Best Campgrounds near Watertown, SD

Camping near Watertown, South Dakota, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot by the lake or a family-friendly campground, there's something for everyone.

What to do:

• Explore the Laura Ingalls Wilder Homestead: At Ingalls Homestead, you can tour the historic buildings and enjoy activities like hayrides. One visitor said, "Check out the dugout, house, barn, schoolhouse, church, and garage."
• Enjoy the Beach: Hartford Beach State Park Campground has a lovely beach area. A camper mentioned, "The beach was nice! It was a decent walk there, but at least had a trail to the beach."
• Fishing and Boating: At Big Stone Lake State Park Campground, you can fish right from the shore. One reviewer noted, "Fishing is free from the park boundaries with lots of shoreline."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the bathrooms. A visitor at Sexauer City Park said, "Showers and toilets clean and well lit."
• Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peacefulness of the campgrounds. One camper at Hartford Beach State Park Campground mentioned, "Only 4 sites were occupied out of 30 or so. Completely quiet all evening."
• Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Lake Herman State Park Campground offer playgrounds and trails. A family shared, "Great campground with a lot to do. Nice beach and walking trails."

What you should know:

• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Campground 2 — Oakwood Lakes State Park, do not have water hookups. A camper noted, "Clean bathrooms with hot showers. Nice path around the lake for walking the dog."
• Seasonal Closures: Be aware that some facilities may close during the off-season. A visitor at Sexauer City Park mentioned, "Apparently when temps reach towards freezing they close all restrooms and showers."
• Reservations Recommended: Popular spots can fill up quickly. One camper at Campground 1 — Oakwood Lakes State Park advised, "Reserve in advance!"

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for places like Ingalls Homestead that offer educational tours and fun activities. A family said, "Little House on the Prairie fans, you MUST stay here!"
• Bring Outdoor Games: Many campgrounds have open spaces perfect for games. A visitor at Lake Herman State Park Campground mentioned, "The area has many geocaches as well!"
• Pack Snacks for the Beach: If you're heading to Hartford Beach State Park Campground, make sure to bring snacks for a beach day. One camper said, "Spectacular sunsets and sunrises."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Big Stone Lake State Park Campground noted, "Only electric on the inner loop."
• Bring Long Cords: Some sites have electric hookups far from the picnic area. A visitor at Hartford Beach State Park Campground mentioned, "The electric hookup is pretty far from the picnic table/fire ring area."
• Be Prepared for Slopes: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain. A camper at Ingalls Homestead warned, "The grey water dump is on a slight hill."

Camping around Watertown, SD, is a great way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories with family and friends. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's a spot waiting for you!