Best Campgrounds near Sioux Falls, SD

Sioux Falls features a variety of established campgrounds with accommodation types ranging from basic tent sites to full-hookup RV sites and cabin rentals. Major options include Big Sioux Recreation Area, Sioux Falls KOA, and Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, which all offer multiple camping styles within easy reach of the city. Tower Campground and W.H. Lyon Fairground provide urban camping experiences with full hookups, while state parks like Palisades State Park and Lake Vermillion Recreation Area offer more natural settings with cabin options.

Most campgrounds in the Sioux Falls region remain open year-round, though several like Sioux Falls KOA operate seasonally from spring through fall. Campground accessibility is straightforward with paved roads and sites, particularly at facilities closer to town. "Highway noise was very very loud. Easy to see outside but not a lot of camp feel," noted one visitor about Tower Campground, highlighting the urban nature of some sites. Interstate proximity creates noise considerations at several locations, but also offers convenience for travelers. Weather considerations include strong prairie winds and occasional storms, particularly during summer months. Most developed sites require reservations, especially during peak summer season.

The camping experience near Sioux Falls balances urban convenience with natural attractions. Campgrounds like Big Sioux Recreation Area provide access to water recreation, while Palisades State Park features unique quartzite formations. Many campers appreciate the practical aspects of the region's campgrounds. One visitor remarked that the W.H. Lyon Fairground offers "full hookups, clean restrooms and showers," making it "exactly what I was looking for." Highway noise is commonly mentioned in reviews of campgrounds closer to interstates, while those seeking quieter experiences tend to prefer the state recreation areas slightly farther from town. Premium sites at many campgrounds offer more space and shade trees, creating varying experiences even within the same facility.

Best Camping Sites Near Sioux Falls, South Dakota (67)

    1. Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    36 Reviews
    Brandon, SD
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 582-7243

    "Located in Brandon not far from Sioux Falls. Clean bathrooms with showers. Firewood available to purchase. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Bike and hiking trails. Plus plenty of privacy."

    "South Dakota State Park, Brandon SD. Great stop. We spent 2 days. Very nice campground with lots to do and see. Big spacious sites ours backed up to the bike path and river."

    2. Sioux Falls KOA

    28 Reviews
    Sioux Falls, SD
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 332-9987

    "Convenient to Sioux Falls arts and night life district. RV park is located just a block off of I-90 for easy access."

    "A quick two night stay here on the edge of Sioux Falls. Super-clean bathrooms and showers, office lady, Mary, was a riot, a pool and a playground for the kids, and just minutes to downtown."

    3. Sioux Falls Yogi Bear

    23 Reviews
    Brandon, SD
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 332-2233

    $40 - $200 / night

    "At the time of our visit I-90 was being rebuilt nearby so access from the interstate was more difficult, but this isn’t the fault of the campground."

    "Location is right on interstate and easy to find. Not for nature lovers."

    4. Palisades State Park Campground

    30 Reviews
    Garretson, SD
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 594-3824

    "It was a large site, though on a busy weekend the proximity of 7, 8 and 9 would be bothersome. They have RV/Camper sites, tent only and adorable camper cabins."

    "This is a sweet little tucked away oasis near Sioux Falls featuring trails, bluffs and climbing options. Great views and clean camp sites."

    5. Tower Campground

    12 Reviews
    Sioux Falls, SD
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 332-1173

    "This campground is a great location when passing through Sioux Falls. It is right off I29, and there a quick in and out sites up front."

    "The airport is close by which made it neat to watch."

    6. Lake Vermillion Recreation Area

    32 Reviews
    Canistota, SD
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 296-3643

    $15 - $55 / night

    "About a half hour to Sioux falls! Amenities include picnic tables, showers, beaches, hiking trails, biking trails, boat launch, and basketball hoops"

    "27 miles west of Sioux Falls, SD. Every site is a winner. Grass, shade, some sites on the water. Could not be cleaner or more friendly. Four different camping areas."

    7. W.H. Lyon Fairground

    3 Reviews
    Sioux Falls, SD
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 367-7178

    $50 / night

    "Convenient location to a lot of attractions, stores, and restaurants. Can camp during events. Huge area."

