Camping options near Reva, South Dakota include a mix of free and fee-based sites scattered across Bureau of Land Management territories and South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks lands. The region experiences extreme temperature fluctuations with winter lows reaching -20°F and summer highs exceeding 95°F. Many campsites sit at elevations between 2,500-3,200 feet, creating distinct weather patterns compared to surrounding lowlands.
What to do
Hunting access: Shadehill Recreation Area offers electric hookups near prime hunting grounds. "A popular boating reservoir" with "clean vault toilets and also shower house with running water," according to camper Leslie B., who noted "lots of big rigs" using the facilities.
Fishing opportunities: North Shore Bowman Haley Lake provides shoreline access for anglers. The marina offers weekend meals, as one visitor reports: "The Marina has a Sunday brunch from 9 - 11:00 a.m. and serves breakfast and lunch the other days, plus beer and wine."
Photography settings: The Cave Hills formations provide unique geological backdrops. At Hugh Glass Campground, campers can capture striking reservoir views. One visitor noted: "The campground is on a bluff over Shadehill reservoir in national grassland. Most sites are pretty close together. I would have selected #11 if I had stayed."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Picnic Spring Campground offers unusually separated camping spots. Diana V. confirms: "This campground is so private and the sites are spaced far enough away you can't see each other. We have a great site for our 23ft trailer."
Free camping options: Bowman Lions Park operates on donations. "This campground is absolutely FREE with a suggested donation of $12 that we happily gave. This campground is run by the local Lions Club and each site has a picnic table that is painted the traditional Lions Club colors of purple and yellow."
Wildlife viewing: Seasonal deer and elk sightings enhance the camping experience. Jacob D. from Picnic Spring Campground shares: "Pretty sketchy to find but very nice and the forest around is sweet. While I was here in May I saw deer and elk."
What you should know
Limited services: Most campgrounds have minimal amenities. At Gascoyne Lake Campground, a camper reported: "There are a couple picnic tables around in a field and you're right along the lake which had a beautiful sunset. You are allowed to stay up to seven nights and it is free."
Cell service variations: Reception quality varies by location and carrier. At Twin Butte Campground, one camper noted "Excellent AT&T service" with "5Gs" available, while other campgrounds may have limited connectivity.
Road conditions: Many sites require driving on unpaved roads. About Hugh Glass Campground, Frank M. advises: "You do have to be careful driving in though, lots of cows sharing the roads."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds include play equipment for children. At Gascoyne Lake, "There are two little shelter areas & a playground but it has not been mowed yet for the season so hard to access."
Swimming safety: Check water conditions before allowing swimming. For North Dakota Mirror Lake Park Campground, campers appreciate that it's "Very beautiful campsites next to Mirror Lake. It is a small city campground."
Spacing for active children: Select sites where kids can play without disturbing others. At Picnic Spring Campground, Leslie B. notes: "Sites has been mowed for fire mitigation which also resulted in nice 'lawns'."
Tips from RVers
Dump station locations: Plan ahead for waste disposal. At Bowman Lions Park, Jamie P. appreciated "the FREE dump station. Campground is very clean, quiet and well kept."
Site leveling challenges: Many sites require significant leveling. At Twin Butte Campground, RVers praise the terrain: "No potholes or tree limbs to scratch up your RV. Super clean *showers/br too."
Power options: Electric hookups are limited to specific campgrounds. Christina B. confirms Twin Butte offers "30 and 50 amp hookups, lots of space. Call ahead and I'm sure they can accommodate your needs. You can fill water and a dump station avail on request."
