Split Rock Creek winds through quartzite formations at Palisades State Park Campground, where campers access both wooded sites and open areas accommodating RVs up to 60 feet. The campground sits less than two miles from Garretson, with Interstate 90 providing convenient highway access for travelers crossing South Dakota.
Park staff maintain a notable presence throughout the facility, with rangers conducting regular site checks and enforcing quiet hours on foot patrols. Joe R. observed "8 employee vehicles to two park visitors driving by" during a 30-minute period, noting the thorough oversight. The main bathhouse serves the entire loop, supplemented by vault toilets positioned around the campground perimeter. Sites feature aluminum picnic tables and fire rings with cooking grates.
Campers can walk directly from sites to Split Rock Creek for swimming and fishing, though water conditions vary seasonally. Emilia found "the water was very brown and murky, smelled suspiciously like manure" during her August visit, while others report clearer conditions. The 1908 walking bridge and quartzite rock formations provide hiking destinations within the park boundaries. WiFi reaches 22 Mbps in newer sections, with Verizon cellular service available throughout most areas.
Site selection matters significantly for tent campers. Approximately half the sites offer level ground suitable for tents, while others like 34E feature long driveways but slanted terrain better suited for RVs. Electric hookup sites tend to provide more level camping areas. Train noise carries from nearby railroad tracks during nighttime hours, and biting flies can be problematic during summer months despite minimal mosquito activity in dry years.
Reserve specific sites in advance through the state park system, as the compact campground fills regularly during peak season. Split Rock Park offers additional camping just minutes away for overflow periods.
Location
Public CampgroundPalisades State Park Campground is located in South Dakota
Directions
In Southeastern South Dakota: 10 miles north of I-90, Brandon Exit 406.
Address
25495 485th Ave
Garretson, SD 57030
Coordinates
43.68800068 N
96.5200004 W
Connectivity
- T-MobilePossible CoverageVerified by 11 usersLast on 4/10/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 4/10/26
- AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 33 usersLast on 4/10/26
Connectivity
- T-MobilePossible CoverageVerified by 11 usersLast on 4/10/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 4/10/26
- AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 33 usersLast on 4/10/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 18 min from Sioux Falls, SD
- 1 hr 27 min from Sioux City, IA
- 2 hrs 19 min from Mankato, MN
- 2 hrs 46 min from Omaha, NE




















































