities. At New Frontier RV Campground, visitors appreciate the "ultra clean RR's and showers with nice tile and woodwork."
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer ample space between sites. Griffin Park provides "wonderfully maintained city campground. This campground is on the Missouri River. The city of Fort Pierre has put a lot of money into its parks. Campgrounds are really clean and beautiful."
What you should know
Weather conditions: Wind can be significant in this region. At Richland Reservoir, campers report: "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!"
Road access varies: Some campgrounds require travel on gravel roads with variable conditions. "There was a big thunderstorm about an hour before we left the main road to this site. When we turned on to the road leading to this place we got stuck on the road. It seems that the road is clay and when it gets wet it becomes very difficult to travel on."
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly during summer months. At Campground 3 — Oahe Downstream Recreation Area, "this campground is open year round but the campgrounds are close to camping November 15 through the last Friday in March. Bald eagles are winter roosting and can be easily disturbed."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. American Inn & RV Park visitor notes that for families seeking overnight stays, the campground is "convenient and cheap. Close to interstate," though they mention "no wifi" is available.
Swimming opportunities: Designated swimming areas provide safe water recreation. A Left Tailrace visitor mentions "there was nice playground area for kids and a 9-hole disc golf course" among the family-friendly amenities.
Pet-friendly sites: Most campgrounds accommodate pets with designated areas. At Fischers Lilly Park, a visitor observed that "campsites are close together and in the sun but there are full hookups. A spacious park is next door. The bike path leads into historic Fort Pierre and beyond."
Tips from RVers
Hookup options: RV camping near Pierre, South Dakota offers various hookup configurations. At New Frontier RV Campground, "easy access off I-90 and quick check in. We proceeded to pull through site 5 with FHUs. The yard area was large enough that if you didn't know the people across from you, you're still far enough away."
Leveling considerations: Some sites require additional effort to level. A visitor to American Inn & RV Park notes the campground is "not very level on any of the sites," suggesting RVers bring leveling blocks.
Seasonal availability: Most RV parks in the region operate seasonally. Oahe Downstream Recreation Area operates year-round but with restricted camping during eagle roosting season, while River View RV Park operates March through December.
