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30 campgrounds and RV Parks near Brookings, SD. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
30 campgrounds
1400 campsites
12 RVs available for delivery
From $16/night
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Best campgrounds near Brookings, SD
Horse Camp - Oakwood Lakes State Park
South Dakota (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(6 sites)
+5
Campground 2 - Oakwood Lakes State Park
South Dakota (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(65 sites)
+7
Campground 1 - Lake Poinsett State Recreation Area
South Dakota (21 miles away)
$$$$$
(83 sites)
+9
Walkers Point Recreation Area
South Dakota (27 miles away)
$$$$$
(43 sites)
+8
Lake Herman State Park
Madison, SD (29 miles away)
$$$$$
(72 sites)
+7
Pipestone RV Campground
Pipestone, MN (32 miles away)
$$$$$
(62 sites)
+9
Lake Cochrane Recreation Area
Watertown, SD (32 miles away)
$$$$$
(30 sites)
+8
Lake Thompson Recreation Area
Lake Preston, SD (32 miles away)
$$$$$
(103 sites)
+7
Split Rock Creek State Park
Jasper, MN (36 miles away)
$$$$$
(34 sites)
+5
Ingalls Homestead
De Smet, SD (37 miles away)
$$$$$
(4 sites)
+3
Talking Waters Campground
Gary, SD (37 miles away)
Watertown Mobile Estates Campground
Watertown, SD (42 miles away)
$$$$$
(15 sites)
Most common amenities
Playground Showers Pet friendly Grills Dump station Tables Toilets Firewood Hiking Trails
Campgrounds near Brookings
Brookings sits in eastern South Dakota's glacial lakes region, about 60 miles north of Sioux Falls and home to South Dakota State University. RV travelers use the city as a base for a cluster of state parks and recreation areas built around lakes formed by retreating glaciers, most within an hour's drive.
The closest full-service campground is Oakwood Lakes State Park, roughly 25 minutes northwest. The park is broken into three sections: Campground 1 - Oakwood Lakes State Park, Campground 2 - Oakwood Lakes State Park, and Horse Camp - Oakwood Lakes State Park, with 130 RV-friendly sites and six equestrian sites in total. Lake Herman State Park sits about 40 minutes south near Madison on a peninsula, with 72 campsites including electrical sites, 4 cabins, and modern shower facilities. Walkers Point Recreation Area occupies a peninsula on Lake Madison nearby.
Farther out, Campground 1 - Lake Poinsett State Recreation Area lies roughly 35 miles northwest of Brookings and offers waterfront sites on one of the largest lakes in the state. All of these parks are managed by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks and share the same reservation system.
Things to do around Brookings
Water dominates the recreation menu. Oakwood Lakes is set among eight connected glacial lakes with a swimming beach, boat ramps, a fishing dock, and paddling access. Northern pike, yellow perch, bullhead, and walleye are common catches. The park also has a disc golf course, an amphitheater, and a preserved settler cabin dating to the 1860s.
Lake Poinsett draws boaters and anglers to one of the largest natural lakes in the state. Walkers Point sits on Lake Madison, popular for walleye, perch, and bass fishing plus water skiing.
Lake Herman State Park adds hiking trails through native oak woodlands and prairie, disc golf, horseshoe pits, picnic shelters, boating, fishing, and cross-country skiing, with the historic Herman Luce Cabin preserved on-site and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Camping spots and RV parks near Brookings, SD
Brookings seasonal information
- spring
March - May
55° / 32°F 60 mmWind, mud, and late snow possible into April
- summer
June - August
81° / 59°F 85 mmPeak bookings; thunderstorms and mosquitoes
- fall
September - November
55° / 36°F 45 mmCool nights, strong fishing, fewer crowds
- winter
December - February
25° / 7°F 20 mmDeep cold and snow; comfort stations closed
The state parks in the Brookings area are open year-round, but between October 1 and April 30, showers, flush toilets, and other water systems may be closed. Vault toilets typically stay open through the off-season. Peak camping runs from late May through Labor Day, when weekend sites fill quickly and lake activity is at its highest.
Spring is variable: expect mud, wind, and the occasional late snowstorm well into April. Summer brings warm days, frequent thunderstorms, and heavy weekend demand at every lake in the region. Mosquitoes peak in June and July near the water.
Fall offers cooler nights, fewer crowds, and strong walleye fishing, though comfort stations begin closing in early October. Winter camping is permitted at most sites, and Lake Herman, Oakwood Lakes, and Lake Poinsett all support cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing once lakes freeze. Expect deep cold, snow, and wind chill through January and February.
