South Dakota’s stunning state parks are serving up an abundance of natural beauty and the opportunity for outdoor activities!
From the rolling hills of Custer State Park to the clear waters of Lake Herman State Park, South Dakota’s state parks offer visitors an opportunity to explore the state’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
To enjoy a rich cultural experience, head to Bear Butte State Park, a religious site of the Plains Indian tribes, or Fort Sisseton State Park, a former outpost of the United States Army.
Whether you’re looking to hike, camp, fish, or simply soak in the natural beauty of the area, South Dakota’s state parks are must-see destinations for visitors interested in exploring the great outdoors.
Printable South Dakota State Parks Map
Bear Butte State Park
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Bear Butte State Park in South Dakota is a must-visit spot for anyone who wants to experience the spiritual and natural beauty of the region.
This geological laccolith feature has been an important landmark and religious site for the Plains Indians tribes for centuries, and it’s not hard to see why.
The mountain, known as Matȟó Pahá to the Lakota, or Sioux, and Noahȧ-vose or Náhkȯhe-vose to the Cheyenne, is a place of prayer, meditation, and peace. Park visitors can hike the mountain’s flanks to see the prayer cloths and tobacco bundles tied to its trees, and to leave their own offerings at the top.
With various religious ceremonies taking place throughout the year, Bear Butte is an important site for people of all cultures and backgrounds. Established as a State Park in 1961, it’s easy to see why Bear Butte is a beloved and sacred place for so many.
Custer State Park
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Custer State Park is a wonderful choice for anyone visiting South Dakota. This state park and wildlife reserve is the largest and oldest in the state, covering over 71,000 acres of stunning terrain that includes prairies, mountains, and plenty of wildlife.
The park is home to a large herd of bison, which roam freely throughout the park, as well as elk, coyotes, deer, mountain goats, prairie dogs, and much more.
Visitors to Custer State Park can enjoy a variety of activities, including scenic drives along the Needles Highway and the wildlife loop, hiking, camping, fishing, and many others.
Plus, the park is conveniently located near several other popular attractions, including Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park, making it the perfect stop for any road trip through South Dakota.
Fisher Grove State Park
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If you’re looking for a great spot to enjoy the outdoors in South Dakota, Fisher Grove State Park is definitely worth checking out. This beautiful park offers year-round recreation options for visitors of all ages.
Whether you’re looking to camp, swim, fish, hike, or boat, Fisher Grove has something for everyone. With 22 campsites featuring electric hook-ups, you can easily spend a few days exploring all that this park has to offer.
And if you’re a fan of golf, be sure to check out the nine-hole golf course adjacent to the park, managed by the Fisher Grove Country Club. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Fisher Grove State Park in South Dakota!
Fort Sisseton Historic State Park
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If you’re looking for a unique and historical experience in South Dakota, Fort Sisseton Historic State Park is an essential destination. Established in 1864, this former outpost was used by the United States Army until 1889 and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
With 14 of its original buildings still standing, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you explore this fascinating site. Be sure to visit during the first weekend of June for the annual festival, which includes entertainment and reenactments of fort activities.
And don’t forget to learn about the fort’s name change from Fort Wadsworth to Fort Sisseton in honor of the Sisseton band of Sioux who provided scouts to the fort. A visit to Fort Sisseton Historic State Park is a truly one-of-a-kind and educational experience.
Good Earth State Park at Blood Run
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Good Earth State Park at Blood Run is an exciting prospect for anyone exploring South Dakota’s great outdoors. This state park is a year-round recreation destination that offers amazing hiking opportunities for visitors along the stunning Big Sioux River.
But that’s not all – the park also boasts the Blood Run Site, a National Historic Landmark that’s steeped in fascinating Native American history.
You’ll definitely want to stop by the visitor center to learn all about this site’s significance and check out the informative displays. With so much to see and do, Good Earth State Park is a true gem of South Dakota.
Hartford Beach State Park
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If you’re looking for a fun-filled state park in South Dakota, Hartford Beach State Park is definitely worth checking out! Located on the beautiful Big Stone Lake in Roberts County, this park offers year-round recreation for visitors of all ages.
Whether you’re looking to pitch a tent, rent a cabin, or simply spend the day enjoying the outdoors, Hartford Beach has got you covered. With 87 campsites featuring electric hook-ups and 4 cozy cabins, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to call home during your stay.
And, with activities like swimming, fishing, hiking, disc golf, and boating available, there’s never a dull moment at this amazing park. So, what are you waiting for? Come see why Hartford Beach State Park is one of the best state parks in South Dakota!
