Your Ultimate Guide To State Parks In South Dakota

Welcome to your ultimate guide! Get ready to uncover hidden gems, explore breathtaking landscapes, and dive into a world of outdoor recreation. From nature lovers to camping enthusiasts, there’s something for everyone. Join me as we journey through the best state parks in South Dakota – let’s make your nature adventures unforgettable!

Most Popular State Parks In South Dakota

Explore some of South Dakota’s top state parks, like Custer, teeming with wildlife – Palisades, featuring cool quartzite formations – and Bear Butte, a sacred spot with awesome views. These parks offer unique outdoor adventures that capture the essence of SD’s natural beauty.

Custer State Park, South Dakota, USA

bartjuan / 2 images, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Location: Custer, SD

Wow Factor: The park is famous for its stunning scenery and scenic drives, including Needles Highway and the wildlife loop, showcasing the bison herd and prairie dog towns.

Need To Know: Experience the excitement and be part of the crowd during the yearly Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival.

Get ready for a wild time at Custer State Park! This state park is a massive 71,000-acre playground in the Black Hills, packed with fun stuff. From camping and hiking to biking, swimming, and fishing, there are many things to do in Custer State Park, especially for families.

There are nine campgrounds with fantastic views, and if you want a bit more comfort, check out the four historic lodges with modern cabins and hotel rooms that are part of the Custer State Park Resort. They've got restaurants and guided wildlife activities too. So, if you're craving adventure in granite peaks and rolling plains, Custer State Park is calling your name!

Palisades State Park, 25491 485th Ave, Garretson, SD 57030, USA

South Dakota/Flickr

Location: Garretson, SD

Wow Factor: Palisades draws visitors with its popular combination of scenic overlooks, rock climbing, five hiking trails, and rushing water.

Need To Know: Palisades State Park hosts notable annual events such as Father's Day Fishing, a Perseid Meteor Shower and Star Party in August, and a Monarch Butterfly Program on Labor Day Weekend.

Palisades State Park in South Dakota is a unique destination known for the striking Sioux quartzite formations along Split Rock Creek, featuring shelves, cliffs, and scenic overlooks. Popular among campers, photographers, rock climbers, and hikers, the park has a rich history with an old flour mill and a once-thriving town.

The quartzite spires, estimated to be 1.2 billion years old, attract rock climbers for scaling and rappelling. And in 2019, Palisades State Park expanded in size, adding new campsites, a welcome center, a comfort station - and recreational features like trails, an archery range, disc golf, and water features. There are and will be so many things to do in Palisades State Park!

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Bear Butte State Park, 20250 SD-79, Sturgis, SD 57785, USA

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Location: Sturgis, SD

Wow Factor: "Mato Paha" or "Bear Mountain" in Lakota, and "Noahvose" in Cheyenne, this geological formation is one of many igneous rock intrusions in the ancient Black Hills.

Need To Know: Bear Butte, sacred to Native Americans, is a place for communication with the creator through visions and prayer. Colorful cloths and tobacco ties on trees symbolize prayers; please respect them, avoid photography, stick to trails, and be considerate of religious activities.

Bear Butte State Park in the Black Hills is a geological marvel formed millions of years ago. Rising 4,426 feet, it offers panoramic views of four states and holds cultural significance for the Lakota people. The park features nine miles of hiking trails for various skill levels, providing stunning views of Bear Butte, the Black Hills, and prairies.

Picnic areas, including the North and South Pavilions, allow visitors to enjoy meals surrounded by the park's beauty. Recognized as a sacred site by Native American tribes, the park's visitor center shares insights into its cultural and spiritual importance. With an array of things to do in Bear Butte State Park, it's a must-visit destination in the Black Hills.

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Best State Parks In South Dakota To Camp

Ready to pitch your tent and soak in the beauty of South Dakota’s best camping spots? Look no further than Hartford Beach, Union Grove, and Lake Herman. These gems offer everything from lakeside serenity to wooded trails, promising a camping experience like no other. Get ready for cozy campfires, scenic hikes, and a whole lot of outdoor bliss in these fantastic destinations.

Hartford Beach State Park, 13672 Hartford Beach Rd, Corona, SD 57227, USA

Peter Flores/Google Local

Location: Corona, SD

Wow Factor: Big Stone Lake, known as a section of the river Warren formed by runoff from melting glaciers 10,000 years ago, is encircled by rugged bluffs and scenic timbered shorelines at Hartford Beach.

