- Burke Lake Recreation Area
The best camping in Burke Lake Recreation Area, SD
75% (2)
Discover Burke Lake's serene beauty and outdoor fun.
The best camping in Burke Lake Recreation Area, SD
75% (2)
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Burke Lake Recreation Area adventure.
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N
Nicole
October 2025
25 ft Class C
Very nice ranch. Dog and cat visited our camper. Showers were a little dirty though.
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Jean-Claude
October 2025
Tent
Very peaceful. Friendly neighbors. Great little camp store. The old school house was cool to check out. Very convenient to the interstate without hearing it.
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Leah
September 2025
Tent
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!
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T
Thomas
September 2025
Tent
Beautiful and charming camp site close enough to the freeway to be convenient but far enough to be quiet. I had a wonderful time and would definitely book again.
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A
Alex
September 2025
Tent
Lot was super spacious. No specific designation on where to camp so you can pick whatever spot works best for you within the lot. 2 bathrooms and showers which are brand new and super clean. Would definitely recommend this spot. Crystal was also super responsive.
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I
Ian
August 2025
20 ft travel trailer
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.
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Linda
August 2025
23 ft campervan
Crystal and her gang of helpers, including Bob the Cat, made us feel very welcome. She also has very nice cabins available for rent. The toilet and shower facilities are clean, spacious, and private. I definitely recommend!
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Jill
August 2025
22 ft Class B
With pets
Great stop at over on the way to the Black Hills. Shower room super clean. Ranch is super quiet, away from the highway. Perfect place to stop especially if traveling with horses.
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Ciara
August 2025
16 ft car
With pets
Crystal is very nice. The camp dog, Fred, is a total sweetie. The shower facilities are brand new and very nice. Everything was great.
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Konnor
August 2025
Tent
I needed a place to stay for one night and this did not disappoint. Lots of area for my tent, easy access for my motorcycle, and such a cute cat. Will stay here again if I’m in the area!
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Jessica
August 2025
40 ft travel trailer
With kids
This land was ssoooo cute. There's an old school schoolhouse to explore, its off the beaten path and pretty private, there's a shower house so although there's no water hookup it has everything you need. Perfect pitstop on our way across the states. The farm dog and cat were big hits with my 5yo as well.
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K
Kristen
August 2025
25 ft Class C
With kids
Great for our one night stop across South Dakota. The shower house was adorable! A great addition and much appreciated (bring some change for water/toiletries donation). Host will send you specific directions with details in case your GPS acts up, but we had no issues (coming from the west/Black Hills area). Spots are not specifically assigned so if you are picky about which plot of dirt you want to be on, get there on time I guess. Thanks Crystal and Fred for the hospitality!
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Clarissa
July 2025
36 ft Class A
With kids
Crystal was extremely accommodating! I had several issues that day and got there late. She even met me at the end of the road to make sure I could find where to go easily. The camp store is super cute with lots of great finds. I loved reading the little signs hanging around about her animals. And my pup absolutely loved playing with her pup.
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Scottie
July 2025
Tent
Allen was a nice fella who was very helpful. Got my hammock set up and bought some Bison Burger!
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Charlotte
July 2025
22 ft campervan
As all the other reviewers said, there is something special about this place. Well, not just something, but Crystal. She is so incredibly friendly but with grace and space. She stopped and said hello while we were taking a walk and we had the loveliest conversation. The whole place has her written (literally) all over it. She leaves little notes to tell you about the pets, the buildings, the grounds and they are so endearing and clever. The crazy thing is, that she fosters some sort of community even when she isn't around. We found ourselves socializing with the other guests. Nothing big, just sharing where we had all gone, where we were all going and where we are originally from. It was fun. She has a couple friendly pets, a wonderful bathhouse with showers and flush toilets and interesting buildings to explore. I highly recommend this location. Crystal, you are a star, thanks for all you do to make us feel at home.
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Juliet
July 2025
16 ft car
A sweet and simple space to stay for the night. I arrived early evening and laid out a blanket to enjoy the sunset before cozying up. Bathrooms were clean and showers hot. I appreciated the furry friends present, especially the extra friendly kitty ! It was the perfect spot for me in my way to the badlands.
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Annie
July 2025
16 ft pop-up camper
With pets
What a delight! During a long road trip with two teenaged kids and a dog, we had an easy quick stay here and it was just perfect - and unexpectedly fun :)
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AUDRAH
July 2025
Tent
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. 🙂
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Hanna
July 2025
19 ft campervan
With pets
Wonderful! Sites are set directly next to a horse pasture with perfect sunsets just beyond. They have a brand new shower house that is clean and spacious. Hosts are super friendly and welcoming. Would definitely stay again.
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Daniel
July 2025
With kids
Was a fantastic place to stay! Great facilities. Secluded on gravel road.
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The best camping in Burke Lake Recreation Area, SD guide
Overview
About
Get a little break from the prairie and spice things up with a visit to Burke Lake Recreation Area. The star of this charming park is the 25-acre lake which is surrounded by trees, wildflowers, and prairie grass, making it a storybook setting for wildlife sightings and for that dreamy afternoon picnic. It is also a sweet place to bring the boat or canoe for some paddling or fishing action. The lake level averages only eight feet deep, so small boats are king here. Reel in some pike, bass, perch, bluegill, and bullheads, and then mosey over to the small campsite for a sleep under the stars in this oasis on the prairie.
When to go
The ideal time to visit Burke Lake Recreation Area is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its peak. Summer months bring warmth and a bustling park atmosphere, but also larger crowds. Winters can be brisk, so if you prefer a quieter, more reflective visit, this could be the time for you.
Know before you go
- Check the weather forecast before your visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
- Be aware of park hours, typically from 8:30am to 5pm, and plan your activities within this timeframe.
- Remember to pack essentials like water, sunscreen, and insect repellent for a comfortable outing.
- Stay informed about any trail closures or area restrictions that may be in effect during your visit.
- Accessibility options are available; contact the park's customer service for specific details to accommodate your needs.
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