Camping near Lake Madison with wildlife watching

Spend a weekend on the water from state park campgrounds near Lake Madison.

98% (1358 reviews)

United States
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South Dakota
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Lake Madison

98% (1358 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Lake Madison

Community favorites near Lake Madison

Public campgrounds near Lake Madison

100%

(4)

Palisades Campground

43 sites · RVs, Tents In Palisades State Park

100%

(4)

Split Rock Creek State Park Campground

35 sites · RVs, Tents In Split Rock Creek State Park

100%

(1)

Lake Herman Campground

72 sites · RVs, Tents In Lake Herman State Park

100%

(2)

Big Sioux Campground

52 sites · RVs, Tents In Big Sioux Recreation Area

100%

(7)

Blue Mounds Campground

88 sites · RVs, Tents In Blue Mounds State Park

100%

(1)

Lake Poinsett Campground

114 sites · RVs, Tents In Lake Poinsett Recreation Area

Oakwood Lakes Campground

148 sites · RVs, Tents In Oakwood Lakes State Park

Lake Vermillion Campground

101 sites · RVs, Tents In Lake Vermillion Recreation Area

Lake Thompson Campground

107 sites · RVs, Tents In Lake Thompson Recreation Area

Stories from the community

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

The grounds were green, well-maintained, and included trees, shrubery and water. Individual tent sites were well laid out and very pleasant. Amenities like water, bathrooms, and firewood were easily available and more than adequate. Brian is very friendly and helpful, interesting to talk with, and generous in providing welcome gifts of s'mores packs, firewood and fresh eggs. Other guests were friendly and quiet. My stay was exactly what I had hoped-for and I plan to stay again on my return from Seattle to St Louis.

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

Stayed again on our way back through because nothing can beat Uncle B’s! Thanks for the hospitality, again!

Weekend Trip to Uncle B's Produce Farm

Great stay great host. All around great. Brian was very welcoming gave us s’mores stuff and firewood for free upon arrival. Helped accommodate us to everything we asked for. Beautiful land.

Weekend Trip to Uncle B's Produce Farm

This was, by far, the coolest camping experience our family has had - and we've camped a lot. Uncle B goes put of his way to make you feel welcome and appreciated. All the little details of his property make it super special. Our kids didn't want to leave (and neither did we!). He is super hospitable and we would definitely come back. If you need a place to stay - stay here. It was fun, safe, enjoyable, and we were made to feel welcome - just the perfect amount of all of it.

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

This was our second visit to Uncle B's. Brian is an excellent host! We arrived late and Brian started a campfire for us while we set up the RV. He gave us a smores kit! Brian pours his heart into his Hipcamp and it shows! The shower house is clean and welcoming. There are two large seperate private bathrooms that have large shower stalls. He has added a mini Mt. Rushmore statue along the walking trail. We enjoy watching the peacocks, guinea, and chickens. The license plate swap is a fun extra. We missed seeing Lisa this year! If you are close by it is worth a detour to stay at Uncle B's!

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

This is a very beautiful spot to camp! The bathroom/showers were very clean and there is plenty of available cooking options with the outdoor kitchen/grilling area. My wife and I really enjoyed tent camping under the trees. We loved the chickens, roosters and turkeys too! Brian is very friendly and an awesome host. I highly recommend staying there. If you’re looking for something unique or different than the regular campground’s, then this is it!

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

Even though we only had a quick overnight on our way through, our family’s time at Uncle B’s was memorable! We arrived later than initially expected and Brian was understanding and flexible about the change of plans. He greeted us with a s’mores kit and hot wheels cars for the kids even though it was after dark. The RV sites are spacious and close to a bath house, outdoor kitchen, and walking path without feeling cramped. My 10 year old and 18 month old loved all of the animals- the free range fowl and friendly pups were a hit! Brian stopped by to chat in the morning and we enjoyed hearing about his camp and projects in process. We appreciated his generosity and accommodation- felt welcomed from the moment we pulled in. Highly recommend staying at Uncle B’s on your way out west!

Included are 2 cots, end table, lamp, 2 bag chairs, picnic table, fire pit, and use of the outdoor kitchen and modern bathrooms

April

1 week ago

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

Uncle B’s is the perfect place to camp. We ended up staying in the Hippie Bus. Highly recommend this site. Brian is super friendly and accommodating. The hippie vibe is on point and the dark sky at night is amazing. He did a great job showing us around the property and acclimating us to all the amenities. He gave us hippie swag, a s’mores kit, and firewood. As if that weren’t enough, he even started our fire for us. If you have stumbled on this place, do not bother looking at anything else. This is where you need to stay. Thank you so much for a wonderful stay on our cross country adventure.

