2019-12-20 05:49:51
Do you hear that? It’s the sounds of nature, the smell of fresh air and warmth of sunshine calling. Following that call may mean leaving some creature comforts behind – for a little while at least. But don't worry, if sleeping in a tent isn't your cup of tea, we have full service campgrounds with electric hookups as well as air-conditioned camping cabins and yurts. 1 LEWIS & CLARK RECREATION AREA Located near Yankton, this is one of the state’s most popular camping areas. On the banks of beautiful Lewis & Clark Lake and the Missouri River, the park offers prime waterfront campsites and camping cabins, as well as resort facilities, several trails including a paved hiking/biking trail that follows the lake shore, equestrian campground/trail, disc golf, archery range, swimming beaches, full service marina and restaurant. Pierson Ranch and Chief White Crane campgrounds are located nearby. 2 SPRINGFIELD RECREATION AREA A smaller and quieter park, Springfield Recreation Area is just upriver from Lewis & Clark Recreation Area. The park is located on the shores of the Missouri National Recreational River. You’ll find great bass fishing and an adjacent golf course on bluffs overlooking the river. 3 NEWTON HILLS STATE PARK Newton Hills, near Canton, is a wooded oasis providing shaded campsites, a lookout tower and a fully equipped lodge, perfect for family gatherings. Lake Lakota boasts fishing, swimming and canoeing. You will also find hiking and biking trails as well as cross-country ski trails for winter fun. There is also an equestrian campground and trails. 4 UNION GROVE STATE PARK Union Grove, near Beresford, has secluded campsites and features more than 180 species of trees and shrubs which provide impressive fall colors. Wildlife, including deer, wild turkeys, marmots, rabbits, fox and squirrels, thrive in the park. Over 200 species of birds visit the area, providing excellent bird watching. There is also a bridle trail and an equestrian campground with corrals. 5 PALISADES STATE PARK Colorful quartzite cliffs along with a colorful past make Palisades, near Garretson, one of the most unique campgrounds in the area. Split Rock Creek, which flows through the park, is lined with Sioux quartzite formations that rise as much as 50 feet above the water. This park is popular with campers, hikers, rock climbers and canoers. A comfortable fully equipped lodge is perfect for family gatherings. 6 SPLIT ROCK PARK CAMPGROUND Camping, canoeing, fishing, hiking and picnicking are just some of the activities to enjoy at this park in Garretson. The north part of the park is a beautiful “back to nature” area for tent only camping. The south part has pads for campers with or without electricity as well as a tent areas. Enjoy quartzite rock formations along Split Rock River and architecture of the WPA, built in the 1930’s, featuring a dam with waterfall, bathhouse, bridges and rock wall with flower garden. 7 LAKE HERMAN STATE PARK History and water-based recreation attract many campers to Lake Herman at Madison. Located on a peninsula, the park offers visitors spectacular views of Lake Herman. Melting glacial ice formed this 1,350-acre lake. An 1871 log cabin built by some of the first settlers to the area has been restored. Visitors to the park can now play disc golf, hike, swim, fish, canoe or crosscountry ski. Canoe and kayak rental is available. 8 WALKER’S POINT RECREATION AREA Tucked along the shore of Lake Madison, this small but complete park attracts campers and anglers. Campsites near the water offer picturesque views of the lake. 9 BIG SIOUX RECREATION AREA Located near Brandon, this park lies on the banks of the Big Sioux River with easy access to Sioux Falls. It is popular among campers, canoers and archers. Other activities include a disc golf course, hiking and biking, and GPS trail. In winter, cross-country skiers and snowmobilers gather in the warming house. An 1869 homestead cabin will interest history buffs. 10 LAKE VERMILLION RECREATION AREA Near Canistota, Lake Vermillion is popular among fishermen, boaters, canoers, swimmers and hunters. Canoe and kayak rental is available. The park provides the ideal hunting camp with waterfowl and upland game nearby. 11 STATE PARK LODGES If you prefer all the comforts of home as you explore nature, the beautiful lodges located at Newton Hills and Palisades State Parks are just right for you. Lodges are fully equipped and perfect for larger groups. 12 CLAY COUNTY PARK & CAMPGROUND Near Vermillion, this park encompasses 34 acres of vast beautiful wilderness on the last natural stretch of the Missouri River. It offers camping, picnic shelters, boat ramp, fishing dock and a paved nature trail. 13 TABOR LAKESIDE USE AREA If you don’t mind roughing it, this remote area offers a primitive camping experience with beautiful unspoiled views of the Missouri River. For boaters and anglers, a boat ramp and dock are available. 14 DELL RAPIDS CITY CAMPGROUND The Dells Campground provides a rustic relaxing camping experience within a beautiful park along the Big Sioux River. It features campsites with electricity, access to water, picnic table and fire ring. It also features a playground and recreational trail that crosses the Big Sioux River. 15 GREEN ISLAND RECREATION AREA Camp, canoe, kayak, hike, and more! This remote site offers 5 nonfee primitive campsites and is only accessible by watercraft. It is located on the South side of the Missouri National Recreational River, adjacent to the Corps of Discovery Bridge at Yankton. Privately owned campgrounds offer even more options. Check out our campground directory on page 233.
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