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30 campgrounds and RV Parks near Dell Rapids, SD. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
30 campgrounds
1503 campsites
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From $16/night
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Best campgrounds near Dell Rapids, SD
Split Rock Park Campground
Garretson, SD (13 miles away)
Palisades State Park
Garretson, SD (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(34 sites)
+6
Sioux Falls KOA Journey
Sioux Falls, SD (15 miles away)
$$$$$
(100 sites)
+8
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort: Sioux Falls
Brandon, SD (15 miles away)
$$$$$
(144 sites)
+11
Split Rock Creek State Park
Jasper, MN (18 miles away)
$$$$$
(34 sites)
+5
Walkers Point Recreation Area
South Dakota (18 miles away)
$$$$$
(43 sites)
+8
Big Sioux Recreation Area
Brandon, SD (18 miles away)
$$$$$
(49 sites)
+5
Tower Campground
Sioux Falls, SD (20 miles away)
$$$$$
(116 sites)
+7
Pipestone RV Campground
Pipestone, MN (24 miles away)
$$$$$
(62 sites)
+9
Flamingo Falls Campground
Sioux Falls, SD (24 miles away)
Montrose Campground
Montrose, SD (25 miles away)
Lake Herman State Park
Madison, SD (25 miles away)
$$$$$
(72 sites)
+7
Most common amenities
Dump station Playground Showers Pet friendly Grills Tables Toilets Firewood Hiking Trails
Camping near Dell Rapids, South Dakota
Dell Rapids sits in southeastern South Dakota on the Big Sioux River, roughly 20 miles north of Sioux Falls. The town works well as a quiet base for RV trips that combine city amenities with quartzite bluffs, prairie trails, and river paddling. Most established campgrounds sit within a 30 to 40 minute drive, clustered around Sioux Falls, Brandon, and Garretson.
Options range from full-service commercial parks like Sioux Falls KOA Journey and Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort: Sioux Falls to state-run sites at Palisades State Park, located 10 miles south of Garretson and about 20 miles northeast of Sioux Falls, and Big Sioux Recreation Area near Brandon. For a smaller, in-town feel, Split Rock Park Campground in Garretson sits beside a dam on Split Rock Creek.
The area suits families and route-planners heading to or from the Black Hills, since Interstate 90 runs just south of Dell Rapids and connects the campground cluster to points west.
Things to do around Dell Rapids
Palisades State Park is the headline attraction. Split Rock Creek runs beneath striking Sioux Quartzite formations with 50-foot vertical cliffs, drawing hikers, photographers, and rock climbers. Short hiking trails wind through the quartzite spires and prairie sections of the park.
At Big Sioux Recreation Area, campers can access a trail system, disc golf, an archery range, and river access for canoeing along the Big Sioux. Trails on the west side climb small ridges with views over Brandon and the river corridor.
Split Rock Park in Garretson sits next to a small waterfall created by a dam across Split Rock Creek, a short walk from downtown and near Devil's Gulch. Guided Jesse James Pontoon tours run by appointment during the summer months, and a kayak and canoe launch south of the dam allows paddlers to float down toward Palisades State Park.
Camping spots and RV parks near Dell Rapids, SD
When to camp near Dell Rapids
- spring
March - May
57° / 34°F 65 mmThaw and rising rain; Split Rock Park opens May 1.
- summer
June - August
82° / 59°F 100 mmPeak season; book state park sites the day the 90-day window opens.
- fall
September - November
59° / 36°F 50 mmCool nights, lower humidity, thinner crowds after Labor Day.
- winter
December - February
28° / 9°F 20 mmDeep cold and snow; comfort stations closed at most state parks.
The main camping season runs May through October. Split Rock Park Campground caters to RV and tent campers from May 1 through October 31, and sites at Big Sioux Recreation Area see their heaviest use during the same window, with cabins bookable year-round. Palisades State Park stays open through the year, though comfort stations close during the winter months while camping remains welcome year-round in most South Dakota state parks.
June through August brings the warmest, wettest weather and the busiest weekends. Popular sites at Palisades fill quickly on holiday weekends, so early booking is strongly recommended. September and early October typically deliver cooler nights, lower humidity, and thinner crowds, making them a good window for RV travel.
Winter camping is possible at year-round South Dakota state parks and at the Sioux Falls KOA Journey, but expect deep cold, snow, and reduced services. Bald eagles are commonly spotted along the Big Sioux River corridor during the colder months.
How to book campgrounds near Dell Rapids
South Dakota state park sites, including Palisades State Park and Big Sioux Recreation Area, are booked through the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks reservation system online at campsd.com or by phone at 1-800-710-2267. The same system handles cabins and the group lodge at Palisades. A park entrance license is required in addition to the camping fee.
Split Rock Park Campground in Garretson has a 5-day maximum length of stay and offers electricity only, with no water or sewer hookups. Sioux Falls KOA Journey and Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort: Sioux Falls are booked directly through their brand reservation systems.
For state park sites, reservations open 90 days before arrival, with campsites and cabins becoming available at 7 a.m. Central Time on the first day the window opens. For summer weekends, plan to book the day the window opens.
