2021-01-25 06:51:52
Stay in scenic campgrounds near lakes, creeks, rivers and reservoirs at these state parks and recreation areas. You'll spend warm days amid glittering waves and cool nights beneath dazzling stars. Set up your home base in the great outdoors and get ready for unforgettable South Dakota adventures. SHEPS CANYON STATE RECREATION AREA Hot Springs Tucked into a quiet cove along Angostura Reservoir, Sheps Canyon Campground is just steps from the boat ramp, making it ideal for boating and fishing. Choose from 22 campsites and 11 horse campsites, and then rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to get out on the water. OAHE DOWNSTREAM RECREATION AREA Fort Pierre Stay at one of the country’s largest constructed reservoirs when you book a site at this recreation area’s three campgrounds. Play a round of disc golf, rent a fishing pole, keep an eye out for bald eagles and learn about butterflies at the interactive South Dakota prairie butterfly garden. RANDALL CREEK RECREATION AREA Pickstown Relax on the banks of the Missouri River, downstream from the Fort Randall Dam, when you reserve a campsite or cabin at this scenic spot with a picnic shelter, boat ramp and fishing dock. Be sure to spend some time in the bald eagle roost area, designated a National Natural Landmark. UNION GROVE STATE PARK Beresford Shaded campsites beckon for summer getaways at this state park where you can hike, bike or horseback ride along forested trails that meander alongside Brule Creek. Birdwatchers will want to bring their binoculars to spot cardinals, turkeys, red-winged blackbirds and pheasants. SHADEHILL STATE RECREATION AREA Shadehill Take your pick from electric campsites, cabins and even a three-bedroom lodge (which sleeps up to 12 people) when you stay at this campground on the shores of Shadehill Reservoir. During the day, go boating, drop in a fishing line, and take in views from nearby Hugh Glass Memorial. LAKE HERMAN STATE PARK Madison Stay in one of the campsites or cabins at this state park located on Lake Herman. Summer is ideal for boating, fishing and disc golf, while fall is prime time for birding in the woodlands and prairie grasses. During winter, snowshoe or cross-country ski along several designated trails. HARTFORD BEACH STATE PARK Corona Lush woods, shaded picnic areas and panoramic vistas of Big Stone Lake are the draw at this park. Make your home base at one of the 87 campsites or four cabins, and then soak up some sunshine by kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, playing disc golf and tossing horseshoes. ROCKY POINT STATE RECREATION AREA Belle Fourche Perched on a peninsula amid Belle Fourche National Wildlife Refuge, Rocky Point Campground boasts plenty of activities — archery, kayaking, fishing, volleyball, swimming and even a dog park for your pets — as well as opportunities to spot birds and other wildlife. FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON CAMPING IN SOUTH DAKOTA AT TRAVELSOUTHDAKOTA.COM/CAMPING NEW WELCOME CENTERS Traveling I-90 or I-29? Look for South Dakota’s Interstate Welcome Centers, including the new Valley Springs Welcome Center at I-90's westbound exit at mile marker 412, northeast of Sioux Falls. Take a picture at its “Welcome to South Dakota” sign or in front of its 3-D sculpture of Mount Rushmore. While you’re here, stretch your legs on the walking paths, get trip ideas from the regionally focused displays, and let kids get creative at the interactive color-rubbing stations. Along I-29, see two other recently reconstructed stops: Homestead Welcome Center near Vermillion and Wilmot Welcome Center north of Summit. Each features an exhibit that shares interesting details about South Dakota’s story.
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