Need To Know: The park is also equipped with ADA/accessible features, cross-country ski trails, drinking water facilities, a dump station, fish cleaning stations, flush toilets, historical sites, playgrounds, showers, TRACK trails, vault toilets open year-round, and warming shelters.

Perched by the tranquil shores of Big Stone Lake, Hartford Beach State Park is your go-to spot for a relaxing getaway. With a variety of year-round activities like camping, swimming, fishing, hiking, disc golf, picnicking, and boating, there are always fun things to do in Hartford Beach State Park.

With 87 campsites boasting electric hook-ups and four cozy cabins, it's the perfect place to unwind and soak in the beauty of the great outdoors. Don't forget to cast your line for some fishing fun, and take advantage of the handy boat ramp for easy access to Big Stone Lake. Get ready for a memorable outdoor adventure!

Union Grove State Park, 308th St, Beresford, SD 57004, USA

Brian Holle/Google Local

Location: Beresford, SD

Wow Factor: The park's rich biodiversity attracts a myriad of birds, captivating botanists and birdwatchers alike.

Need To Know: The park offers ADA/accessible features, drinking water facilities, dump stations, electrical campsites, flush toilets, group picnic shelters, picnic tables, playgrounds, showers, tent-only campsites, TRACK trails, and vault toilets open year-round.

Union Grove State Park is a year-round haven for outdoor lovers, offering recreational activities such as camping, horseback riding, biking, hiking, and cross-country skiing. This hidden gem unfolds with lush native woods, and trails meandering through the forest alongside Brule Creek provide scenic routes.

Relax in the serene and well-shaded 25 campsites - and if you're horse camping, you'll find four dedicated sites that serve as the perfect home base. Discover the countless things to do in Union Grove State Park, where scenic nature and tons of activities create a delightful experience for all.

Lake Herman State Park, 23409 State Park Dr, Madison, SD 57042, USA

bradley herreid/Google Maps

Location: Madison, SD

Wow Factor: The 1,350-acre lake was shaped by the melting of glacial ice thousands of years ago.

Need To Know: Enhance your outdoor experience at the park by exploring the native oak woodlands and prairie grasses, home to a variety of wildlife, and taking advantage of canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals, along with fishing pole checkouts.

If you're looking for things to do in Lake Herman State Park, you'll be pleased to know that it offers a wide range of recreational activities. This park is open all year round and is perfect for campers. You can enjoy swimming, fishing, hiking, and boating on the vast 1,350-acre lake.

There are 72 campsites with electric hook-ups available and four cabins. The park is located on a stunning peninsula that offers breathtaking views of the lake, so you can fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty.

Best State Parks In South Dakota To RV

Discover the essence of an RV adventure with a visit to the best state parks. Newton Hills, Oakwood Lakes, and Roy Lake offer a mix of natural beauty, recreational options, and varied camping experiences. From rolling hills to serene lakeshores, these spots create the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable RV getaway in South Dakota.

Newton Hills State Park, 28767 482nd Ave, Canton, SD 57013, USA

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Location: Canton, SD

Wow Factor: Glaciers formed the rolling hills and forest of Coteau des Prairie in eastern South Dakota, reaching over 2,000 feet at its highest. Evidence suggests Woodland Culture inhabited the region from 300 B.C. to 900 A.D. The unique dark forest amid an open prairie has inspired legends of buried gold, robbers' hideouts, and horse thieves.

Need To Know: Don't miss the Festifall And Candlelight Walk!

Newton Hills State Park in South Dakota, spanning 1,063 acres, is your year-round destination for RV camping and outdoor fun. With 108 campsites featuring electric hook-ups, it's perfect for a comfortable stay. The campgrounds open most of the year, though showers take a break in late fall to early spring. Want a cozy cabin? They're ADA-accessible, heated, and have all the furnishings you need.

Explore trails for horseback riding, mountain biking, or winter adventures like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. At Lake Lakota, you can fish, swim, and boat. And hey, if you're into hunting, they've got that too, but let's keep it all friendly for the protected wildlife like deer, turkeys, marmots, rabbits, squirrels, and foxes that call the park home. There are lots to see and things to do in Newton Hills State Park!

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Oakwood Lakes State Park, 20247 S Oakwood Shoreline Dr, Bruce, SD 57220, USA

Heidi Kessler/Google Maps

Location: Bruce, SD

Wow Factor: The visitor center features an archaeology display showcasing items found in the area. There is also a disc golf course!

