Map showing campground location near Madison, South Dakota

Camper submitted image from Lake Herman State Park Campground

Lake Herman State Park Campground

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Lake Herman State Park, managed by SD State Parks & Recreation, holds this year-round campground on the shores of Lake Herman just outside Madison in eastern South Dakota. The layout splits into two distinct sections: a lower area geared toward families with a playground, weekend activities, and direct lake access, and a second area organized around a large grassy central space. Sites vary considerably in character, with some positioned near the water, some carrying open views of the lake, and others set under shade trees.

Full hookups are available, including electric, water, and sewer connections, with RVs up to 50 feet accommodated. The park rents small cabins and provides paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes for those who want time on the water. Fishing docks and walking trails round out the on-site options. The park sprays regularly for insects, which reviewers flag as a meaningful comfort factor during summer stays. Bathrooms are described as decent and well-maintained, and multiple visitors note the grounds are kept consistently clean.

Carrie F. sums up the site variety well: "Many spots have shade, some are near the lake, and some with lake views." Reservations are accepted, and the campground fills up during peak season, particularly with RV rigs. Nearby, Camp Lakodia sits roughly a mile to the southwest for those wanting a second option. Campers who enjoy a mix of water recreation, maintained facilities, and room for longer stays will find Lake Herman worth a return visit.

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Map & DirectionsLake Herman State Park Campground is located in South Dakota near Madison

Public Campground

Directions

Located 2 miles west of Madison off SD Hwy 34.

Address

23409 State Park Drive
Madison, SD 57042

Coordinates

43.99294444 N
97.15945582 W

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Connectivity

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VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 6 users
Last on 8/12/26
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Excellent Coverage

Connectivity

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VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 6 users
Last on 8/12/26
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Cabins

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups
Pull-Through Sites
30 Amp Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations

+18007102267

Drive Time

54 min from Sioux Falls, SD
1 hr 56 min from Sioux City, IA
2 hrs 58 min from Mankato, MN
3 hrs 36 min from St. Cloud, MN

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Reviews6 Camper Reviews - Lake Herman State Park Campground

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

5.0

out of 5

6 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the large, well-maintained sites with various location options from lakeside to shaded areas. Many campers appreciated the extensive amenities including electric hookups, water equipment rentals, and family-friendly features like playgrounds and weekend activities.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Real M.

Traveler

Reviewed May. 25, 2026

Beautiful and clean

They really do a great job of taking care of the state park. It’s very clean and well-kept and it’s very beautiful.

Sitetent site

Month of VisitMay

David G.

Guide

Reviewed Apr. 9, 2025

Nice State Park

Very nice place to stay. Spent 2 weeks here in the spring. Had days of warm weather, spring rain showers and 5 inches of snow. I was right next to a little lake on one side and Lake Herman about 150ft away. Nice hiking trails just outside my door. Will definitely be back.

Site15E

Month of VisitMarch

Real M.

Traveler

Reviewed May. 25, 2023

Great Staff

Had a great week time here! The staff was very nice and helpful!

Site37

Month of VisitMay

Andrea

Guide

Reviewed Apr. 5, 2021

Nice RV campground

We stayed here for one night in September. The park was filled up. All RVs. We stayed next to the lake. Bathrooms were decent.

Jesse B.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 23, 2019

Family friendly

Great campground with a lot to do. Nice beach and walking trails and outdoor excessive area. Nice fishing dock.

Carrie F.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 8, 2018

Beautiful RV and tent camping around a gorgeous lake

Large spots maintained very well. RV spots have electric. Many spots have shade, some are near the lake, and some with lake views. They have small cabins for rent, as well as paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes. There is a lower park that’s great for families, with activities on the weekends , a large playground, and easy lake access. The other park is mainly spaces, with a large grassy area in the center. They spray regularly for bugs, which is extremely important to me! The area has many geocaches as well!

Month of VisitJune

Frequently Asked Questions

What activities can visitors enjoy at Lake Herman State Park?

Visitors to Lake Herman State Park can enjoy numerous recreational activities. The park features a beach area for swimming, fishing docks, and opportunities to rent paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes for water exploration. Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the walking trails that wind through the property, providing scenic views of the landscape. The park also includes an outdoor exercise area. Weekend activities are organized in the lower park area, making it especially great for families with children.

What camping facilities are available at Lake Herman State Park?

Lake Herman State Park Campground offers well-maintained RV spots with electrical hookups, many featuring shade trees. The campground has sites situated near the lake, some with scenic lake views. Small cabins are available for rent as an alternative to traditional camping. The park has decent bathrooms for campers to use. Sites vary in location, with options next to the main lake or alongside a smaller lake within the park grounds.

What do reviews say about Lake Herman State Park camping experience?

Lake Herman State Park provides a positive camping experience with spacious, well-maintained sites. The park offers beautiful natural surroundings with some campsites featuring lake views or direct lakeside access. Helpful and friendly staff enhance the visitor experience. The campground can get quite busy, particularly filling up with RVs during peak seasons. Many campers appreciate the convenient access to recreational activities and trails directly from their sites. The park's overall cleanliness and scenic location make it a destination where visitors often plan to return.

How does Lake Herman compare to Lake Madison for camping?

While specific comparisons to Lake Madison aren't detailed in available information, Lake Herman State Park offers distinct advantages for campers. Lake Herman features well-maintained RV sites with electrical hookups, cabin rentals, and diverse camping locations from lakeside to shaded areas. The park provides multiple recreational options including a beach, fishing docks, water equipment rentals, hiking trails, and an outdoor exercise area. Family-friendly weekend activities are organized in the lower park. For specific comparisons, contact the park office or check the official state park website.

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