Fort Sisseton State Park sits at an elevation of approximately 1,800 feet in the glaciated Coteau des Prairies region of northeastern South Dakota. The park encompasses 1,300 acres of rolling prairie with Lake City nearby, creating a diverse ecosystem for wildlife viewing. Winter temperatures in the region regularly drop below freezing, while summer highs typically reach the 80s with occasional thunderstorms.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Fort Sisseton State Park Campground provides access to nearby Lake Traverse and other smaller lakes. The park maintains fishing spots within walking distance of most camping areas.
Historical exploration: The park features restored frontier military buildings from the 1800s. "Fort Sisseton is a small, quiet, friendly park. We have stayed there a number of times. There is a lot of outdoor advantage in the area. It is worth the trip," notes a regular visitor.
Beach recreation: Lakewood Supper Club offers direct access to Big Stone Lake with a swimming beach. "A nice beach and a boat landing" are available to visitors, according to campers who enjoyed the waterfront location.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Visitors consistently mention the well-maintained grounds and facilities at area campgrounds. "This is a very pretty park. The showers are gorgeous, there are cabins, wood for sale and all amenities," notes one camper about Fort Sisseton.
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds in the Sisseton area provide opportunities to see native wildlife. "A couple of wild turkeys came by in the evening. Only downside is that campsite was fly infested. It was pretty clean so I think the flies came from horse areas," shares a visitor about their experience.
Spacious campsites: Hankinson City Park offers "4 grass spots with 30 amp electric, picnic table and trash cans. Quiet park very nicely kept," according to a reviewer who appreciated the layout and maintenance.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most glamping close to Sisseton, South Dakota requires advance booking, especially during summer months. At Lakewood Supper Club, "There are normally no open sites, we are told, as they are all rented for the season. We got lucky because there was a site available," reports one visitor.
Seasonal considerations: Most luxury camping options near Sisseton operate primarily from May through September, with limited winter availability. Some locations close completely during winter months.
Bathroom facilities: Kidder Recreation Area offers basic facilities designed primarily for tent campers. "It is small and designed for tent campers. There's a short row of camp spots in the sun for campers," notes a visitor describing the more rustic accommodation options.
Tips for camping with families
Evening activities: Plan for sunset viewing opportunities at lakeside locations. At Lakewood Supper Club, families can enjoy "a cocktail, a fantastic steak, then another drink while we watched the sun go down," creating memorable experiences for all ages.
Educational opportunities: Fort Sisseton offers interpretive programs about frontier history. "Small campground. Well maintained. It was fun to explore the historical buildings," shares a camper who enjoyed the educational aspects of their stay.
Laundry access: For extended family stays, Hankinson City Park has convenient "laundry mat across the street," making it practical for longer visits with children.
Tips from RVers
Hookup specifics: Most luxury camping options include partial hookups with electricity and water. For full-service options, confirm sewer connections when booking. "Dump station at the pay box but no water. Found a business that let us fill our tanks," shares an RVer at Hankinson City Park.
Site restrictions: Verify size limitations for larger RVs as many glamping sites cannot accommodate big rigs. Some locations specifically limit vehicle size or have narrow access roads.
Seasonal availability: Most upscale camping operations in the region reduce services during shoulder seasons. "If you can't camp here, check out the state park - then come over for dinner!" recommends a visitor who found alternative accommodations when glamping sites were full.