Need To Know: Additional park amenities include basketball hoops, biking trails, drinking water facilities, dump stations, flush toilets, group picnic shelters, historical sites, picnic tables, playgrounds, showers, swim beaches, vault toilets, and warming shelters.

Oakwood Lakes State Park, located in Brookings County, offers year-round recreational activities such as camping, swimming, fishing, hiking, and boating on Johnson Lake and Lake Tetonkaha. With 136 campsites, including options for electrical and non-electrical sites, and six cabins, the park caters to various preferences.

Additional amenities and things to do in Oakwood Lakes State Park include a boat ramp, canoe and kayak rentals, designated horse campsites, and cross-country skiing. It's a versatile destination for RV campers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking diverse experiences in a picturesque setting.

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Roy Lake State Park, 11547 Northside Dr, Lake City, SD 57247, USA

B&B Hobbies/Google Local

Location: Lake City, SD

Wow Factor: The Woodland Culture, the earliest known inhabitants of Roy Lake, built burial mounds with artifacts dating from 900 to 1300 A.D.

Need To Know: The park boasts a range of amenities and features, including ADA/accessible facilities, biking trails, boat ramps, campgrounds, camping cabins, concessions, drinking water, dump stations, electrical campsites, fish cleaning stations, fishing piers, flush toilets, group picnic shelters, hiking trails, modern lodging options, playgrounds, self-serve entrance kiosks, shore fishing access, showers, swim beaches, tent-only campsites, TRACK trails, and vault toilets open year-round.

Roy Lake State Park is a lakeside state park for year-round fun, including fun RV camping. With 100 campsites and three cabins spread across two campgrounds, it's easy to find your cozy camping spot.

The park, split into two sections by Roy Lake, has everything from beaches and swimming to fishing, hiking, and boating. Plus, the Roy Lake Resort & Lodge is right there with boat ramps, boat rentals, and modern lodging, making it super convenient for a laid-back and enjoyable stay. Enjoy the many water-centric things to do in Roy Lake State Park.

Best State Parks In South Dakota For Hiking

Good Earth State Park, 26742-26500 Baker Park Pl, Sioux Falls, SD 57108, USA

Adam House/Google Local

Location: Sioux Falls, SD

Wow Factor: From 1300 to 1700 AD, the area served as a vital crossroads for Native American civilizations, primarily the Oneota Indigenous Peoples. Favored for its river, wildlife, fertile plains, catlinite, and wind protection, it stands as a unique and unparalleled time capsule of Indigenous culture in the United States.

Need To Know: Showers, toilets, and water systems may close between October through April.

South Dakota's newest state park, Good Earth at Blood Run, a National Historic Landmark, is a natural oasis amidst urban development near Sioux Falls.

Explore accessible hiking trails with scenic overlooks, immersing yourself in meadowlands and wildlife sounds. The 11,000-square-foot visitor center delves into the cultural and historical significance of the Blood Run site. Discover the diverse range of things to do in Good Earth State Park, where nature and history intertwine seamlessly.

Sica Hollow State Park, 44950 Park Road, Sisseton, SD 57260, USA

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Location: Sisseton, SD

Wow Factor: Considered one of the best state parks in South Dakota in fall.

Need To Know: Busiest in the summer months.

Sica Hollow State Park, 15 miles from Sisseton in northeastern South Dakota, is a haven of rugged beauty. As part of the Prairie Coteau Hills, the park offers year-round activities such as hiking, camping, and horseback riding.

Notably, the Old River Warren and Coteau des Prairies within the park are designated National Natural Landmarks. The Trail of the Spirits, a self-guided interpretive foot trail, has earned recognition as a National Recreation Trail. Those with horses will delight in the eight miles of well-marked trails that wind through the park's expansive 900 acres of woodland, providing a range of things to do in Sica Hollow State Park.

Spearfish Canyon State Nature Area, 10605 Wildlife Lane, Lead, SD 57754, USA

Ken Lane/Flickr

Location: Lead, SD

Wow Factor: The ancient limestone palisades in the creek-carved Spearfish Canyon, older than the Grand Canyon and once reachable only by horseback, now offer some of the most spectacular Black Hills scenery with narrow 1000-foot walls.

Need To Know: Accessible year-round, except for FS Road 222 from Savoy to Roughlock Falls, closed from December 15 to March 31 during the snowmobile season. The trail from Spearfish Canyon Lodge to Roughlock Falls remains open, but use caution.