Lake Herman State Park
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Lake Herman State Park is a true highlight of South Dakota’s state park system. Nestled in picturesque Lake County, this park offers visitors an array of year-round recreational activities.
With 72 campsites, complete with electric hook-ups, and 4 cozy cabins, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to rest your head after a day of exploring. Speaking of exploring, the park boasts over 1,350 acres of pristine land, including the namesake Lake Herman.
This gorgeous lake is perfect for swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an action-packed adventure, Lake Herman State Park has plenty for everyone.
Newton Hills State Park
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Newton Hills State Park in South Dakota is a rewarding destination for nature lovers looking for a year-round outdoor adventure. This state park offers a wide range of recreational activities like camping, swimming, fishing, hiking, and boating.
You can rent cabins or the group lodge all year round, and the campground is open on a limited basis. With 108 of the 118 campsites having electric hook-ups, you will have access to all the amenities you need.
The park features several miles of trails for horseback riding, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Lake Lakota is open for swimming, fishing, and boating.
Wildlife enthusiasts can spot white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, marmots, rabbits, squirrels, and foxes in the park. Plan your next outdoor adventure at Newton Hills State Park and enjoy the beauty of South Dakota.
Oakwood Lakes State Park
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If you’re looking for a fun-filled state park in South Dakota, Oakwood Lakes State Park is a great option.
This park is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike, offering a wide range of year-round recreational activities such as camping, swimming, fishing, hiking, and boating on Johnson Lake and Lake Tetonkaha.
With 136 campsites and 6 cabins available, you’ll have plenty of choices to choose from when it comes to accommodations. The visitor center is a thought-provoking place to start your adventure, featuring an archaeology display of items found in the area.
Additionally, you can enjoy a boat ramp, canoe and kayak rentals, horse camp sites, and cross-country skiing. Make sure to add Oakwood Lakes State Park to your South Dakota state park bucket list!
Palisades State Park
Palisades State Park is a real treasure in South Dakota that is definitely worth a visit. Located just south of Garretson, the park boasts amazing pink cliffs and rock formations that have been eroded out of Sioux Quartzite.
Despite being South Dakota’s second-smallest state park, it packs a punch with its 37 campsites, 6 camper cabins, and group tenting area. For those looking for a more upscale stay, the 4-bedroom lodge is available for special events.
The park offers four hiking trails that wind through the beautiful scenery, and rock climbing enthusiasts will be delighted to know that climbing is permitted on the quartzite formations. Just be sure to leave your bolts at home as they are not allowed.
Roy Lake State Park
If you’re looking for a state park in South Dakota that has it all, look no further than Roy Lake State Park. This gem in Marshall County is divided into two sections on Roy Lake, and offers year-round recreation for visitors.
Whether you’re looking to camp, swim, fish, hike, or boat, Roy Lake State Park has something for you. And if you’re in need of a boat, you can rent one from the Roy Lake Resort & Lodge, located within the park.
With 100 campsites and 3 cabins, there’s plenty of room for everyone. And if you’re curious about the name, it comes from a touching story about a dog named Roy who drowned in the lake. Come visit Roy Lake State Park and make some memories of your own!
Sica Hollow State Park
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If you’re looking for a truly distinctive state park experience in South Dakota, Sica Hollow State Park is well worth a trip. This park gets its name from the iron-red tinted water that flows through the area, which the Dakota tribe saw as a bad or evil omen.
Don’t worry though, the park is perfectly safe to explore! You’ll find a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy here, including hiking, fishing, and camping. The park is also home to some fascinating natural landmarks, like the Devil’s Gulch and the Fairyland Caverns.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just looking for a captivating place to spend a day, Sica Hollow State Park is certainly worth your time.
Union Grove State Park
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If you’re looking for a state park that offers year-round fun, Union Grove State Park is a stimulating choice. Located in Union County, South Dakota, this park has something for everyone.
Whether you’re interested in camping, hiking, horseback riding, or cross country skiing, you’ll find it all here. With 25 campsites (including 4 for horses), you can spend a night or two under the stars and wake up ready to explore.
The park’s trails are perfect for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, and the scenery is truly awesome. So why not plan a visit to Union Grove State Park and experience all that this beautiful area has to offer?
West Bend Recreation Area
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West Bend Recreation Area is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors in South Dakota.
Nestled along the stunning shoreline of Lake Sharpe, this state recreation area offers endless opportunities for year-round activities.
Whether you’re a seasoned camper, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, West Bend has something for every taste. With its picturesque hiking and biking trails, scenic horseback riding routes, and pristine cross country skiing trails, you’ll never run out of things to do.
So pack your bags, grab your friends and family, and come experience the natural beauty of West Bend Recreation Area!