    8. Blue Mounds State Park Campground

    52 Reviews
    Hardwick, MN
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (507) 283-1307

    $20 - $35 / night

    "We went to Sioux Falls for a concert and added a few night to our trip to camp at Blue Mounds. Sites were not full on the weekend, even less so on Sunday night."

    "Quiet place with nice bike and walking paths. Electric only 30amp water close by. Full dump station."

    9. Split Rock Park

    10 Reviews
    Garretson, SD
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 594-6721

    "There was a really nice dump station outside of the park near entrance to Devil’s Gultch."

    "A well maintained city campground with vault toilets and convenient nearby dump station just outside the park. Night time train traffic may be a negative for light sleepers."

    10. JRs Camping Oasis

    1 Review
    Sioux Falls, SD
    5 miles
    +1 (605) 929-1115

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Situated on farm style land, this is a great place to get away from it all. There are farm animals on the property, including baby cows!! Check them out and leave them some love."

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Recent Reviews near Sioux Falls, SD

363 Reviews of 67 Sioux Falls Campgrounds


  • Emer O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Sioux Falls Yogi Bear

    Great night stay family orientated

    Just booked as a stopover. Friendly staff, everything needed available as a couple travelling lovely to see families enjoying themselves. Recommend stop

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    Another overnight stop.

    Just another overnight stop on my drive to Iowa. I spent the night in a non-electric tent site so I can't really comment on the other parts of the campground. It does have nice bathrooms with running water and showers. The non-e tent sites are in a forested section, all shaded. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings. Sites are located a very short walk from the designated parking. I had a great night's sleep as it was relatively quiet. I didn't partake but they do have a Frisbee golf course. Took a short walk on their trail system to the suspension walking bridge. My complaint would be the fees. I thought i was paying one fee for the non-e tent site but then there was an additional fee for non-res and another fee for park day use fee or permit. This fee was confusing whether I was supposed to pay this or not. So what looked like a small fee to spend the night turned into much more.

  • Shirlee A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Freeman City Park

    Perfect stop over

    What a great thing for the city to offer for travelers coming through!

    Flat fully leveled sites - 4 in total with electric hookups and a bathroom near by and a dump station.

    Right outside is a big park, playground, pool and volleyball court. Perfect to stop for the night for a very fair price.

  • Shirlee A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    River Road Campground

    Convenient stop over

    Super easy to access and right near Blue Mount State Park. There is a playground which is great for kids and awesome bike trails right to the sight that leads to town, river and a huge playground.

    Has all hookups for 35$ a night.

    I wouldn’t stay more than the night due to RVs being really close together - not so much room to open space or have privacy , but if you’re looking for a stop over it’s perfect.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Blue Mounds State Park Campground

    Quiet Relaxing Visit

    Had a great time relaxing by the camper. We had great views from our campsite. Hiking was nice. Bathroom and shower facility were very well kept. Very grassy sites - great for group camping.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Union Grove State Park Campground

    Great overnight spot

    Right off the interstate, great access. On hill, treed sites. Large sites, with power. Some back in and some pull through. Great restrooms with showers. Campground host. Make reservations on line. Limited number of sites. Dump station. You can hear the interstate, but small nice campground

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Island Park - Rock Rapids

    A good stopover campground

    A good place to camp for the night with gas and groceries nearby. All sites have electricity but only 20/30/60 amps. Water spigots are spread throughout the campground. A dump station is located at the west entrance across the driveway from the pay station. It's northwest Iowa (cattle country) so you will notice a hint of something special in the air.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Palisades State Park Campground

    Average

    Overpriced, no water hookup at electric site and do dump station. Friendly staff but probably wouldn’t stay again

  • Jennifer K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Blue Mounds State Park Campground

    Beautiful and peaceful

    Super friendly people all around. Very quiet and beautiful campground. Well minus the semitrucks going down the road here and there. Beautiful clean bathrooms and showers. Pathway is well lit without being obnoxious. Seems to be mostly electric sites. There's a dump and water fill with small clean dumpsters throughout. The hosts were super nice to talk to. Sites are clean and manicured and pretty level. Would definitely stay here again. Beautiful little oasis amid what seems to be endless farmland. Just such a welcome stop after a long drive.


