The best campgrounds near Chamberlain, South Dakota with wildlife watching

Looking for a camping experience near Chamberlain, South Dakota that's perfect for wildlife watching? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 64 options specifically tailored to wildlife watching in the area, you're sure to find the perfect spot to immerse yourself in nature. And with an average price per night of $45 and options as low as $20, there's something for every budget. Check out the top campsites in the area, including Golden Prairie Bison (19 reviews), Harris Hideout (15 reviews), and Serenity Fields (16 reviews). Enjoy popular amenities like trash disposal, toilets, and potable water, and take advantage of nearby activities such as snow sports, historic sites, and paddling. Start planning your wildlife adventure today!

94% (83)

Top-rated campgrounds near Chamberlain

Looking for a camping experience near Chamberlain, South Dakota that's perfect for wildlife watching? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 64 options specifically tailored to wildlife watching in the area, you're sure to find the perfect spot to immerse yourself in nature. And with an average price per night of $45 and options as low as $20, there's something for every budget. Check out the top campsites in the area, including Golden Prairie Bison (19 reviews), Harris Hideout (15 reviews), and Serenity Fields (16 reviews). Enjoy popular amenities like trash disposal, toilets, and potable water, and take advantage of nearby activities such as snow sports, historic sites, and paddling. Start planning your wildlife adventure today!

94% (83)

Top-rated campgrounds near Chamberlain

1. Serenity Fields

87%

(52)

12mi from Chamberlain · 20 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Originally settled by immigrants homesteading westward, Dakota Prairie Lodge now conducts hunting and fishing adventures and dabbles in agriculture.  Far from population centers, the peacefulness of this rural retreat is a delight.

2. Steinke Ranch Buffalo

94%

(36)

46mi from Chamberlain · 7 sites · Tents, RVs

Learn more about this land: Welcome Steinke Ranch! We offer rolling hills covered with beautiful trees. We have 8 different sites available alongside 3 fishing lakes within 10 miles. Find a shooting range near by and a plenty of deer, turkey, buffalo, and pheasant, only 2 1/2 miles off of highway! Come here and enjoy ultimate peace and quiet!.........have a Camp Fire...Play Horseshoes....Cowboy putting green.....Skeet shooting....Buffalo meat ...Buffalo snacks....Wisconsin Cheese......100% Pure Maple Syrup from Vermont.....Buffalo toys......Decals.....

3. Harris Hideout

98%

(26)

2.1mi from Chamberlain · 1 site · RV

Learn more about this land: Campers will park on a secondary garage concrete pad on our property. It is secluded and walking distance to the Missouri River, where you can take in nature anyway you would like! Fish, swim, paddleboard, kayak, it’s all here! We have 50 and 30 amp, along with 110 available. In addition, we have house accommodations of our walkout basement which includes a full sized bed and queen bed, full bathroom, full kitchen - all furnished, washer and dryer. This option is not always available and is of an extra charge. Contact Neoma or Gary for details.

4. Lake Sharpe

42 sites · Fort Thompson, South Dakota

Lake Sharpe is lookin sharp indeed! It will be a mighty fine place for your next outdoor extravaganza with 19 different recreation areas to choose from. Whether you want to glamp it up with all your toys or get primitive and dirty, you can do it here! Anglers and hunters come here for the ample fishing and seasonal hunting. Boaters and water lovers enjoy the lake and swimming action. Nature lovers will be happy to spot some of the tribal bison herds wandering nearby, or the birds and animals pass through. Laid-back picnics or action packed afternoons can be yours. Choose your own adventure!

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

5. Buryanek Recreation Area

50 sites · Bijou Hills, South Dakota

Discover Buryanek Recreation Area's natural splendor and outdoor fun.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

6. West Bend Recreation Area

131 sites · Lower Brule, South Dakota

Discover West Bend Recreation Area's natural splendor.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

7. Burke Lake Recreation Area

15 sites · Burke, South Dakota

Discover Burke Lake's serene beauty and outdoor fun.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Public campgrounds near Chamberlain

Left Tailrace Campground

18mi from Chamberlain · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Sharpe

Right Tailrace Campground

19mi from Chamberlain · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Sharpe

Old Fort Thompson Campground

20mi from Chamberlain · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Sharpe

Buryanek Campground

27mi from Chamberlain · 50 sites · Tents, RVs · in Buryanek Recreation Area

West Bend Campground

33mi from Chamberlain · 131 sites · Tents, RVs · in West Bend Recreation Area

Burke Lake Campground

42mi from Chamberlain · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · in Burke Lake Recreation Area

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Leah

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Serenity Fields

This is a great place to get away, especially for a road trip. Having access to a bathroom and shower makes such a difference, and the facilities were so clean and so much was provided! We had a wide open space to camp, and went to explore the front area of the lodge in the morning before taking off. The lodge has a lot of information available to guest about the lodge and activities in the area. I would absolutely camp here again, and would look into the lodge rooms as well. Thank you Toni!

Areal view of Top of the Hill RV site with buffalo

I

Ian

August 2025

20 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Steinke Ranch Buffalo

Great and easily accessible RV site with good uncluttered views. Alan’s substantial Buffalo (Bison) herd is able to be viewed close up and his available Buffalo steaks and sausages are quite tasty. The weather when we were there was damp and raining but we can only imagine how much better it would be in clear conditions.

Scottie

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Steinke Ranch Buffalo

Allen was a nice fella who was very helpful. Got my hammock set up and bought some Bison Burger!

AUDRAH

July 2025

Tent

1 night at Steinke Ranch Buffalo

This was in a beautiful field with a great view! Alan is an awesome host. For anyone concerned, the Buffalo are in a separate fenced off area. 🙂

Daniel

July 2025

With kids

1 night at Serenity Fields

Was a fantastic place to stay! Great facilities. Secluded on gravel road.

S

Stephanie

June 2025

Tent

1 night at Serenity Fields

Beautiful field/farm spot. Surprised to be offered a full indoor running bathroom. Cute spots. Lots of dogs around. Beautiful sunset.

j

jennifer

June 2025

1 night at Serenity Fields

We love this place! Toni is the best! Everything about this place is clean and well loved. Each room has 4 beds and a private bathroom. There is a large deck where you can sit and chat and there is a large firepit for the evenings. We are always excited to stay here when passing through SD. Highly recommend!!

H

Harley

June 2025

Tent

1 night at Steinke Ranch Buffalo

We had a great time tent camping here! The site we were at had very soft soil so our stakes did not hold well, but as long as it is not a windy night there shouldn’t be any issues. He was very kind as well.

W

William

March 2025

19 ft Class B

With pets

1 night at Serenity Fields

Incredible sunrise, snow geese galore, Labrador’s heaven….Great, welcoming hosts

g

gretchen

February 2025

30 ft Class A

1 night at Steinke Ranch Buffalo

Buffalo are really neat to see up close! Pheasant and quail like birds and deer around, too! What a view! Buffalo meat, fire and quiet sleeping. Thank you Alan!