Booking and how to reserve
All of the state park campgrounds near Brookings book through the Go Outdoors South Dakota system at campsd.com or by phone at 1-800-710-2267. Reservations open 90 days before arrival, and campsites and camping cabins become available online and through the call center at 7 a.m. Central Time on the first day of that window.
For summer weekends and holidays, plan to book right when the 90-day window opens. For summer weekend stays, most campsites and cabins are reserved within a week of reservations opening.
A South Dakota Park Entrance License is required in addition to camping fees and is not included in the reservation. Nonresidents can purchase daily or annual entrance licenses online in advance or at the park on arrival.
What to expect
Sites at these parks are RV-friendly and generally spacious. At Oakwood Lakes, Campgrounds 1 and 2 offer 50-amp electric hookups but no water or sewer at the site, with a dump station and water spigots on-site. The Horse Camp sites are primitive, without electric. At Lake Herman, RVs are limited to about 50 feet in length, so confirm site length when booking.
Expect electric hookups at most sites, potable water fill stations, dump stations, and flush toilets and showers in season, plus playgrounds and boat ramps. Full sewer hookups are uncommon in South Dakota state parks.
Cell coverage is generally reliable near Brookings and Madison. Groceries, fuel, propane, and RV supplies are easiest to pick up in Brookings before heading to the campground.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Brookings, SD
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Brookings, SD?
RV rental in Brookings is one of the most affordable ways to explore eastern South Dakota. Travel trailers typically start around $90 to $175 per night, Class C motorhomes range from $175 to $295 per night, and larger Class A motorhomes run $250 to $425. Cheap RV rental in Brookings is easiest to find midweek and outside the peak Hobo Day weekend at South Dakota State University. Pro tip: book a travel trailer with delivery to Oakwood Lakes State Park and you save on fuel since the host hauls and sets it up for you. Use the price filter on RVezy to match your budget.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Brookings%2C%20South%20DakotaDo I need a special license to rent an RV in Brookings?
Good news: your regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Brookings. South Dakota does not require a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or any special RV endorsement for personal-use motorhomes or travel trailers booked through RVezy. Approved renters on RVezy are generally 25 or older, and ID verification happens right in the platform during booking, so there is no DMV trip required. Visiting from another country? Bring your home license plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) and you are set. Most first-time renters in Brookings are surprised how simple it is to pick up the keys and start their South Dakota adventure.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsWhat protection is included when I book an RV in Brookings?
Every RV rental in Brookings booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan and 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can hit Interstate 29 with peace of mind. The protection plan covers eligible damage to the RV during your trip, and you choose your preferred coverage level at checkout rather than relying on the host to pick it for you. It provides meaningful financial protection if something unexpected happens on the way to Lake Oakwood or Sioux Falls. Pro tip: review the coverage tiers carefully during booking so you can pick the level that matches your comfort, especially if you are a first-time renter heading out on the open prairie.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat if I need to cancel my Brookings RV rental?
Booking is low-risk because RVezy sets the cancellation policy for every rental, not individual hosts, so the terms are consistent across the platform. There is a grace period after booking where you can cancel for a full refund, and refund eligibility after that depends on how far out from your trip you cancel. If a host cancels on you, RVezy refunds your booking or provides travel credit so you are not left without options. Pro tip: book early to lock in the best Hobo Day weekend or summer lake dates, then review the specific cancellation terms before you confirm. RVezy support is available before, during, and after your trip.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a pet-friendly RV rental in Brookings?
Absolutely, plenty of hosts welcome four-legged co-pilots. To find a pet-friendly RV rental in Brookings, just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter on RVezy and you'll see listings ready for your dog or cat. Brookings is a fantastic pet-friendly basecamp: dogs are welcome on leash at McCrory Gardens, the paved Larson Nature Park trails, and at Oakwood Lakes State Park where they can splash in the lake on designated beaches. South Dakota state parks allow leashed pets up to 10 feet on a lead in campgrounds. Pro tip: message the host before booking to confirm any cleaning add-ons and you'll be ready to roll with Fido in tow.
gfp.sd.gov/parks/Can the RV be delivered to me in Brookings?
