Camping in Lake Vermillion Recreation Area

Discover Lake Vermillion's serene waters and vibrant wildlife.

Top camping in Lake Vermillion Recreation Area

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.

1. Lake Vermillion Campground

101 sites · RVs, Tents · In Lake Vermillion Recreation Area

Lake Vermillion Campground sits right on the lake, known for its clear water and lots of fish

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Lake Vermillion Recreation Area adventure.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Lake Vermillion Recreation Area

Snag reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

Get notified the instant a site becomes available, for free.

Find all the best options

Access 12k+ public and private campgrounds—from public parks to blueberry farms.

Book with confidence

Reserve community-vetted spots reviewed by 62k+ happy campers.

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

The campground is whimsical. Bath/shower clean and roomy. Kitchen area great for grilling and doing dishes. Animals and garden add to the charm of Uncle B’s!

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.

Jacob

4 days ago

Weekend Trip to Uncle B's Produce Farm

Uncle B's surpassed our expectations. The bus had so many fun and thoughtful touches, as did the entire property--Brian even supplied some fireworks for entertainment! The peacocks, turkeys, and farm dogs were great company. A comfortable, welcoming stay. We'll be sending our friends to Uncle B's

1 night at Downhome Country Farm

We loved staying the night here! It was an unexpected find but it was the most magical stay! The campground was clean, fun, and lively. The farm animals were so cute and a nice touch to the land. Carole and her husband were so kind showing us around their property and made us feel right at home. The bathroom was very clean and the cowboy shower was so fun to use! 100% would recommend and 100% will be back!! Thank you Carole!

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 The Specialty Crop

Everything was nice and clean. The shower house was awesome and Katie and her daughter were so nice and helpful. I enjoyed visiting with Katie about her chickens and was able to buy a dozen fresh farm eggs. The view was nice and there was plenty of space to walk our dogs around.

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.

Diane

1 week ago

1 night at Uncle B's Produce Farm

I stayed in the barn loft at Brian’s place and I thought it was charming…comfy bed, warm shower and fresh eggs for breakfast! Just what I needed. The only thing I would have changed was not being able to open the windows to let the breeze blow through. Brian was a wonderful, kind host and was very accommodating.

Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Vermillion Recreation Area

100%

(1129)

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%

(446)

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.

100%

(43)

The Specialty Crop

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Hudson, SD

The Specialty Crop sits on 5 rural acres in the southeastern corner of South Dakota. We are a farmstead committed to sowing a meaningful life for special people, of all abilities. We cultivate community through farm experiences and special food. Our small-scale, working farm is surrounded by rolling hills and farm fields. Enjoy the farmstead strolling paths, gardens, and our friendly chickens, cats and dog. Experience the curated natural surroundings including bird watching, bugs and prairie habitat. Watch the sun rise from your camp site and stargaze our dark skies. Keep coming back to watch the evolution of our farm dreams as we build the mission of The Specialty Crop~ ask us more!

Booked 1 time

Country Cabin

1 site · Lodging4 acres · Tea, SD

Beautiful yet very peaceful property with over four acres of land near wild water west, blue haven and wall lake. Six bedroom country cabin home has lots of room for gatherings inside with two fireplaces, outside has a wrap around deck also with three stall horse barn located on the property. Perfect for a family getaway or construction workers! We have farm animals on the property for your family to enjoy such as horses, goats, ducks and chickens. The space We have six rooms with two bathrooms. it can sleep up to fifteen people. we also have farm animals for your family to enjoy such as horses, goats ducks & chickens. Guest access Guests are welcome to explore and have a great time! Please be responsible around all the animals as they pay their own space as well and need their privacy! Please keep all gates closed, thank you! Other things to note Firewood is available free for our guests We have life size games available as well. Tetherball, Corn hole and life size Jenga along with Horse shoes & croquet

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.

98%

(24)

Edge Hill

4 sites · RVs1 acre · Luverne, MN

We are located on The Lake in the city Luverne with easy access to swimming, fishing and the Luverne Loop 8 mile walking and biking trail system. Full hookup with WiFi available. Access to kayaks, firewood and the man made Lake. Quiet area with quick access to all amenities inside the City of Luverne. An American Flag along with the US Marine Flag and an Eagle will guide your way to our site. We are the smaller 4 site grounds to the West of the Luverne Campground on the same Lake access road.

Camping in Lake Vermillion Recreation Area guide

Overview

About

Even though Lake Vermillion Recreation Area was named after the vivid red quartzite found along the banks, the waters found here are ultra-blue, pristine, and gorgeous. That may be why so many people flock here to swim, boat on, fish around, and just downright enjoy this 512 acre reservoir! This is a paradise right around the corner, located only 27 miles from Sioux Falls. A paradise where you can camp, hike, fish, hunt, boat, and watch for birds. Sounds nice right about now, huh? Don’t miss out on hiking the Otter Stream Trail, camping on one of the spacious sites, or bringing friends for a rustic-cabin-kinda weekend. You’ll be nearby to a smattering number of outdoor attractions all around the gorgeously green southeastern South Dakota. All there is to do now is pack your bags, grab some s’mores, and set the GPS!

When to go

The ideal time to visit Lake Vermillion Recreation Area is during the warm summer months, from June to August, when the park is in full bloom and the lake's waters invite for a refreshing dip. Conversely, the winter season can be quite harsh, with the park often blanketed in snow, limiting access to certain areas and activities.

Know before you go

Check the weather forecast before your visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience amid the park's changing conditions.
Be mindful of park wildlife; maintain a safe distance and do not feed the animals.
Accessibility varies across different areas of the park; some trails may not be suitable for all visitors.
Remember to pack out all your trash and leave no trace to preserve the park's natural beauty.
For any inquiries, call customer service at 605.223.7660.

Be the first to review

Share your experience here to help other campers.