Memorial Park

Lake access draws anglers and boaters to Memorial Park, a county-operated campground on the shores of Lake Kampeska in Watertown. The facility operates seasonally from May through September and accommodates both RVs and tent campers with full hookups available. Access requires navigating winding roads from the interstate, but the lakefront location provides direct water access for fishing and boating activities.

The campground features multiple site types, from primitive tent spots to full-service RV sites with electric, water, and sewer connections. Clean restroom facilities with showers serve all campers. "We had a great time at the lake our campsite was in view of the water," notes one reviewer, though they mention the lake bottom contains rocks that campers should expect when swimming or wading. The park includes walking paths that connect camping areas to gardens and a chapel.

Site maintenance appears inconsistent based on visitor experiences. Some campers report cleanliness issues including debris and pet waste not properly cleaned between stays. The campground allows pets but enforcement of leash rules varies. Pull-through sites may require careful maneuvering between trees, and advance reservations help secure preferred spots during busy periods.

For those wanting different amenities, Sandy Shore Recreation Area sits less than two miles south along the same lake system.

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Location

Public Campground

Memorial Park is located in South Dakota

Detail location of campground

Address

1200 North Lake Drive
Watertown, SD 57201

Coordinates

44.91800022 N
97.2440004 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 6 users
    Last on 4/29/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 6 users
    Last on 4/29/26
  • 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)
  • Dispersed
  • Group
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • 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
  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time


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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the lake location, clean facilities, and hot showers. However, some visitors experienced poor host communication and site maintenance issues that affected their stay.

Reviewed Oct. 29, 2025

Huge with many amenities

We stopped to walk around. I think we saw everything on the walk from a chapel. Two paths to gardens to campsites to full hookups, numerous bathrooms and other amenities.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Memorial Park by Teresa T., October 29, 2025
  • Review photo of Memorial Park by Teresa T., October 29, 2025
  • Review photo of Memorial Park by Teresa T., October 29, 2025
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Sep. 5, 2025

Beautiful spot

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! Thanks

SiteT 1
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2022

Family fun

We had a great time at the lake our campsite was in view of the water beautiful Town beautiful atmosphere very green the one and only thing I would say is that there is a rocky very Rocky Lake other than that time spent was a week and it was really good

Site2
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Memorial Park by Alley-oop M., July 8, 2022
  • Review photo of Memorial Park by Alley-oop M., July 8, 2022
  • Review photo of Memorial Park by Alley-oop M., July 8, 2022
  • (11) View All
Reviewed Jul. 15, 2018

No contact from host

We had a reservation and told them we would be coming in late due to a family reservation in another campground. The woman I spoke with said that wasn't a problem and that, if the office was closed, she'd be in the house next door. The office WAS closed so I knocked on the door. No answer. I called and left a message that we had arrived and needed help finding our site. No return call. We finally found our site only to discover a truck parked in front of the pull through. Once the owner was found and moved the truck, we had to make a sharp turn between two trees on either side of the drive. We didn't even unhook as we had to be out at noon the next day. The next morning, we discovered the site had dead birds with flies buzzing around them, dog poop that hadn't been cleaned up, and cigarette butts on the ground. The dead birds had been there a while as had the evidence of dogs (we have a dog we always clean up after and follow leash rules). The park is nothing special but it is on the lake and may have some decent fishing access. The neighbors on one side had a dog off leash and it came over to check out our on-leash dog. Rules are not enforced and the hosts apparently don't check on things. We never did hear from them. The campground is a winding ways from I29 but we have Google maps so it wasn't a problem finding it. It just wasn't very convenient at all. We were not impressed with the service or lack of.

Site9
Month of VisitJuly

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Memorial Park have RV hookups?

According to TheDyrt.com, Memorial Park has water hookups and sewer hookups.

Are fires allowed at Memorial Park?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Memorial Park, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Memorial Park have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Memorial Park does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Memorial Park?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is excellent coverage for AT&T, excellent coverage for T-Mobile, and excellent coverage for Verizon.