Guide to Sioux Falls

Camping near Sioux Falls, South Dakota, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Palisades State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "There is plenty of hiking and it is only about 30 min from Sioux Falls," making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Fishing and Swimming: At Lake Vermillion Recreation Area, you can enjoy fishing and swimming. A camper shared, "The lake had a great beach, fishing pier, and picnic area," perfect for a summer day.
  • Disc Golf: If you're into disc golf, check out the course at Big Sioux Recreation Area. One reviewer noted, "The disc golf course really took this park to the next level," so bring your discs!

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the parks. A visitor at Newton Hills Campground said, "The bath facilities are convenient, but seem old and marginally maintained," indicating a need for updates but overall cleanliness.
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A reviewer at Dakota Sunsets RV Park mentioned, "They spaced us out with a beautiful pull through and plenty of room," which is great for families or groups.
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpfulness of the staff. One camper at Sioux Falls KOA said, "Staff was friendly," making for a welcoming atmosphere.

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby highways or events. A visitor at Sioux Falls KOA noted, "Lots of noise since it’s off the highway," so if you're looking for peace and quiet, consider this before booking.
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. A camper at Nebraska Tailwaters mentioned, "No water or sewer at sites," so be prepared to plan accordingly.
  • Seasonal Availability: Some campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, Sioux Falls Yogi Bear operates from April to November, so check the schedule before you go.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. A family at Yankton — Lewis And Clark Recreation Area said, "Clean beach, spacious spots for our 35' camper, and nice bathrooms and parks!" making it a great choice for families.
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. One camper at Lake Vermillion Recreation Area enjoyed a "great beach" for picnics, which is perfect for family meals.
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids near water or trails. A reviewer at Newton Hills Campground mentioned, "The kids had a blast exploring the natural surroundings," highlighting the importance of supervision.

Tips from RVers:

  • Space for Big Rigs: Many campgrounds are big rig friendly. A visitor at Big Sioux Recreation Area noted, "Level spots with electric," which is great for larger RVs.
  • Check Hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. A camper at Dakota Sunsets RV Park appreciated the "FHUs," making their stay comfortable.
  • Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours to keep the peace. A camper at Palisades State Park Campground mentioned, "Park employees walk the park on foot in the dark at the 11pm to enforce quiet time," ensuring a restful night for everyone.

Camping around Sioux Falls, SD, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, there's a campground that fits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds near Sioux Falls, SD?

Several excellent campgrounds are located near Sioux Falls. Red Barn RV and Campground offers a secluded experience yet is just 10 minutes from the city. For families, Sioux Falls KOA provides convenient access to downtown attractions, clean facilities, a pool, and playground. The campground is just minutes from Sioux Falls Park and downtown's arts district. Other notable options include Dakota Sunsets RV Park with spacious pull-through sites and full hookups, and Tower Campground. Most campgrounds in the area offer standard amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and clean restrooms, with many providing full hookup options for RVs. Proximity to city attractions while maintaining a peaceful camping atmosphere is a common benefit of the Sioux Falls camping region.

Is there free or dispersed camping available near Sioux Falls, SD?

Free or dispersed camping options are limited in the immediate Sioux Falls area. Most camping requires fees at established campgrounds. W.H. Lyon Fairground occasionally allows camping during non-event periods at reduced rates. For budget-friendly options, Heib Memorial Park offers more affordable camping compared to larger facilities. True boondocking opportunities are scarce near the city, with most public lands requiring camping fees. Budget-conscious campers might consider looking further out toward the Missouri River recreation areas or checking with local farmers who sometimes permit overnight stays. Always verify current dispersed camping regulations before arrival, as rules can change seasonally, and obtain proper permissions when camping on private property.

What state park campgrounds are located near Sioux Falls, SD?

Several excellent state park campgrounds surround the Sioux Falls area. Big Sioux Recreation Area in Brandon (about 30 minutes from Sioux Falls) offers spacious sites with picnic tables and fire rings, clean bathrooms with showers, and proximity to both the river and bike paths. Palisades State Park Campground features unique quartzite rock formations, trails, and climbing opportunities with well-maintained sites including RV spaces, tent-only areas, and camper cabins. Newton Hills State Park, located south of Sioux Falls, provides numerous hiking trails and clean facilities. Lake Vermillion Recreation Area is another option within driving distance. These state parks typically require entrance fees plus camping fees, and reservations are recommended, especially during peak summer months.