Yes, RV delivery in Brookings is one of the most popular ways to book, especially for first-timers. Many hosts will deliver your motorhome or travel trailer directly to Oakwood Lakes State Park, Lake Poinsett Recreation Area, or your driveway in town, then set up the awning, hook up power and water, and walk you through every system. This is a game-changer if you are nervous about towing a trailer down Highway 14 or backing into a tight site. Filter for Delivery on RVezy to see which Brookings hosts offer it and check the delivery radius. Pro tip: campervan rental Brookings options with delivery are perfect for South Dakota State University game weekends.
gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/oakwood-lakes/How many miles can I drive on my Brookings RV rental?
You've got plenty of range to explore. Most hosts on RVezy include 100 to 150 free miles per day, and many offer RV rental with unlimited mileage for longer South Dakota road trips, so always check the listing details. From Brookings you're 60 miles to Sioux Falls, 200 miles to the Missouri River at Pierre, 350 miles to the Badlands National Park entrance, and roughly 400 miles to Mount Rushmore. Additional miles typically run $0.25 to $0.45 each if you exceed the allowance. Pro tip: if you're planning a classic RV road trip from Brookings out to the Black Hills, filter for unlimited mileage listings up front so the budget stays predictable.
nps.gov/badl/planyourvisit/directions.htmWhere can I camp with my RV near Brookings?
You are spoiled for choice with some of the best campgrounds near Brookings just minutes away. Oakwood Lakes State Park, about 20 minutes northwest, offers electric hookup sites and lake access. Lake Poinsett Recreation Area, around 30 minutes north, has 100 plus sites with full amenities on one of South Dakota's largest natural lakes. Lake Hendricks County Park near the Minnesota border (about 45 minutes east) is a quieter, wooded option. In town, Brookings KOA Journey provides full hookups close to Interstate 29. Pro tip: South Dakota state park sites can be reserved through the Game, Fish and Parks system up to 90 days in advance, and summer weekends book fast.
gfp.sd.gov/parks/When is the best time for an RV trip from Brookings?
The sweet spot for RV camping in Brookings runs from late May through mid-September, when daytime highs sit between 70°F and 83°F and lakes are warm enough for swimming. June is the greenest month but also the rainiest, while July and August deliver the longest, sunniest days. Early September is a local insider favorite: campgrounds quiet down after Labor Day, fall colors begin around Oakwood Lakes, and bugs disappear. Winter (December through February) drops well below 0°F with serious wind chill, so most hosts pause bookings. Pro tip: plan your Brookings RV trip around the Summer Arts Festival in early July for a true small-town South Dakota experience.
weather.gov/fsd/I have never rented an RV before. Will I get help figuring it out?
You will be in great hands. Every host on RVezy provides a hands-on orientation at pickup or delivery, walking you through the generator, slide-outs, water system, propane, awning, and dump procedures so you are never left guessing. First time renting an RV in Brookings is genuinely easy because the surrounding terrain is flat, traffic is light, and Interstate 29 and Highway 14 are wide and well-maintained, perfect for building confidence. You can message your host anytime during the trip with questions. Pro tip: do a short practice loop on quieter streets near South Dakota State University before heading to your campground to get comfortable with mirrors and turning radius.
dot.sd.gov/travelersWhat happens if something goes wrong with the RV on the road?
You are never alone out there. Every RV rental in Brookings booked through RVezy includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the protection plan, so if you have a flat, a dead battery, or get stuck at a campsite, help is one phone call away. RVezy customer support is also available, and your host's contact info is right in the app for quick troubleshooting questions like resetting the generator or working a slide-out. Pro tip: save the roadside assistance number to your phone before you leave Brookings. Towing services along I-29 and US-14 are readily available, so an unexpected hiccup will not derail your South Dakota adventure.
rvezy.com/insurance-and-protectionCan I take my Brookings RV rental to other states or Canada?
Yes, interstate road trips are not just allowed, they're encouraged. Brookings sits right on Interstate 29, making it a perfect launchpad for an RV road trip to Minnesota (45 minutes east), North Dakota (3 hours north), Iowa (2.5 hours south), or Nebraska (4 hours). Many hosts also allow trips into Canada with advance notice for insurance documentation, so message the host directly through the listing if Manitoba or Saskatchewan is on your itinerary. Travel to Mexico is not permitted on any RVezy rental. Pro tip: popular routes from Brookings include the Pipestone National Monument loop (75 miles) and the full Black Hills run via Wall Drug and Mount Rushmore, a roughly 800-mile round trip.
nps.gov/pipe/index.htmWhat kind of fuel economy and gas costs should I budget for?