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

Wonderful place to stay. You can really tell Brian loves meeting travers and wants to give them something memorable. It was a great time and our stay was terrific!

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

Uncle B’s campground is the beset Hipcamp I’ve stayed at. Host Brian was awesome and friendly. We enjoyed all of his animals and especially his chicken eggs. Definitely worth the trip if you’re in the SE of South Dakota. 5-Stars!

Weekend Trip to Uncle B's Produce Farm

it’s remote, farm land, campground is funky and quirky and cool, host is super cool - loves music (my taste in music too) - after 30 minutes outside Sioux Falls without seeing a store I thought “you know, I shoulda grabbed dinner first.” Went 7 miles into nowhere and found a down home country town (Monroe) pop 160 where there was live music, 161 people drinking and dancing, and a food truck for dinner. B’s school bus is super cool and the whole adventure was a welcome deep dive into rural SD. Would def go back just to go back.

3 nights at Uncle B's Produce Farm

This was my first time solo camping trip out of state (I live in MN) and Uncle B's was absolutely wonderful! Not only was the five hour drive worth it - I did not take any major highways so I could admire the scenery- but I was nearly overwhelmed by the beauty of my campsite amongst the trees! I was able to pull my car up onto the grass at the edge of the site and had a beautiful view overlooking acres of corn, a small and lovely pond with ducks just a few steps away, and a gorgeous stand of cedar trees that shaded the tent or dappled it with sun, depending on the time of day. Brian greeted upon my arrival and was such a gracious host. I hopped aboard his cart and he drove me around the property, showing me the inside of the Hippy Bus (wasn't occupied until the following night) his garden area, and a large grass area where a train used to travel through. Throughout my three night visit, he was extremely attentive, answering any questions I had and gave prompt attention to anything I needed. We had strong storms two of the three nights, and he accommodated me when the zipper of the tent blew apart in the severe weather the first stormy night by putting me up in a camper for safety on the second stormy night. The tent sites in the woods are so beautiful, and although the severe weather was a bit anxiety provoking, I also felt somewhat protected being in the woods with those beautiful trees (that were thankfully shorter than the humongous cottonwoods scattered around the area0

Weekend Trip to Uncle B's Produce Farm

We had a lovely, peaceful stay at this charming campground. The setting was quiet and relaxing, perfect stop on our road trip. Host Brian was incredibly friendly and welcoming—especially with my young son, taking extra time to chat and make him feel included, which meant a lot to us. We also loved the farm-fresh eggs—such a treat! Would absolutely stay here again.

Weekend Trip to Uncle B's Produce Farm

We stayed there twice this June. Very kind and communicative host. Hot showers, toilets and electrical and water hook ups were a plus. Loved his gift of s’mores each time we arrived. Got to see a peacock! A great small, pretty campground to stay in when traveling in SD. We stayed in a RV site but the tent sites were awesome, too. Enjoyed walking around his property.

Weekend Trip to Uncle B's Produce Farm

The site, property and conversations were great. If tenting, there are some great sites in and around trees. Lots of birds.

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

We had a great time camping at Uncle B’s farm! Brian was very welcoming and accommodating to our needs. We’ll be back again!

Weekend Trip to Uncle B's Produce Farm

Wow. I couldn’t have asked for a better stay. The farm is clearly a labor of love with no shortage on hidden surprises. Brian is incredible and I couldn’t recommend it enough!

Weekend Trip to Uncle B's Produce Farm

Brian was a great host and offers a wonderful stay! We will happily book again anytime we are in the area!

Weekend Trip to River Road Campground Luverne

Stayed for one night on our way back home from a 5 week trip. Just a couple miles off I90. Quiet campground.

Weekend Trip to River Road Campground Luverne

The trees are beautiful and the bike trails are really nice. There is a pond across the street. We saw a crane and a deer in the water. Well maintained and level sites. We would definitely stay again.

