Glamping close to Watertown, South Dakota offers diverse accommodation options from basic to luxury across prairie landscapes and lakeshores. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures reaching into the 90s and cold winters that can drop well below zero. Sites typically range from 1,700 to 1,800 feet in elevation, with relatively flat terrain making for accessible camping spots regardless of experience level.
What to do
Explore historic sites: The Ingalls Homestead in De Smet offers more than just camping with hands-on pioneer activities. "There's a one-room school house with tours, a barn with animals, a covered wagon ride where you (or your kids) can lead the horse-drawn wagon, opportunities to learn how to make a jump rope, twist hay, wash clothes," explains Brian C.
Fish local lakes: Lake Thompson provides excellent fishing opportunities with dedicated cleaning stations for your catch. "Great fishing spots with cleaning stations available," notes Steven W., who stayed at Lake Thompson Recreation Area. Anglers can expect walleye, northern pike, and perch depending on the season.
Visit local attractions: Plan day trips to nearby points of interest. Michelle B. recommends: "Check out the dugout, house, barn, schoolhouse, church and garage" at the Ingalls Homestead, adding that it costs "$20pp to tour the property for the whole time you are staying."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Memorial Park maintains well-kept restrooms and shower facilities. "There are many sites for both tent and RV camping along with clean wash houses and located within a 10 minute drive to town. Cost was $22 per day," shares ML W.
Convenient lakeside access: Proximity to water ranks highly among visitor preferences. "Close to beach, fishing dock and close to playground for kids!" notes Rebekah M. about Memorial Park, highlighting the family-friendly amenities.
Last-minute availability: Finding spots without advance reservations can be possible during certain periods. Keith F. recounts: "Called last minute to see if they had anything available, as we had been driving for 2 days without a shower. They had a primitive tent site available and in 1 hour we were taking a nice hot shower!"
What you should know
Site selection considerations: At Lake Thompson Recreation Area, campsite features vary significantly. "Some sites face the lake, others have shade with enough open sky for your StarLink dish," explains Steven W., noting the options for different preferences.
Insect preparation: Prepare for seasonal insects, particularly after wet periods. "Be sure to use bug spray as mosquitoes were all over- maybe due to wet weather," advises Audrey F. about Lake Thompson Recreation Area.
Management responsiveness varies: Some campers report inconsistent camp host experiences. At Memorial Park, one camper noted: "We had a reservation and told them we would be coming in late due to a family reservation in another campground...We never did hear from them."
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Maxwell Park provides a convenient base for exploring local attractions. "This would be an ideal spot to stop overnight or stay at to attend a local event or visit relatives in the area," suggests Shelly S., noting its practical location.
Swimming areas: Lake Thompson offers designated swimming zones. Audrey F. describes: "Three walkways down to the water's edge with one being a large swimming area. Boating is permitted as well."
Playgrounds and recreation: Look for campgrounds with dedicated children's areas. Memorial Park receives praise for its location "close to playground for kids" according to visitor reviews.
Tips from RVers
Dump station logistics: Be aware of practical challenges at certain facilities. Craig F. warns about Ingalls Homestead: "Only 'issue' is the Grey water dump is on a slight hill, with the ground washed away, and people sometimes park around it."
Site maneuvering: Spot Campground offers big-rig friendly sites with full hookups including 50-amp service, while Michelle B. advises about Ingalls Homestead: "Our suggestion if you stay here is, pull in the parking lot and back up the driveway to the camp sites. Unless you have a small vehicle and camper, it is tricky to get turned around if it is full."
Overnight convenience stops: For those seeking quick overnight glamping near Watertown, South Dakota, consider smaller parks with basic amenities. Maxwell Park offers "electric, shade and a shrub row separates you from the road" with the added convenience of "a laundrymat in the same lot" according to Shelly S.