Budgeting is straightforward in this part of the country. Class C motorhomes around Brookings typically get 8 to 12 miles per gallon, Class A motorhomes 6 to 10 MPG, campervans 15 to 20 MPG, and travel trailers depend on your tow vehicle (figure 10 to 14 MPG combined). South Dakota gas prices tend to run below the national average, often $0.20 to $0.40 cheaper per gallon than neighboring Minnesota. A typical 3-day local trip to Oakwood Lakes might use $60 to $100 in fuel, while a 1,000-mile Black Hills loop could run $250 to $400. Pro tip: fill up in Brookings before heading west on Highway 14 since prices climb slightly in smaller prairie towns.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Brookings?
For the best sites, book early but don't stress. South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks opens reservations 90 days ahead for state park campgrounds like Oakwood Lakes and Lake Poinsett, and prime summer weekends (especially July 4th and Labor Day) can fill within hours of opening. Weekday and shoulder-season sites are often available just a few days out, making spontaneous Brookings RV trips totally doable. Private campgrounds typically allow booking 6 to 12 months ahead. Pro tip: if you strike out on a lakefront site, check the Game, Fish and Parks site daily, since cancellations are common about 7 to 10 days before arrival as people firm up their plans.
gfp.sd.gov/reservations/What are driving conditions like around Brookings?
Driving an RV around Brookings is about as friendly as it gets in the U.S. The terrain is flat to gently rolling prairie, Interstate 29 runs straight through town with wide lanes and ample shoulders, and traffic is light outside of South Dakota State University move-in days. The main thing to watch for is wind: open prairie crosswinds can be strong, especially in spring and fall, so high-profile motorhomes should plan to drive earlier in the day when winds are calmer. Winter brings snow and ice from November through March. Pro tip: check the South Dakota DOT 511 system before any longer haul; conditions on US-14 west of town can change quickly during a Plains thunderstorm.
sd511.org/What amenities will I find at campgrounds near Brookings?
Local campgrounds are well equipped for a comfortable stay. Oakwood Lakes State Park and Lake Poinsett Recreation Area offer 30 and 50 amp electric hookups, potable water fill stations, modern bathhouses with flush toilets and showers, and on-site dump stations. Many sites are pull-through and big-rig friendly. Private parks like Brookings KOA Journey add full hookups including sewer at each site, Wi-Fi, and laundry. Pro tip: top off your fresh water tank before leaving the campground host station since rural pull-offs along Highway 81 do not have potable water. Most state parks also sell firewood on-site.
gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/lake-poinsett/What features and amenities come with the RV itself?
You'll find motorhome rental Brookings options loaded with the comforts of home. Most rentals include a full kitchen (fridge, stove, microwave, sink), private bathroom with shower and toilet, sleeping for 2 to 8 people depending on layout, air conditioning, furnace, and seatbelted seating for travel. Many also feature a TV, Bluetooth stereo, outdoor awning, and onboard generator for off-grid power. Some hosts offer Wi-Fi hotspots, solar panels, or backup cameras. Each listing on RVezy clearly shows what's included so there are no surprises. Pro tip: for a family RV trip Brookings adventure, filter by sleeps count plus generator to make sure you've got AC capability for those warm July afternoons at Oakwood Lakes.
brookingssd.com/What add-ons and pickup options should I know about?
Hosts make it easy to customize your trip. Common add-ons for RV rental South Dakota trips include camping chairs and tables ($10 to $25 per trip), bedding and linen packages ($30 to $75), kitchen kits, generator hours, propane refills, and pet cleaning fees. Pickup is usually at the host's address in or near Brookings, but many offer delivery to Oakwood Lakes, Lake Poinsett, or even Sioux Falls Regional Airport for a per-mile fee. Mileage policies vary, with most hosts including 100 to 150 free miles daily. Pro tip: bundle delivery, setup, and a bedding package on your first booking and you'll arrive at camp with literally nothing to do but light a fire.
travelsouthdakota.com/How does payment and the security deposit work?
Payment is simple and secure through RVezy: you pay for your rental directly on the platform with a credit or debit card when you book, and funds are processed according to RVezy's payment schedule. A refundable security deposit is placed on your card before pickup to cover any potential damage or extra cleaning, then released after the host confirms the RV came back in good shape. The deposit is separate from your booking payment. Pro tip: take a quick video walk-around at both pickup and drop-off in Brookings, inside and out, and you will breeze through the deposit return process with zero stress.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-works