The Sioux Falls region sits at 1,470 feet elevation where prairie landscapes meet the Big Sioux River. Located in the eastern part of South Dakota, the area features quartzite outcroppings and rolling grasslands that offer camping opportunities year-round. Summer temperatures average 80-85°F with occasional thunderstorms, while winter camping requires preparation for sub-freezing conditions.
What to do
Hiking trails: Big Sioux Recreation Area offers paved walking paths along with natural hiking routes. "We have stayed here many times. Nice quiet state campground. Our site was nice, level, spacious, and had plenty of grass coverage (instead of dirt). Bugs were a pain but not much you can do about that. Bike trails are awesome," notes Heidi M.
Kayaking: Split Rock Park provides creek access for paddlers seeking gentle water adventures. "Really cool kayaking into Devils Gulch and up the Split Rock Creek. Will return to this nicely kept State Park," shares a visitor. The park features quartzite formations and small falls created during the Great Depression.
Wildlife viewing: Lake Vermillion Recreation Area offers opportunities to spot native wildlife. "Spring was coming alive with gobbling turkeys and cackling pheasants; we even got a show from a strutting tom turkey. Overall, a quiet and scenic stay with great wildlife viewing and lake views," reports MickandKarla W.
Fishing: Several campgrounds near Sioux Falls provide lake or river access for anglers. Split Rock Park features fishing spots along the creek, with one camper noting it's a "Beautiful spot. Easy water access." Bring your own equipment as rental options are limited.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Palisades State Park Campground maintains well-kept restrooms and shower buildings. A camper mentioned, "The site was level. Trees surrounding area. Electric hook up but no water. Flush toilets with showers very nice." Multiple reviewers highlight the cleanliness of facilities.
Large campsites: Big Sioux Recreation Area provides spacious sites with good separation. "The sites are nice and spread out. Overall a great park!" says Trevor A. This gives campers privacy often lacking at more crowded campgrounds.
Family activities: Sioux Falls Yogi Bear offers numerous amenities for children. "Our family spent a long weekend here enjoying all of the activities they had to offer. Everything from laser tag to chocolate milk chugging contests. The sites were extremely well maintained," shares Alec S.
Quiet atmosphere: Many campgrounds offer peaceful settings despite proximity to highways. "We have stayed here many times. Nice quiet state campground," notes one camper about Big Sioux Recreation Area, while another mentions that Lake Vermillion provides "a quiet and scenic stay."
What you should know
Fee structure: Many South Dakota parks have complex fee systems for non-residents. "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," explains Tyson K. about Big Sioux Recreation Area.
Train noise: Split Rock Park sits near active rail lines. "Only hitch is you're very close to train tracks and the trains tend to be quite loud as they pass," warns Ryan W. Another camper adds, "They don't just pass, they blow a LOUD horn right as they go by."
Water issues: Some campgrounds have limitations. One camper noted about Palisades State Park: "Site was level. Trees surrounding area. Electric hook up but no water." Bring extra water containers if staying at sites without direct hookups.
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate year-round but with varying amenities. "During the off-season, Sep through mid-May (when the kids are in school) is the perfect time to stay at this state park," advises John D. about Lake Vermillion Recreation Area.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Sioux Falls KOA offers strategic site selection for families. "We don't usually stay at campgrounds because we prefer dispersed camping but this was great. We requested a specific site and they were very accommodating. So friendly. We got a spot right in front of the playground which was perfect for our toddler," shares Laura C.
Safety considerations: Split Rock Park requires vigilance with young children. "We have 3 kids 5 and under. They like it too, but there are cliffs and water, so plan accordingly," warns Cody H., noting the natural hazards require extra supervision.
Kid-friendly activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park provides programmed entertainment. "Great for kids! We had a slight issue with inconsiderate neighbors who kept driving their golf carts through our camp (which can happen anywhere) but otherwise it's a great place for families to camp," mentions Jenny.
Swimming options: Lake Vermillion Recreation Area has a swimming beach, though water quality varies seasonally. "The park has a lake with a beach area - looked to have quite a bit of algae while we were there in early July," notes one visitor. Check conditions before planning water activities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Tower Campground offers different site types with varying privacy. "Not a lot to do at the campground, but had nice rest rooms and shower building. Large campsites if you pay for the upgraded premium site. Other sites appeared small and close together," advises Tracy B.
Hookup availability: Lake Vermillion Recreation Area provides electric-only sites in some areas. "All sites here are electric only and nicely spaced apart. Site 43 offered a beautiful lake view," shares MickandKarla W., adding "The electric hookup is at the back; we needed about 30 feet of cord."
Pull-through access: W.H. Lyon Fairground offers simple accessibility for larger rigs. "This is a huge open area at the fairgrounds. There are some hookups. Convenient location to a lot of attractions, stores, and restaurants," notes Carrie F., highlighting the straightforward layout beneficial to RVers.
Internet connectivity: Many campgrounds offer decent cell service. "Verizon had 3 bars, T-Mobile had 2, and our T-Mobile house internet clocked 207 Mbps down/3.49 Mbps up," reports one Lake Vermillion camper, information valuable for those needing to stay connected while camping.
