Best Equestrian Camping near Sioux Falls, SD

None of the campgrounds near Sioux Falls, South Dakota specifically feature horse corrals or dedicated equestrian facilities according to the available data. All four campgrounds (Big Sioux Recreation Area, W.H. Lyon Fairground, Newton Hills State Park, and Union Grove State Park) are marked with "NO horse-corral" in their features lists. The Big Sioux Recreation Area offers electric hookups, showers, and drinking water with spacious sites that could potentially accommodate horse trailers, though no specific equestrian amenities are mentioned in the reviews or feature lists. Several miles of hiking and biking trails wind through the park along the Big Sioux River.

Riders seeking horse-friendly accommodations near Sioux Falls may need to investigate alternatives or contact campgrounds directly about their policies for horses. The paved bike paths at Big Sioux Recreation Area connect to multiple trail systems, though these are not designated bridle trails. Newton Hills State Park, located about 30 miles south of Sioux Falls, features wooded campsites and multiple hiking trails that might permit horses during certain seasons, but confirmation is required as no specific horse facilities are mentioned in the data. Campers reference The Dyrt for top tips on camping near Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Sioux Falls, South Dakota (4)

    1. Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    38 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. 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."

    3. Newton Hills Campground — Newton Hills State Park

    11 Reviews
    Canton, SD
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 987-2263

    "There isn’t a lot to choose from around the Sioux Falls area. There are plenty of trails and clean restrooms to use. Overall we really like this location."

    "I had an amazing time at Newton Hills Campground in South Dakota with my family and young children."

    4. Union Grove State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Beresford, SD
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 710-2267

    $10 - $15 / night

    "Play equipment, horse trails, hiking trails, well maintained. Beautiful area."

    "Lower one is for horses. Upper is not. Sites in upper campground are a little small and close together but very well maintained. Hosts are very friendly."

Show More
Showing results 1-4 of 4 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Sioux Falls, SD

63 Reviews of 4 Sioux Falls Campgrounds


  • Myrna G.
    Jul. 24, 2019

    Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    Beautiful and peaceful

    Heading home needed a one night camp spot. This one fit the bill.
    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. Definitely will return.

  • J
    Sep. 19, 2020

    Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    Eastern South Dakota Gem

    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. New bathhouse entire park was very clean. About half hour to Sioux Falls. Worth the trip to see the Falls and the bike/hike trail around the city.

  • T
    Aug. 6, 2021

    Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    Shady and relaxing

    Beautiful campground! Sites are well spaced. Lots of trees for great shade in the hot summer. Very nice bathroom and shower house. Easy drive in to Sioux Falls. Several trails around the park. This was our final stop on our South Dakota trip. It was a wonderful and restful campground for us. After we arrived, Park staff came around and shared maps and info on things to do in the area. The first night a storm rolled through and the host drove thru and knocked on doors to check on people and let them know where shelter was just in case. Definitely will keep this campground on our list for future trips.

  • Jennifer S.
    Jul. 14, 2018

    Newton Hills Campground — Newton Hills State Park

    Good Campground Decent Hiking

    There isn’t a lot to choose from around the Sioux Falls area. There are plenty of trails and clean restrooms to use. Overall we really like this location. Some of the sites are pretty close together though.

  • Eric N.
    Aug. 31, 2016

    Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    Fun weekend away!

    Just outside of Sioux Falls. Stayed here for a night on the way to the black hills. It was a nice campground right on the Sioux River. The restrooms were well maintained. Did a quick day trip to Falls park.

  • John D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    Nice for occasional family camping.

    This SD State Recreation site is next to Sioux Falls. Make reservations early. It will get filled on weekends and holidays. Not a bad park for a family, first timers, or those who want to just get outside. This park may be in the city limits of Brandon SD. Grocery store, restaurants, and gas stations within about two miles. This is a very good park if you are visiting someone in the area or a traveler.

  • Ray & Terri F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 3, 2020

    Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    Very nice, spacious sites

    Really nice campground, wide spacious sites, lots of trees, bathrooms/showers were very clean, staff patrolled the area and was very friendly, bike trails. Not too far from downtown Sioux Falls. 50A, no water/sewer. Site 30E had DISH coverage.

  • Donna H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    Beautiful but pricey.

    The park is on the outskirts of a little town just east of Sioux Falls. I made my reservations online ($30 for the reservation, $1.26 tax, $0.45 for more tax, and $10 for the non-resident reservation fee). The campsites are clean, spacious, and beautiful. Absolutely loved it there. I had no sooner settled in, and a woman knocked on my van asking that I pay a city tax, an additional $15. I really don't mind paying the fees as that's what supports the park...What I didn't like was that it wasn't mentioned when making the reservations. Other than that little "gotcha" it was a wonderful experience. Would definitely visit again.

