- Waterside Camping
The best waterside camping in South Dakota
Top-rated campgrounds in South Dakota
1. Black Hills National Forest
2. Angostura Recreation Area
3. Lake Louise Recreation Area
4. Lake Poinsett Recreation Area
5. North Wheeler Recreation Area
6. Snake Creek Recreation Area
7. North Point Recreation Area
8. Lewis and Clark Recreation Area
9. Bear Butte State Park
10. Farm Island Recreation Area
Top-rated campgrounds in South Dakota
1. Black Hills National Forest
2. Angostura Recreation Area
3. Lake Louise Recreation Area
4. Lake Poinsett Recreation Area
5. North Wheeler Recreation Area
6. Snake Creek Recreation Area
7. North Point Recreation Area
8. Lewis and Clark Recreation Area
9. Bear Butte State Park
10. Farm Island Recreation Area
The best waterside camping in South Dakota guide
Where to go
Badlands and the Black Hills
Swathes of forested mountains blanket the southwestern corner of South Dakota, where a road trip to Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial is likely top of your to-do list. Just west of the four presidents, the Black Hills National Forest has 450 miles of hiking, biking, OHV, and horseback riding trails, plus 30 campgrounds, some with full hookups. To the east, hike beneath layer-cake cliffs and towering canyons in Badlands National Park, then camp out beneath the stars—backcountry camping is permitted throughout the park.
Great Lakes
The Missouri River flows through the heart of South Dakota, where you'll find the four man-made "great lakes"—Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, Lake Francis Case, and Lewis and Clark Lake. Campgrounds and RV parks pepper the shores, and all four lakes are popular spots for walleye and smallmouth bass fishing. Bring your own boat, paddle the lakes on a kayak, or rent a jet ski.
Glacial Lakes
The sweeping prairies and glacial lakes of northeastern South Dakota are little-explored, but you’re never far from a lakeside campground. With its chain of eight glacial lakes, Oakwood Lakes State Park affords plenty of opportunities for swimming, paddling, and ice fishing, depending on the time of year. Further south, Lake Poinsett has a sandy beach, two camping areas, and lakefront cabins.
Southeast South Dakota
The state's southeast corner is a patchwork of lakes, rivers, and vineyards, interspersed with country towns. Set up camp at Lake Vermillion and hit the water to swim, canoe, or paddleboard; enjoy hiking or rock climbing around the unique pink quartzite cliffs of Palisades State Park; or go wine tasting in South Dakota wine country. A photo stop at Sioux Falls is a must for visitors to the namesake city, but for camping, head to the nearby Big Sioux Recreation Area, a scenic stopover along the Jay Heath Canoe & Kayak Trail.