The best river, stream, or creek campgrounds near Brookings, South Dakota

Looking to camp near Brookings, South Dakota and indulge in some river activities? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 48 options available in the area, you'll have plenty of choices to find the perfect riverside campsite. Whether you're into fishing, kayaking, or just enjoying the serene beauty of the water, there's a campsite for you. Check out top-rated campsites like Solace Farm (321 reviews), Mn River Valley Sanctuary (37 reviews), or The Auntie's Grove at Moonstone (28 reviews) to see why they're so highly regarded. And with popular amenities like pet-friendly sites, toilets, and potable water, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable riverside camping experience!

93% (86)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking to camp near Brookings, South Dakota and indulge in some river activities? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 48 options available in the area, you'll have plenty of choices to find the perfect riverside campsite. Whether you're into fishing, kayaking, or just enjoying the serene beauty of the water, there's a campsite for you. Check out top-rated campsites like Solace Farm (321 reviews), Mn River Valley Sanctuary (37 reviews), or The Auntie's Grove at Moonstone (28 reviews) to see why they're so highly regarded. And with popular amenities like pet-friendly sites, toilets, and potable water, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable riverside camping experience!

93% (86)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Requine and Relax, LLC

96%

(57)

36mi from Brookings · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · Winfred, SD

Located in the vermillion hills of South Dakota. This property has plenty of wildlife and places to let your hair down and run. We were a former feedlot that is currently under renovations to becoming an equine center. Currently has horses, chickens, and baby calves. Come experience a bit of farm life without all the work!Learn more about this land:We are in the process starting an equine center so what you see may depend on our progress. Currently we have horses, chickens, and 2 bottle calves. :) The arena and round pen are up and ready for use if you are interested! We are willing to try to accommodate your needs. Please don't hesitate to ask.

2. The Retreat at Pointer’s Ridge

100%

(42)

40mi from Brookings · 1 site · Tent · Baltic, SD

The Retreat at Pointer’s Ridge is located on 21 acres along the Big Sioux River, a place of quiet and natural beauty intended to foster social interaction and creative pursuits between artists and community in SE South Dakota, 10 miles north of Sioux Falls. Property updates at The Retreat happen constantly; we get better and better! The 100′ x 40′ main hall is perfect for larger workshops, concerts, poetry readings, small theatrical productions, classes, and other social gatherings and rentals in April through November. The A-Frame is a unique space for recitals, presentations, meetings, or a sleeping space for up to 6 people. There is a Woodworking Shop; Artist Studio; screened-in outdoor patio; playground; huge bonfire pit; and room to camp or explore. The Retreat is a space to work in quiet solitude or to collaborate on creative projects with others. The setting is inspiring; possibilities for your stay are endless. Learn more about this land: This site is a sandy spot along the Big Sioux River on a ridge well above the water line. View out over the river to a farm on the opposite bank. Spend your time with wild turkeys, geese, and an occasional deer. Site is on the far edge of an artist retreat, but still private. Spend time hiking the river bank or gravel country roads, fish in the river, take part in any Retreat activities if available, photography opportunities, enjoy an evening campfire under the stars.

3. Pleasant Valley

34mi from Brookings · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Gary, SD

Pleasant Valley is located Eastern Dakotas and is a beautiful oak savannah nestled in a valley with Cobb Creek running through the property. Guests have commented on it being one of the most scenic places in this prairie region. Nature trails abound along with wildlife and many different types of plants and birds. Tent site and RV site with electrical, water and sewer. Also have cabins just a few few from the babbling creek. Full bathroom with shower located on site.

4. Lake Poinsett Recreation Area

100%

(1)

114 sites · Lake Poinsett, South Dakota

Discover Lake Poinsett's serene waters and outdoor fun.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

5. Lake Cochrane Recreation Area

31 sites · Gary, South Dakota

Discover Lake Cochrane's serene waters and vibrant outdoor activities.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

6. Tippy Toe Acres

83%

(3)

30mi from Brookings · 4 sites · RVs · Trent, SD

We purchased the property for use as a honey bee ranch. We no long keep bees, but we still love to go out to the country, and garden, and just enjoy the peace and quiet. Learn more about this land: Please, don't make a reservation, and then invite a bunch of people to join you. Your guests aren't my guests, but can be. Just a field near the Big Sioux River. Amenities will be added, as demand warrants. Lots of peace and quiet. Still close to Dell Rapids SD, for gas, bait, groceries, etc. We believe in equality for all, Top Freedom Friendly!

7. Split Rock Creek State Park

100%

(4)

35 sites · Ihlen, Minnesota

Discover Split Rock Creek State Park's natural splendor.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

8. Camden State Park

100%

(7)

93 sites · Russell, Minnesota

Discover Camden State Park's natural beauty and outdoor activities.