You may find yourself asking how many state parks in South Dakota are there. With only 13 state parks in South Dakota, I've got a couple of recreation areas to sneak in. One gem is Spearfish Canyon State Nature Area, home to Roughlock Falls, Spearfish Falls, and the Savoy Pond area just south of Spearfish and west of Lead. Hit the trails connecting these spots for some epic views of waterfalls and vibrant fall foliage.

This place isn't just for hiking - there are so many things to do in Spearfish Canyon State Nature Area; you can also do some bird watching, wildlife spotting, fishing, and having a picnic. Keep an eye out for the rare American Dipper, an interesting gray bird that loves grabbing its grub underwater. And hey, Spearfish Canyon, right off Highway 14A (aka the Spearfish Canyon State Scenic Byway), is hands down one of the most beautiful spots in the Black Hills.

Best Little-Known State Parks In South Dakota

Experience Mount Rushmore State’s hidden treasures at Fort Sisseton, Fisher Grove, and Beaver Creek Nature Area. These lesser-known parks promise a unique blend of history, recreation, and natural beauty for those seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures in SD.

Fort Sisseton Historic State Park, 11907 434th Ave, Lake City, SD 57247, USA

Fort Sisseton Historic State Park/Google Maps

Location: Lake City, SD

Wow Factor: Experience the annual Fort Sisseton Historical Festival, celebrating entertainment, culture, and history with period activities that captivate thousands of visitors each year.

Need To Know: The Visitor Center, featuring interpretive displays and a gift shop, welcomes visitors daily from Open House Weekend through September. Guided tours are also offered.

Fort Sisseton Historic State Park, with a history spanning over 130 years, stands as a testament to the forts established in the eastern Dakota Territory under the direction of Major General John Pope.

Playing a vital role in securing safe passage for settlers and surveyors - this 1864 frontier army outpost earned its designation as a State Historical Park in 1959. Immerse yourself in history as you explore the 14 well-preserved original buildings, discovering the tales of early Dakota Territory. Experience the various things to do in Fort Sisseton Historic State Park and step back in time.

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Fisher Grove State Park, 17290 Fishers Ln, Frankfort, SD 57440, USA

Kelly K/google Maps

Location: Frankfort, SD

Wow Factor: Enjoy a variety of outdoor activities at Fisher Grove State Park, including biking on park roads, canoeing, fishing, golfing, kayaking, picnicking, snowmobiling, and walking on park roads.

Need To Know: Fisher Grove State Park offers various amenities, including ADA/accessible features, campgrounds, concessions, drinking water, a dump station, electrical campsites, flush toilets, group picnic shelters, picnic tables, playgrounds, self-serve entrance kiosks, shore fishing access, showers, vault toilets (open year-round), and warming shelters.

Fisher Grove State Park invites lovers of the outdoors to enjoy activities year-round, including camping, swimming, fishing, hiking, and boating. Fisher Grove State Park is overseen by the Fisher Grove Country Club, which manages both the park and the neighboring nine-hole golf course.

With 22 campsites featuring electric hook-ups, fishing opportunities, and a convenient canoe launch to the James River, Fisher Grove State Park offers a range of things to do for visitors seeking nature and recreation.

Beaver Creek State Nature Area, 48351 264th St, Valley Springs, SD 57068, USA

Jenny Callahan/Google Local

Location: Valley Springs, SD

Wow Factor: Beaver Creek Nature Area promotes environmental awareness, named for its beaver population, with a year-round flowing stream for nature observation.

Need To Know: Each year, the park hosts the Homesteader Day Harvest Festival, a free event after Labor Day featuring fiddlers, pioneer crafts, living history, and farming demonstrations.

The second recreation area worth mentioning is the lesser-known Beaver Creek Nature Area - a designated natural space located along Beaver Creek, a tributary of Split Rock Creek, just east of Sioux Falls.

The area offers a range of activities, such as birdwatching, fishing, hiking, and snowmobiling. Wildlife enthusiasts can encounter various species, including the majestic bald eagle, white-tailed deer, coyote, beaver, and numerous songbirds and waterfowl. Explore the many things to do in Beaver Creek Nature Area and immerse yourself in the beauty of this hidden natural haven.

Have you been to any of these nature destinations? Which are your favorite? Let me know – I’d love to hear from you! Are you looking for more outdoorsy things to discover? Check out these 15 Incredible Natural Wonders In South Dakota That Defy Explanation.

And if you’re taking a road trip to check out some of these spots and are planning to spend the night, be sure to check out these cozy vacation rentals!

15 Incredible Natural Wonders In South Dakota That Defy Explanation