Site 25 - Easton Castle/O-TE-LA Camp
The on site manager, Tom, obviously treats this park as a labor of love. His dedication is hard to miss. The extra efforts, including trimming trees on our arrival to give us extra clearance for our slides and awnings, loaning us some grilling tools that I had forgot, and taking time to check in with us through out or stay (without being a nuisance) were greatly appreciated.
The one owner that my wife had the opportunity to meet left an opposite impression. After spending a week trying to come up with a polite way to express my feelings on this subject, I will just avoid the topic completely.
Would consider staying again, if only to check with Tom and see all of his progress and new endeavors.
Best of luck in the future my friend, hopefully we meet again.
Pamela H.recommendsAugust 10, 2023
Site 11 - Easton Castle/O-TE-LA Camp
So, I loved the camping spot. I give the grounds and trails a rave review. It was rather magical with butterflies. Dancing in the sunlight through the cool trees. The staff is super nice. Tom let me pick my site, got it all ready and set up the fire pit for me, gave me a tour and was awesome! I wimped out on staying the night due to wood ticks and no where to shower. The outhouse really needs an update. Its very old and not so pretty. . I would love to stay here again if there was a restroom or I had a small camper. Stay here for a unique experience, just bring a toilet and shower or go without. haha. I am giving an honest review so you know what to expect. Awesome with lack of modern conveniences. Still a 5 star to me
Kevin D.recommendsAugust 29, 2022
Easton Castle/O-TE-LA Camp
My travels through South Dakota, led me to believe that South Dakotans weren’t very friendly compared to their neighbors. But the folks here at The castle changed it all. Margaret and Tom made my unexpected stay a pure joy.
David F.recommendsJune 10, 2022
Easton Castle/O-TE-LA Camp
Aaaaa how lovely!!! Truely magical, with the expansive grounds so intentionally managed. Tom is an excellent guide and teacher about the herbs, grasses, and trees that fill the land. On the map it looks so close to town, and feels that way as you drive up, but once you're on the property at least half of the campsites feel far far away from the feeling of Averdeen. The trainyard makes unreal music throughout the night, if you're a light sleeper this spot will be difficult for you, I don't sleep soundly anyway when I camp so the trainsounds didn't keep me up any more than the other slight discomforts of camping like cold nights and hard ground.
Max D.recommendsJuly 13, 2021
Easton Castle/O-TE-LA Camp
Hidden gem
The hosts were very friendly and welcoming, and the site itself is strange and magical miniature forest with plenty of large camp sites hidden away among its meandering paths. The trains are quite loud at night but it also adds to the ambiance of the place since you are essentially camping in the middle of the town.
Buddy S.recommendsJune 12, 2021
Easton Castle/O-TE-LA Camp
Quirky little place
Margaret greeted us at the house and brought us to a huge field where we picked out our spot. It was beautiful with a hammock and lots of space. Tom, the caretaker has made wonderful trails through the woods, with interesting sculptures, lights and little fairy houses.
Margaret was so kind as to drive out in the middle of the night to tell us about a storm arriving and invited us to stay in the house.
Only issue is there is a train yard next door, and it can be pretty noisy, but didn’t really notice it overnight. All in all, a wonderful place and a great price.