9. Blue Mounds State Park

100%

(7)

88 sites · Luverne, Minnesota

Discover quartzite cliffs, bison herds, and wildflower-blanketed prairies.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Brookings

100%

(1)

Lake Poinsett Campground

22mi from Brookings · 114 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Poinsett Recreation Area

Lake Cochrane Campground

32mi from Brookings · 31 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Cochrane Recreation Area

100%

(4)

Split Rock Creek State Park Campground

35mi from Brookings · 35 sites · Tents, RVs · in Split Rock Creek State Park

Camden Equestrian Campground

43mi from Brookings · 12 sites · in Camden State Park

100%

(1)

Camden Lower Campground

43mi from Brookings · 46 sites · Tents, RVs · in Camden State Park

One of my favorite parts of car camping is leaving the dehydrated food at home and grabbing the cast iron out of trunk . After no luck catching trout , we indulged in steak while camping in Camden .

100%

(6)

Camden Upper Campground

43mi from Brookings · 35 sites · Tents, RVs · in Camden State Park

100%

(7)

Blue Mounds Campground

50mi from Brookings · 88 sites · Tents, RVs · in Blue Mounds State Park

Stories from the community

Ryan

September 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Requine and Relax, LLC

Cool space. Kids loved it and such a pretty setting.

G

Georgi

September 2025

Tent

1 night at The Retreat at Pointer’s Ridge

Highly recommend this retreat! Deb was a kind, generous host who accommodated our late arrival and immediately made us feel welcome. The property is secluded and feels very safe and peaceful. I would definitely stay here again!

G

Grace

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Requine and Relax, LLC

Gorgeous secluded property, insane stars, adorable animals, swings and a zip line, what more could you want? I never spoke with the owners but had a fabulous stay here!

Eric

July 2025

19 ft Class B

With pets

1 night at Requine and Relax, LLC

Adult owners were not on site when we arrived but we were greeted by two extremely polite and enthusiastic young brothers and two very friendly dogs who helped us get parked and gave us a tour of the bathroom and laundry. The location is remote and about 30 minutes from interstate 90. With a mix of dirt and paved country roads. This is a working farm with all that entails. The friendly farm dogs were very interested in their guest so were always present. Which did cause our dog (who has some social issues) some anxiety. Cell service is spotty, and we were extremely thankful when the brothers told us of approaching storm. The bathroom was very nice and appreciate on a very hot day.

Tristan

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Retreat at Pointer’s Ridge

Deb has a wonderful piece of property and is an incredible host! So peaceful and by the river. We were tent camping and bad weather rolled in so she offered that we could take shelter in the retreat’s big hall if needed. We decided to leave very early in the morning to avoid it instead, and only had one night. We are looking forward to being able to stay again some time and get to relax and enjoy the property a bit more and appreciate Deb’s hospitality!

E

Emmy

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Requine and Relax, LLC

I had a wonderful time camping out here for the night. the area their property is located in is so peaceful, and they have the sweetest dogs as well as some other lovely animals. Also a full bathroom which is great. I would absolutely recommend!!

C

Candace

June 2025

24 ft pop-up camper

With kids

1 night at Requine and Relax, LLC

Fantastic hosts, super friendly dogs, and a lovely place. So happy with our stay!

T

Tawnya

June 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Retreat at Pointer’s Ridge

Great stay, great facilities, would love to go back.

Terry (Shawn)

June 2025

16 ft car

With pets

Weekend Trip to Requine and Relax, LLC

Wonderful place, lots of fun things to see. The farm dogs were great. Fire pit was wonderful . Very peaceful property. Thank you so much..

J

John

May 2025

Tent

1 night at The Retreat at Pointer’s Ridge

A great experience. The river view is wonderful. Deb is a gracious host. If I’m that way again I will definitely stay again.

J

Julian

April 2025

32 ft Class A

1 night at Requine and Relax, LLC

My wife and I loved staying at Sarah and her farm. We stayed one night and it was perfect for our 32 foot school bus! Sarah greeted us upon anrrival and showed us where to access the shower and washer and dryer. The bathroom was newly renovated and extremely clean with incredible water pressure and temperature in the shower. We brought our two dogs and walked them on the property with our leashes. We bought a dozen of eggs from Sarah and they were scrumptious. Will definitely stay again!

A

Austin

October 2024

16 ft car

1 night at Requine and Relax, LLC

Such a friendly family and wonderful pups. Mine got along with the pack and they played all afternoon. Wonderful hot shower and LAUNDRY!!