Best Dog-Friendly 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.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Vermillion, South Dakota (82)

    1. Union Grove State Park Campground

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

    $22 - $26 / night

    "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."

    "We had the best tent site on the grounds, corner spot with decent trees and distance, most other spots are right on top of each other."

    2. Mulberry Bend Wildlife Management Area

    6 Reviews
    Vermillion, SD
    5 miles

    "I tow a 20ft trailer Next to Vermilliom river. 1 picnic table, pit toilet, boat ramp. Easy to get to. Well maintained gravel road. No potable water. Walmart is 5.3 miles away."

    "This was a fine location. A few people stopped by the boat ramp but no one else stayed the night. I looked everywhere and saw no signs regarding camping here and I was not disturbed."

    3. Clay County Park — Clay County

    6 Reviews
    Vermillion, SD
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 809-2071

    "In the trees, shaded, and a short walk along a pleasant trail to the Missouri River. The trail system, which is accessible from campground, is great. We were in site 18, which is near the playground."

    "The whole area was thoroughly cleaned, trees trimmed, trails groomed, restrooms spiffed, etc.  Guest feedback on these changes was overwhelmingly positive and we expect further growth this season. "

    4. Lions Park

    4 Reviews
    Vermillion, SD
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (605) 677-7064

    5. Riverfront Campground — Ponca State Park

    10 Reviews
    Ponca, NE
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 755-2284

    $25 - $30 / night

    "The drive from Omaha was so quick and easy. The park is beautiful with tons of trails and things to explore. The overlooks are great, you can see so much of the river."

    "It's set at the edge of rolling wheat fields over looking the Missouri river. The woods are lush and full of deer, turkeys and other critters (also ticks...)."

    6. Oak Bluff Campground — Ponca State Park

    9 Reviews
    Ponca, NE
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 755-2284

    $30 / night

    "We pulled in after office ours and easily found several primitive walk up sites to choose from. We selected T45 for it’s proximity to a scenic Missouri River overlook and it’s flat, shaded ground."

    "Need to pay the State Park entrance fee if you don't have an annual pass, but the campground is enjoyable. Close to recreational opportunities for the kids."

    7. Elk Point City Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Westfield, IA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 356-2141

    $15 / night

    "There are water spickets around and I'm not about dump stations. You are surrounded by a football field, two baseball fields and a nice children's playground."

    "Water is centrally located.

    Each site has electric. Some are 50 some are 30. All have 20A/110.

    This is attached to a public park and next to a high school. It’s a very nice area."

    8. Cabins — Ponca State Park

    6 Reviews
    Ponca, NE
    17 miles
    +1 (402) 755-2284

    $105 - $231 / night

    "Easy drive down to the Missouri River. Plus they have a pool!"

    "Miles of trails! My family did 7 miles. Wonderful views of 3 states. Along the Missouri River. Lovely welcome center with puzzles and games."

    9. Lazy H Campground

    7 Reviews
    Akron, IA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 568-5299

    $45 - $65 / night

    "Clean lake with boating. Private lake so no fishing license required."

    "I believe you can even rent or request a golf cart to make getting around easier.

    The only regret I have is not staying longer. Truly a wonderful place.

    Sprint/T-mobile data was around 56 Mbps down."

    10. Turkey Ridge — Ponca State Park

    3 Reviews
    Ponca, NE
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 755-2284

    $30 / night

    "A lot of places in Iowa are closed to camping until April or even May. I looked west and quickly found this."

    "We rode our bike around and got an incredible workout with lots of hills.

    Great views of the Missouri at the 3 state corners viewing area."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Vermillion, SD

299 Reviews of 82 Vermillion Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • 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

  • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2019

    Clay County Park — Clay County

    Secluded and peaceful

    Clay County Park is located 4 miles outside of Vermillion South Dakota. It is secluded and peaceful. There were a few down falls. A lot of the sites were taken by either people who lived there full time or people who leave their camper there for the whole summer. Also the camp ground hosts weren’t friendly like all the other camp grounds we visit. But it was peaceful and pretty. The sites were very nice sized. You didn’t feel like you were right on top of each other. They are Electric only and there is drinking water and sewage dump close by. There was 2 nice restrooms and 1 vaulted toilet. There was a few trails, 1 leading to the Missouri River. Down the road (not far) is a nice shelter next to the river and a boat ramp.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2021

