Best Campgrounds near Platte, SD

We had read that this campground (CG) could be confusing to find, but following our GPS and the confirmation email instructions, we had no major issues. Coming off I-90, we turned right at a Food Mart and followed the road and“River City” sign through a small industrial area that borders the CG. Per the email, we drove straight in and went to our assigned pull-through site 90 with full hookups. The gravel site was level, with utilities placed toward the rear and the sewer hookup at the very end. We needed 20’ of sewer hose. Water pressure was decent (~45 psi) and the 50-amp electric worked well. After setting up, we picked up an envelope from the info board that his additional CG info by the one-room shower house and paid the required $50 cash for our overnight stay. The email mentioned we could contact the camp host if needed. We had 2 bars on Verizon and 3 on T-Mobile. There would be no issues with satellite reception—there are no mature trees. There’s no CG Wi-Fi. There’s one row of pull-through sites that are packed tightly together. This seems to be where the overnighters go. Each has a metal-wheel fire pit, but if your neighbor lights a fire, it could be dangerously close to your rig. Our site had no picnic table, although most others did. This is a newer CG still under development—some grass and patios were going in, likely catering to seasonal boaters and full-timers (based on the number of older rigs). There’s no designated dog area, and green space is limited. The grounds currently feel more like a dusty parking lot, and we noticed heavy truck traffic on the entry road during the day. Most of the CG sites are back-ins with better spacing between sites. The CG is a few miles away from the interstate so none of that noise. There’s a pleasant view of nearby hills. We often travel through South Dakota and were hoping River City could be a destination stop. This time we were here to see the Dignity of Earth and Sky statue. At $50, and with the current layout and conditions, it wasn’t worth it—even just for an overnighter.

It is expensive in that you have to pay the same price OFF SEASON as you do regular season. You don't get water, flush toilets, showers, or clean pit toilets, but you pay for it as if you do.

Pit toilet cleaner came by during our stay and left 2 rolls of toilet paper. He didn't bother sweeping or cleaning the floor. I'm glad I have to pay full price for that! (SARCASM)

The pad was asphalt, and basically, level.

50, 30, and 20amp service was available. Garbage drop-off was also available, I say that because in SD, it isn't always there.

We did see some incredible wildlife. Eagles (mature and immature) by the dozens. Hundreds of cranes. Dozens of pelicans. Hawks. Deer. Geese, ducks, and turkeys. At dusk, coyotes howled around the fringes of the campgrounds. It was wonderful.

Lots of locals walking their dogs (unleashed), so heads up on that.

Pickstown is a very small village about ½ mile from the campground, so some things can be purchased there at an elevated price.

It was quiet. The night skies provided intense views of the stars.

Rigs big and small will have no difficulty getting around in the park.

A dump station is available. We didn't use it, so was the water on???

Firewood is available at a sin for a price. Little split sticks for an astronomical price. Shameful.

Nice place, but the greed makes this place not so enticing.

This is a very well maintained campground. We were here from December 08 through 12, 2024. Bathrooms and showers, along with water faucets, are all shut down for the season. We stayed on site 9 and enjoyed the shelter all the trees provided. Wind was 24 mph gusts hit 45 mph and didn't affect us at all. Sites are gravel and, for the most part, level. We didn't require any leveling blocks at all. 50 - 30 - 20 amp service with no errors at the electric box. The pit toilet was reasonably clean and stocked. Small playground for children. Small picnic area down the road between sites 8 and 9. Sites 4 and 8 were covered with large seed pods from the trees. I imagine it would sound like branches hitting your camper when they fall in the fall. We are not far from the Missouri River, and we were delighted with the company of 4 Bald Eagles. Hundreds of migrating Canadian Geese. Walking paths are available along with a boat ramp down the hill. Cost is the same in nearly all South Dakota State Parks, $26.00 a night. Seems costly for no water, flush toilets, showers, or garbage dumpsters. This is a nice place.