Campground 2 — Oahe Downstream Recreation Area

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Managed by SD State Parks & Recreation, Campground 2 sits within camping near Oahe Downstream Recreation Area along the Missouri River, closer to the water than its neighbor Campground 1 — Oahe Downstream Recreation Area. That proximity makes a noticeable difference: reviewers consistently describe the sites here as cooler than those in Campground 1, particularly during summer months. Electric hookups with 30 and 50 amp service are available, and sites are generally level with enough space between them that groups don't feel crowded.

Cleanliness comes up repeatedly across reviews. Bathrooms include showers, and multiple campers note both are well-maintained. Some sites back up to river views, and the swim beach is a short walk away, though one visitor noted a fish die-off near the beach during a summer stay, worth keeping in mind for families with young children. Fishing along the Missouri is a draw, and an 18-hole disc golf course, bike-friendly paths, and a butterfly garden round out the activity options on the grounds.

A practical timing note: one reviewer found that visiting during the third week of May coincided with cottonwood seed pods dropping, which created a nuisance for their dogs. Arriving a week earlier or later in spring avoids that window. Cell service is available on-site. The campground runs April 1 through November 15, and no pets are permitted. Campground 3 — Oahe Downstream Recreation Area is a short distance south for campers who want to compare sites before booking.

Check AvailabilitySuggest an Edit

Map & DirectionsCampground 2 is located in South Dakota near Fort Pierre

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

44.43020603 N
100.38812912 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 11 users
    Last on 8/16/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 11 users
    Last on 8/16/26
  • signal strength bars
    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
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time


2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Campground 2

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

60%
40%
0%
0%
0%

4.5

out of 5

5 Reviews

Many mentioned clean, well-spaced sites with good facilities and family activities like disc golf and playgrounds. Visitors often highlighted friendly staff and the campground's proximity to the Missouri River for various outdoor activities.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Jun. 23, 2026

Plenty of Room

We stayed with a group of friends and the sites were well maintained with plenty of space. Bathrooms were clean and showers were hot, all-in-all a good spot to stay.

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Aug. 13, 2022

Beautiful sites

110-30-50 amp hookups plenty of space between sites. Bathrooms with showers. Playgrounds located throughout the campgrounds. Along the Missouri river. Some sites back into river view. But not a long walk to the beach area. About 10 cabins right on the river. Tent/RV/Cabin camping you will enjoy yourself

Site81
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Campground 2 — Oahe Downstream Recreation Area by Pat N., August 13, 2022
Reviewed Jun. 30, 2020

Great campground

We stopped at Oahe Rec Area during our family vacation in Aug. 2019. Nice, well kept campgrounds with playground & good places for the kids to run/explore. Only drawback was, when we were there, the swim beach had a bunch of dead fish everywhere. Someone had picked all of them up from the beach, but you could see the indents of the fish & see them on both sides of the swim beach area. On our way out, we stopped at the butterfly/flower garden where a park staff was tagging butterflies. We got to join in the fun - was such a cool experience for both my son & me!

  • Review photo of Campground 2 — Oahe Downstream Recreation Area by Ason S., June 30, 2020
  • Review photo of Campground 2 — Oahe Downstream Recreation Area by Ason S., June 30, 2020
  • Review photo of Campground 2 — Oahe Downstream Recreation Area by Ason S., June 30, 2020
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Aug. 2, 2019

Friendly & Clean Campground

We love going to Oahe Downstream Campground every year. We have camped in both Campgrounds. Campground # 2 is closer to the river so it feels much cooler than Campground 1. Lots of things  to enjoy if you have kids or even Teens.  They have a 18 hole Disc Golf coarse . Bring your bikes because you can ride to the trailrace area or around the campgrounds.  There are other biking & hiking areas with in the area and Pierre Sd. You can go kayak or visit the beautiful Butterfly garden. If you love to camp in the fall this is the place beautiful foliage and always quiet.

Site105 in campground 2
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Campground 2 — Oahe Downstream Recreation Area by Peggy S., August 2, 2019
  • Review photo of Campground 2 — Oahe Downstream Recreation Area by Peggy S., August 2, 2019
Reviewed Sep. 1, 2018

Campground 2 has water view

There are 2 campgrounds in this area. They are Electric only, have picnic tables and fire rings and are fairly level. The area is clean and well kept and the showers and toilets are also clean. The hosts were friendly and welcoming. We were able to get cell service here and there was plenty of room between sites.

This area is great for Bird watching, hiking, fishing, and relaxing. We stayed in Campground 2 for a bit the 3rd week of May and I would advise people to go earlier or a week after. We couldn't control nature but the cottonwoods were dropping their seed pods and they were sticking to everything, including in between my dogs pads of their feet and it was hard and painful to remove them. Just 1 week and it would have not been a problem. Otherwise this is a wonderful place to visit.

Site112
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Campground 2 — Oahe Downstream Recreation Area by Shannon G., September 1, 2018
  • Review photo of Campground 2 — Oahe Downstream Recreation Area by Shannon G., September 1, 2018
  • Review photo of Campground 2 — Oahe Downstream Recreation Area by Shannon G., September 1, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find a map of Oahe Downstream Campground?

Maps of Oahe Downstream Campground are available at the entrance station when you check in, and from campground hosts who are described as friendly and welcoming. For planning ahead, check the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks website where official maps are typically posted. The map will help you navigate between the two campgrounds, locate amenities like showers and restrooms, and find recreational features like the disc golf course and beach areas.

How do I make reservations for Oahe Downstream Campground?

Reservations for Oahe Downstream Campground can be made through the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks reservation system. The campground offers electric hookup sites that you can reserve in advance. For the most current reservation information, contact the park office directly or visit the South Dakota State Parks website. It's advisable to book early, especially during peak summer months, as this is a popular recreation area.

What are the different camping areas in Oahe Downstream Recreation Area?

Oahe Downstream Recreation Area has two distinct campgrounds. Campground #1 and Campground #2 both offer electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings with fairly level sites. Campground #2 is positioned closer to the Missouri River, which makes it feel noticeably cooler than Campground #1, especially during hot summer days. In addition to the standard campsites, the recreation area features approximately 10 cabins located right on the riverfront. The area accommodates tent camping, RVs, and cabin stays, with multiple playgrounds throughout the grounds.

What do visitors say about camping at Oahe Downstream Recreation Area?

Campers consistently praise Oahe Downstream Recreation Area for its cleanliness and well-maintained facilities. The electric sites are spacious with plenty of room between neighbors, and the bathrooms with showers are kept clean. Families particularly enjoy the numerous recreational opportunities, including an 18-hole disc golf course, bike-friendly paths, playgrounds scattered throughout, and the beach area along the Missouri River. Some sites offer river views, while others are just a short walk to the water. The area is considered excellent for families with children of all ages, from young kids to teenagers, with ample space for exploration. The campground hosts receive compliments for being friendly and helpful.