    Nebraska Tailwaters

    Huck Finn Time

    Open year round

    Reservations:  Mid May - Mid May

    FCFS  Mid Oct - Mid May

    42 sites    31 electric   11 non electric

    Group camping with electric

    ADA Accessible fishing pier 31 electric sites 11 non electric Modern showers Flush toilets Shore fishing Boat ramp Fish cleaning station RV dump station Group camping Picnic shelter Fire ring/grill Vault toilet Cell service Paved sites Pets allowed Trash Security lights Drinking water 

    This campground is a gem snuggled along the Missouri River on the Nebraska side of the river. Lewis and Clark journeyed up the Missouri River on their way to the Pacific Ocean. In 1874 a group of Mennonites settled along the now Lewis& Clark Lake. Ground was broken in 1952 at the damsite. Now the public is able to recreate in numerous campgrounds and recreation sites along the Nebraska and South Dakota shore line

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2021

    Bloomfield - Lewis and Clark SRA

    Small

    FCFS 

    Rates: $15.00 basic $30.00 electric

     8 Basic tent only 12 RV sites w/electric 

    Picnic table Fire ring Toilets Playground Dump station Boat ramp Fishing dock

     The toilet was very clean with toilet paper and hand sanitizer. I was very impressed with the overall maintenance at the whole site.

     Sunsets are amazing along with the beautiful cliffs on the South Dakota side of the river. There is camping just below the hill so you will be closer to the sound of the water as it gently laps against the shore. Sites are marked and water views are worth the drive to the park. Mature trees provide nice shade which will help during the summer. 

    ALERT: Zebra mussels, an aquatic invasive species were found in Lewis& Clark Lake in 2014. They can damage boat motors and have other negative effects. Make sure you clean your water craft and outdoor recreation gear after each use. Never release unwanted pets or aquarium contents into the wild. CLEAN DRAIN DRY

     LNT 

    Better than when you found it 

    Stay safe Happy travels

  • Casey B.
    Jul. 16, 2022

    KOA Campground North Sioux City

    Nice

    This KOA is well-maintained, a little older but the grounds are nice and it is well organized and maintained. The dog park is not so well-maintained but was adequate and the pool was clean, and there is easy access to the freeway Both north and south

  • Tracy M.
    Aug. 28, 2021

    Elk Point City Park Campground

    Basic and economical

    Cute and historical city park that offers multiple 30 Amp hook up sites for $15. Water is available. Lots of play grounds, dog park, disc golf, and historic Lewis and Clark campsite.

  • 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!!!!!

  • 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.


Guide to Vermillion

Discover the best spots for pets-allowed camping near Vermillion, South Dakota, where you and your furry friends can enjoy the great outdoors together.

Pet-friendly campgrounds include Riverfront Campground

  • At Riverfront Campground — Ponca State Park, pets are welcome, allowing you to enjoy the peaceful riverside while your dog explores the grassy sites.
  • This campground features picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for a cozy evening with your pet after a day of adventure.
  • With ample trails nearby, you and your pet can enjoy scenic walks along the Missouri River.

Dog owners appreciate the amenities at Union Grove State Park Campground

  • Union Grove State Park Campground offers electric hookups and clean facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay for both you and your pet.
  • The campground is well-maintained, with friendly hosts and nearby trails for hiking, making it a great spot for outdoor activities with your dog.
  • Enjoy the convenience of reservable sites and access to drinking water, making your camping experience hassle-free.

Pet owners like the spaciousness of Gunderson Park

  • Gunderson Park provides a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of open space for your pet to roam freely.
  • The park features a paved path leading into town, perfect for leisurely walks with your dog while enjoying the local scenery.
  • With no designated spots, you can choose your ideal camping location, allowing for a more personalized experience with your furry companion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Vermillion, SD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Vermillion, SD is Union Grove State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 11 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Vermillion, SD?

TheDyrt.com has all 82 dog-friendly camping locations near Vermillion, SD, with real photos and reviews from campers.