Tenting at Yellow Banks

There are two RV sites with shower houses, and about 10 tentsites on a large rectangular area in the back surrounded by trees. Unfortunately the parking was only at one end, so many people were hauling their stuff quite a ways. I had a spot next to the parking and pit latrine which was great, but the weekend was crowded and noisy. There are a couple of short trails near the campground but a longer pond trail on the southeast area of the park which was deserted when I hiked it. The park also has a playground for kids, baseball fields, and primitive camping.

Local RV camp

Most of this open campground is devoted to RV's, most are unoccupied during the week. There are only 4 tent sites on the south edge of the area, the acreage is covered with tall cottonwood trees which provide partial sun/shade but no privacy. There is a short trail which goes down to the Missouri River. There was a pit latrine in the tent area and two shower houses in the RV sections. Tent fee $10 per night

Nice but pricey

South Dakota charges a day use fee ($6) plus a fee for tent camping ($17); I opted to pay for an Annual Pass of $30 since I plan on doing more SD camping this year. The park had East and West areas, the tent sites (4) are only in the West side. As typical, the more scenic lakeside camping is for RV's, with flushing toilets and showers, but the trade off for privacy and seclusion at the tent site was worth it. Picnic tables have built in sun covers which were really great and with winds I didn't experience any bugs or mosquitoes. There is no tree cover so I enjoyed the night sky. The staff is friendly and helpful. There was only one trail, Otto Stream (no stream, no otters), which is about 1.5m trail thru restored prairie.