Best Equestrian Camping near Vermillion, SD

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Vermillion, SD is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Vermillion is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Vermillion, South Dakota (6)

    1. Union Grove State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Beresford, SD
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 710-2267

    $22 - $26 / 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."

    2. Yankton — Lewis And Clark Recreation Area

    18 Reviews
    Homme Lake, NE
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 388-4169

    $15 / night

    "South Dakota has it right with making reservations! Nebraska is HORRIBLE!!! We quit the Nebraska State parks years ago! Putting in coins to take a shower?! Really?! South Dakota doesn’t do that!!!"

    "We had a wonderfull Campside with view of the Lake .The campground is very big and Quiet. Very clean Bathhouses .Lot of Beaches and Playgrounds for Kids. We come back ."

    3. Cottonwood Campground

    9 Reviews
    Yankton, SD
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 667-2546

    $20 - $22 / night

    "Please contact the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center at (402) 667-2546 for more information.• The Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium• Visit nearby Yankton, South Dakota- the historic capitol"

    "There is access to water and restrooms in each loop. Some of the sites are right near Lake Yankton. There was decent fishing but nothing too special."

    4. Newton Hills Campground — Newton Hills State Park

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

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

    "Love this place very close to the major city of anything is needed. Nature and trails all around, lake for fishing and swimming, love to come out during the summer with the dogs!"

    5. Gavins Horse Camp — Lewis And Clark Recreation Area

    3 Reviews
    Homme Lake, SD
    32 miles
    +1 (605) 668-2985

    "Great biking and walking paths for families - beautiful path along the waterfront!"

    6. Danish Alps State Recreation Area Camping

    2 Reviews
    Hubbard, NE
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 632-4109

    $30 - $35 / night

    "Playground, boat ramp, picnic area fishing, birdwatching, equestrian camp & trails, something for everyone."

    "But the lake in the area is beautiful and there's quite a large space to the park with lots of trails and open field areas."

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Vermillion, SD

53 Reviews of 6 Vermillion Campgrounds


  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2021

    Yankton — Lewis And Clark Recreation Area

    Lewis & Clark Recreational area

    Great place to camp!!! South Dakota has it right with making reservations! Nebraska is HORRIBLE!!! We quit the Nebraska State parks years ago! Putting in coins to take a shower?! Really?! South Dakota doesn’t do that!!! South Dakota State Parks ROCK!!!!!

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2021

    Cottonwood Campground

    Best of Both States

    Dates: April 15, 2021- October 17, 2021 October 17 2021– April 21, 2022

    Fees:$16.00$18.00 

    • RV dump station is located just north of Cottonwood Campground off of Toe Road.
    • 7 electrical sites
    • 2 modern Bath house/toilets
    • Trash
    • Water sites
    • Cell phone service
    • Drinking water 
    • Flush toilets
    • Grills/fire rings
    • Lake access
    • Paved roads
    • Paved sites
    • Pets allowed
    • Picnic tables
    • Playground
    • Security lights
    • Disc golf
    • Shade

    The Lewis and Clark Visitor Center: Contains exhibits on the Missouri River and area history including the Lewis and Clark Expedition with stunning views of Lewis and Clark Lake along with the Missouri River. Powerhouse Tours are available on weekends. Please contact the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center at (402) 667-2546 for more information.• The Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium• Visit nearby Yankton, South Dakota- the historic capitol of the Dakota Territory.• Located both upstream and downstream of Lewis and Clark Lake, visit the Missouri National Recreational River.

    •• Latitude• 42° 51' 31.0000" N • Longitude• 97° 28' 57.0000" W••

    From U.S. Hwy 81 in Yankton, South Dakota, drive four miles west on South Dakota Highway 52, then south on Dam Toe Road and follow signs

    .• Check-In Time is 4:00 P.M./ Check-Out Time is 2:00 P.M.

    All-Terrain Vehicles(ATVs/UTVs) and golf carts are not permitted.

    Quiet hours are 10:00 P.M. to 6:00 A.M.

    Fireworks are prohibited.

    All pets must be on a leash of 6 feet in length or less. Pet waste must be picked up and properly disposed of promptly.

    Firewood Alert: Don't Move Firewood!• Due to the spread of invasive insects(such as Emerald Ash Borer(EAB)) firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Help protect your forests by purchasing near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Firewood is not available for sale on-site, however several local businesses sell firewood a short distance away, see the campground host or attendant for more information.• Visit DontMoveFirewood.org for more information.