  • Christy C.
    Jul. 19, 2016

    Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    Nice campground with friendly people

    We visited here June 2012 while on our way to Mt Rushmore. The campground was neat and had a playground with a field for kids to play. The sites were leveled dirt/gravel and shaded with electric. The temps were very cool at night in the Summer which was awesome. They sold firewood at front station. Amenities: hiking, biking, canoeing. The campground was close to a neighborhood and we met some local residents at the playground area. They told us about a nearby attraction called Falls Park in Sioux Falls. This was a crazy place to just be in the middle of town but oh so beautiful!


Guide to Sioux Falls

Camping sites near Sioux Falls, South Dakota cluster around the Big Sioux River basin with an elevation of 1,470 feet. This eastern region of South Dakota receives approximately 27 inches of annual rainfall, creating wooded zones amid the otherwise prairie landscape. Overnight temperatures can drop significantly even during summer months, often requiring extra layers for evening campfires.

What to do

Disc golf adventures: Big Sioux Recreation Area features a complete disc golf course through wooded sections. "There are plenty of parks and paved roadways to wander around on. The spots are nice," notes Zach E. from Newton Hills Campground.

Explore hiking networks: Union Grove State Park offers several interconnected trail systems through forested hillsides. "Lots of great hiking trails. The hosts are very kind and helpful," writes Laura S., who appreciated the park's peaceful setting.

Water activities: When water levels permit, Lake Lakota at Newton Hills State Park provides swimming and fishing opportunities. "This beautiful park set just 9 miles south of Canton, SD has something for everyone. If you enjoy water activities, spend some time at Lake Lakota swimming, kayaking, fishing, or just relaxing," suggests Lisa H.

What campers like

Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the generous spacing at Big Sioux Recreation Area. "Our site was nice, level, spacious, and had plenty of grass coverage (instead of dirt)," notes Heidi M. about the recreation area.

Clean facilities: Union Grove State Park receives consistent praise for maintenance. "Definitely one of the cleanest most well kept campgrounds I've seen in a while. Shower rooms/bathrooms are immaculate, and smell so nice," writes Austin and Natasha S. about their camping experience.

Woodland camping: Newton Hills provides tree coverage that many prairie campgrounds lack. "Quiet spot weekdays. Site is beautiful," reports Sally C., though she cautions, "Many campsites are almost full sun—so have your shade structure ready."

What you should know

Limited equestrian options: While horseback riding enthusiasts seek equestrian camping near Sioux Falls, South Dakota, dedicated facilities are scarce. Union Grove State Park has "horse trails" according to S U., and the park includes a "Lower [campground] for horses. Upper is not," according to Leslie B.

Reservation requirements: Most campsites require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. "Reservations can be made ahead of time online. However day passes have to be purchased in person, cash, on site day of," explains Leni K. about W.H. Lyon Fairground.

Multiple fee structures: Several campgrounds have layered fee systems. "I spent the night here and had to pay the entrance fee to the park as well as the camping fee for my tentsite," notes Carolyn M. about Big Sioux Recreation Area.

Tips for camping with families

Playground accessibility: Newton Hills State Park offers dedicated play areas near campsites. "The kids had a blast exploring the natural surroundings and participating in the family-friendly activities. This campground is a true gem for those seeking a wholesome outdoor experience," shares Nicholas S. from Newton Hills.

Site selection matters: Some campgrounds have designated family areas. "We tent camped at a back on site across from both the play area and the shower rooms. Loved it!" recommends Austin and Natasha S. at Union Grove.

Weekday camping: For families seeking quieter experiences, timing is crucial. "Quiet spot weekdays," confirms Sally C. about Newton Hills, suggesting midweek stays for less crowded conditions.

Tips from RVers

Electric hookup options: For RV campers seeking horse-friendly options near Sioux Falls, South Dakota, several parks offer electric sites without specific equestrian facilities. "30 & 50 amp service, dump station," confirms Riding with S. about Union Grove State Park.

Basic fairground camping: W.H. Lyon Fairground offers no-frills RV accommodation with full hookups. "This campground is on leash pet friendly. There are few trees, but it has full hookups, clean restrooms and showers," writes dakota M., adding it was "exactly what I was looking for."

RV site sizing: Some campgrounds have limitations on larger rigs. "Sites in upper campground are a little small and close together but very well maintained," notes Leslie B. about Union Grove State Park, suggesting careful site selection for bigger vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Sioux Falls, SD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Sioux Falls, SD is Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux with a 4.5-star rating from 38 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Sioux Falls, SD?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Sioux Falls, SD, with real photos and reviews from campers.