3 top campgrounds near Lake Madison with wildlife watching

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(1133)

Uncle B's Produce Farm

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents11 acres · Monroe, SD

Awarded South Dakota's best Hip Camp 3 times. Uncle B's farm is a small 11 acre hobby farm with a large vegetable garden, chickens, peafowl, guinea fowl, turkeys, dogs, and cats. There is an old quarried stone railroad bridge and a few short walking trails around the pond. The pond is at the back of the property where I have 6 dry camp sites listed as Uncle B's farm for tents or self contained RV's. All sites have partial to full shade and most have mature trees that will work for a hammock or tensile tent. All of the campsites have a firepit, some with cooking grates and all sites have a picnic table. The "shower shack" is shared by all guests and has 2 separate 3/4 baths with all modern plumbing. There is also a basic outdoor kitchen with a few portable grills as well as a sink with modern plumbing. Available at Uncle B's RV Camper site I have 3 RV sites with water and 30 Amp electrical hookups. My "Ready Set Camp" listing is a dome tent set up and furnished with 2 cots, table, and lamp as well as a match ready fire. The Barn loft apartment is a studio apartment with a small galley kitchen and private bath. The Hippie Bus is new for the 2025 season and offers a trip back in time. Uncle B's farm has been voted Best Hip Camp to see in South Dakota for the 3rd time.... Come see why...

91%

(450)

River Road Campground Luverne

19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents13 acres · Luverne, MN

This is a newer campground to Rock County near Luverne, MN. This property is known as the "boy scouts" by the locals. When we were kids we spent time on this property riding bike, horses, and exploring. We have turned this 13 acre property into 22 site campground that we are excited to share with you. Check out Sweet Retreat a house for rent. Call 605-254-5450 for details. (also available on Airbnb/VRBO) (Sweet Retreat, 5 bedrooms, 2 bath) Nestled in a bed of trees just 2 miles from I-90 and 1/4 mile South of the Luverne City Park. This campground has 12 sites with rural water and 20,30&50 amp electric at every site. Dump Station. 8 Full Hook Up Sites (Sewer, Water, Electric) Two small ponds and shade trees. Wifi. Shower House/Bathrooms. Campers can enjoy the quiet place to relax and enjoy nature and wildlife, a perfect place for bird watching. We also have a paved bike trial that connects to the campground that leads to miles of trials around Luverne and out to the State park.

96%

(51)

Requine and Relax, LLC

10 sites · RVs, Tents2000 acres · 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.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

The state park hosts a nice trail system. This is one of the trails that goes over a historical bridge.

100%

(4)

Palisades State Park

Garretson, South Dakota

100%

(4)

Split Rock Creek State Park

Ihlen, Minnesota

100%

(1)

Lake Herman State Park

Madison, South Dakota

100%

(2)

Big Sioux Recreation Area

Brandon, South Dakota

100%

(7)

Blue Mounds State Park

Luverne, Minnesota

100%

(1)

Lake Poinsett Recreation Area

Lake Poinsett, South Dakota

Oakwood Lakes State Park

Bruce, South Dakota

Lake Vermillion Recreation Area

Canistota, South Dakota

Lake Thompson Recreation Area

Lake Preston, South Dakota

Other options near Lake Madison

Tower Campground

51 sites1 acre · Soux Falls, SD

Tower Campground stands out as the only year-round urban campground in Sioux Falls, making it a unique destination for travelers seeking convenience and accessibility to local attractions. Situated just minutes away from the city's major points of interest, our campground offers an ideal base for exploring the vibrant surroundings. With over 120 available sites, we cater to a variety of camping preferences, from cozy tent spots to accommodations for larger RVs. Our rates are flexible, offering daily, weekly, and monthly options to suit your stay. Each site is equipped with essential amenities, including water, electricity, cable TV, and complimentary Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests. In addition to our well-maintained sites, Tower Campground features convenient on-site facilities such as showers and laundry services. We are also pet-friendly, welcoming your furry companions to join in on the adventure. Whether you're looking to relax or explore the great outdoors, Tower Campground is the perfect choice for your Sioux Falls getaway.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Lake Madison with wildlife watching guide

Overview

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to resource for camping in the United States! If you're a fan of wildlife watching and looking to camp near Lake Madison, South Dakota, we've got you covered with over 100 options specifically tailored to your preferences. From private farms to lakeside retreats, you'll find a variety of campsites to choose from. Check out some highly recommended options like Uncle B's Produce Farm (451 reviews), Solace Farm (321 reviews), and Camping on private lake (83 reviews). With amenities like potable water, campfires, and trash facilities, plus popular activities such as climbing, off-roading, and whitewater paddling, your camping experience near Lake Madison is sure to be unforgettable. Prices start as low as $10 per night, with an average price of $30 per night. Book now and get ready for an amazing wildlife-watching adventure!