    For questions or to contact park staff, please call: 402-667-2546 or email: gavinspoint.nwo@usace.army.mil. U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS GAVINS POINT PROJECT OFFICE P.O. BOX 710 YANKTON, SD 57078 

    Physical Address U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND 198 TOE RD YANKTON, SD 57078 Phone Number

    For facility specific information, please call (402) 667-2546 

    Trails: There are at least 9 hiking trails on AllTrails that you will find around Lewis and Clark Recreation Area. Lewis and Clark has the best of both worlds since the lake borders South Dakota and Nebraska. That makes it easy to stay in your preferred state and location. In Yankton SD a great trail is the Chalk Bluffs Multi-Use Trail which is a 3.7 mile loop where you will find a lake and it is rated as moderate. Dogs are allowed but must be on leash. This trail is used for hiking, horses, mountain biking and birding and is accessible through out the year. There is a 3.8 mile lightly used round trip or one way out and back called Yankton South Shore Trail. Great for wildlife viewing and it is great for walking, hiking and just enjoying nature. 

    Fishing: Lewis & Clark offers many types of fish for all anglers out there, walleye, sauger, large and small mouth bass, crappie, catfish and bluegill. It depends on the season and temperature of the water as to what is biting.

     Boating: Boating goes hand in hand with fishing and as with all things there are rules and regulations. You will find all types of boats, speedboats, pontoon, kayaks and personal watercraft. Make sure and wear your life jacket anytime you are on the water– Stay Safe and Alive. Make sure you are aware of the rules and regulations for boating around a dam area.

    Another issue that has become an increasing problem is Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) which is spreading in the United States. There are different types of AIS and they are being spread by several methods. Boaters, of all types, help spread or help stop the spread by taking care of their watercraft. Before leaving a boat launch practice the CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY technique. Many states require an AIS permit before you place watercraft in the water. 

    Birding: Birding at Lewis & Clark is great for watching bald eagles. You can get a list from Niobrara State Park for birds found around the lake.

     Hunting: In season, of course, begins the Tuesday after Labor Day. White tailed deer, mourning dove, waterfowl and wild turkey, cottontail rabbits and squirrel. Make sure you follow all the regulations in the recreation area. 

    Winter sports: Adds a completely new option for recreation. When ice is thick enough the lake is open for ice fishing, skating and snowmobiles. Cross country skiing is also very popular. 

    Lewis & Clark Lake is formed from the Missouri and Niabrara Rivers. The lake travels for about 35 miles at a maximum pool 90 miles of shoreline. Maximum depth is 45 feet. It was named after the Lewis& Clark Expedition that camped nearby. 

    LNT 

    Better than when you found it

    Stay safe– Happy Travels

  • Nicholas S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2023

    Newton Hills Campground — Newton Hills State Park

    Perfect to relax and bring the kids!

    I had an amazing time at Newton Hills Campground in South Dakota with my family and young children. The spacious and clean facilities provided the perfect backdrop for our outdoor getaway, offering a blend of adventure and relaxation away from the city. 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.

  • James D.
    Oct. 1, 2016

    Cottonwood Campground

    Another great park in the Missouri River Valley!

    Great place for RV camping. My Uncle and I went through here back in 2011. All sites were reservable on-line. Every site had electric hookups. There is access to water and restrooms in each loop. Some of the sites are right near Lake Yankton. There was decent fishing but nothing too special. The park itself is very close to South Dakota, and you can visit the old time capitol of the Dakota Territory. I love the little history pieces like this so it was worth the side trip for me. It is also right near Lewis and Clark Lake which has really good fishing in the early morning. People we met were using the spot as they were passing through the area or for taking kids out for the weekend. Pets were allowed here too.

  • E
    Oct. 28, 2021

    Danish Alps State Recreation Area Camping

    All By Myself

    I pulled in and found a wide open campground. I picked a site high on the bluff overlooking the reservoir. It had quite the view. It’s a newer area so trees are planted for the future. Sites are spacious with water and both 30 & 50 amp hookup. Clean dump station that also has a fish cleaning station. Playground, boat ramp, picnic area fishing, birdwatching, equestrian camp & trails, something for everyone.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 15, 2023

    Union Grove State Park Campground

    Interesting campground

    Two campgrounds within the park. 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. Bathrooms on include showers and we're extremely well maintained. Trails in the area give you a chance to stretch your legs. Convenient to the interstate, but that also means some highway noise if you are not in a hard sided camper.

  • Amy J.
    Jul. 9, 2022

    Cottonwood Campground

    Animals all around

    We stayed in a pull off the road spot. Next time I would choose a more secluded spot. There were bison and wild horses in the campground. It had nice views.

  • P
    Jun. 25, 2021

    Yankton — Lewis And Clark Recreation Area

    Great Campground

    We had a wonderfull Campside with view of the Lake .The campground is very big and Quiet. Very clean Bathhouses .Lot of Beaches and Playgrounds for Kids. We come back .


Guide to Vermillion

Horse camping in South Dakota offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and scenic beauty, perfect for equestrian enthusiasts looking to explore the great outdoors with their horses.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

Equestrian campgrounds include ample amenities

Campers appreciate these features for horses

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Vermillion, SD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Vermillion, SD is Union Grove State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 10 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Vermillion, SD, with real photos and reviews from campers.