Best Campgrounds near Sioux Falls, SD

Sioux Falls camping areas range from nearby parks to spots within a short drive. Big Sioux Recreation Area sits just seven miles from town with hiking trails and picnic spots where you can relax. The Sioux Falls KOA is only five miles out and has full-hookup RV sites that make quick trips from the city easy. About 14 miles away, Palisades State Park Campground draws people with its impressive rock formations and well-kept campsites. Blue Mounds State Park Campground, 29 miles from Sioux Falls, has good rock climbing and even a little free library near the bathrooms. Lake Vermillion Recreation Area is 23 miles from town with good fishing and helpful staff who know the area well. You can drive to all these campgrounds on decent roads without much trouble. Most places have the basics - drinking water, restrooms, and shower facilities. Spring and fall bring cooler weather that's great for hiking around the area. Summers can get hot, so bring plenty of water and sun protection if you camp then. Dogs are welcome at most campgrounds around Sioux Falls as long as you keep them on a leash. The camping options near Sioux Falls work well whether you want just a weekend or a longer camping trip.

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Best Camping Sites Near Sioux Falls, South Dakota (66)

    1. Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    35 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

    22 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

    29 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

    51 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

355 Reviews of 66 Sioux Falls Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • Karla J. B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Blue Mounds State Park Campground

    Peaceful prairie getaway

    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. Do the prairie tour, interesting and worth the time and the $15. Some sites were smaller and closer together than others, so your experience may vary. But people were quiet and respectful, so I’m sure you can enjoy your stay. The naturalists here are friendly and knowledgeable, take advantage of programming! Visit the nearby Pipestone National Monument while in the area. Misc notes: Others have mentioned clean facilities, we did get manure smell with the breeze, but very few mosquitoes, great sunsets!

  • kThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Lake Vermillion Recreation Area

    As good as a KOA

    Rangers are nice, park Host is amazing Facilities are clean Wifi is a little week for T-mobile but had star link for text Beautiful place view of lake, sites are paved, no stones Lots of trees and shade , i stayed in east campground

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2025

    Sioux Falls KOA

    A small but well maintained KOA campground

    Although this is not a large campground it is very well maintained and the staff are super friendly. Please see pictures and video for reference.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 14, 2025

    Tower Campground

    Right on the highway, so convenient, but noisy

    A parking lot style campground with nice green areas for pets. Level sites, full hookups. If you are looking for a convenient spot by Sioux Falls, this one fits the bill. Book online as staff is not in the office (or at least were not when we arrived).

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 14, 2025

    Palisades State Park Campground

    Expensive

    We made a reservation using the phone number provided. On short notice, we were charged 80+ dollars for two nights after requesting a tent site without electricity. 0n arrival, we were charged 30 dollars for entrance passes to put on the car. The trains ran close by, and the flies were terrible.

  • B
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Blue Mounds State Park Campground

    Blue Mounds State Park

    Very quiet even on holidays, sites are in the woods so all sites have shade. All types of camping is available, tent, RVs trailers, 5th wheels, Class A, etc. We have 46 foot toy hauler, Clean bathrooms and plenty of dumpsters. Park features natural prairie and a buffalo herd. Bison tours are available. Plenty of hiking trails and some cliff climbing. LuVerne MN is 6 miles and has all supplies wanted available.

  • B
    Jul. 11, 2025

    Pioneer / Montrose City Campground

    Great overnight stop

    This campground was not far off I90 and was easy to find and navigate. Gravel sites in the pull through. Water and electric with a dump station. Lots of grass and places to walk the dog. Bath house was clean and close by. There is a small play area and also a pool with a lifeguard. It does cost extra but I’m sure it’s affordable. The camp host were so very nice and friendly. We had a small problem when we were getting ready to leave. And he was there ready to help and offer any assistance. And she called a place nearby to check on hours and service.
    We ate the nice restaurant in town…My Place… and it was very good! Would definitely return and recommend!

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 10, 2025

    Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux

    Close to home

    We come here often. The showers are great, the walking trail is great, and the spots are nice and spread out. Overall a great park!


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.