What to expect on arrival
State park campgrounds in the area lean rustic. Big Sioux Recreation Area offers back-in electric sites with picnic tables and fire rings but no water or sewer at the pad, plus a dump station near the entrance. At Palisades State Park, all campsites have electric hookups and some have full hookups, each with a table, fire ring, and grate, and amenities include drinking water, vault and flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station.
Split Rock Park Campground provides 30 and 50 amp electric sites, with the dump station located just outside the park entrance near the Devil's Gulch access point. The park sits alongside active railroad tracks, with trains passing frequently through the night, so light sleepers should plan accordingly.
Commercial parks near Sioux Falls generally offer full hookups, pools, and family amenities. Cell coverage is reliable throughout the area, and grocery stores, fuel, and RV supplies are easy to reach in Sioux Falls, Brandon, and Garretson.
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 Dell Rapids, SD
How much does an RV rental in Dell Rapids, SD typically cost?
RV rental in Dell Rapids, SD is surprisingly affordable compared to bigger tourist hubs out west. On RVezy, you'll typically find travel trailers starting around $90 to $150 per night, Class C motorhomes from $175 to $275, and larger Class A rigs from $250 to $400 nightly. Prices peak from late June through Labor Day when Sioux Falls area events and South Dakota state park camping demand are highest. Booking midweek or aiming for May or September can shave 15 to 30 percent off your total. For a cheap RV rental in Dell Rapids, filter by travel trailers and use the price slider. Pro tip: book 6 to 8 weeks ahead for July weekends, since Palisades State Park nearby books out fast.
cityofdellrapids.org/living___visiting/parks_and_recreation/dell_rapids_campground/index.phpDo I need a special license to rent an RV in Dell Rapids?
Good news: a regular driver's license is all you need for an RV rental in Dell Rapids, SD. South Dakota does not require a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or special endorsement for personal-use recreational vehicles, regardless of size. To rent on RVezy, you generally need to be 25 or older with a valid driver's license, and your ID is verified through the booking platform so there's no extra paperwork at pickup. Visiting from outside the U.S.? Bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your home country auto association along with your home license. Most first-time renters in South Dakota are pleasantly surprised by how straightforward the process is.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsWhat protection comes with my RV rental in Dell Rapids?
Every RV rental in Dell Rapids booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can hit the road feeling covered. The protection plan helps cover physical damage to the vehicle during your trip, and you choose your coverage level at checkout (it isn't set by the host). RVezy offers different protection tiers so you can pick what matches your comfort level and budget. It provides meaningful financial protection if something unexpected happens between Dell Rapids and your destination. That peace of mind is built right into the booking, with no separate calls or third-party policies required.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat if my plans change after I book?
Booking an RV trip from Dell Rapids is genuinely low-risk. RVezy (not the individual host) sets the cancellation policy, and there's a money-back grace period right after booking so you can lock in your dates without stress. Refund amounts after that window depend on how far in advance you cancel. You'll see the full cancellation details at checkout and in your RVezy account before you confirm. Pro tip: message your host early if a forecast looks dicey on the South Dakota prairie, since many hosts are flexible about shifting dates within their availability.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a Dell Rapids RV trip?
Absolutely, and Dell Rapids is a great dog-friendly basecamp. Use the Pet-Friendly filter on RVezy to find a pet-friendly RV rental in Dell Rapids in seconds. Once you're rolling, the Sioux River Red Rock Trail right in town is leash-friendly and crosses a pedestrian bridge over the Big Sioux River, perfect for morning walks. Palisades State Park, just 10 minutes east, allows leashed dogs on all trails through the quartzite canyons. Big Sioux Recreation Area in Brandon is another tail-wagger favorite. Pro tip: message the host before booking to confirm pet fees and any breed or size notes, then pack a towel since prairie rain can turn paws muddy fast.
gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/palisades-state-park/Can the RV be delivered to my campsite near Dell Rapids?
Yes, many RVezy hosts offer RV delivery in Dell Rapids and surrounding Minnehaha County. They'll drop the rig at your reserved site, level it, hook up power and water, and walk you through every system before handing over the keys. That's a game-changer if it's your first time renting an RV or you'd rather skip towing a 30-foot trailer down I-29. Popular delivery destinations include the City of Dell Rapids Campground on East 4th Street, Palisades State Park, and Big Sioux Recreation Area. Filter by Delivery on RVezy to see hosts who offer it, then message to confirm distance fees. Pro tip: stationary delivery often costs less than mileage-based road trip use.
cityofdellrapids.org/living___visiting/parks_and_recreation/dell_rapids_campground/index.phpHow far can I drive from Dell Rapids on my RV trip?
Plenty far, and the geography here makes a Dell Rapids RV trip a fantastic launchpad. Hosts set their own mileage policies, with many offering 100 to 150 free miles per night and some featuring RV rental with unlimited mileage for true road trippers. Popular routes include Sioux Falls (20 miles south), the Badlands National Park (about 320 miles west), Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills (roughly 380 miles), Pipestone National Monument in Minnesota (45 miles east), and the Missouri River at Chamberlain (140 miles). Pro tip: if you're planning an RV road trip from Dell Rapids out to the Black Hills, filter for unlimited-mileage listings, since you'll easily clock 800+ miles round trip.
nps.gov/badl/index.htmWhere are the best campgrounds near Dell Rapids for an RV?
You're spoiled for choice. The City of Dell Rapids Campground sits right on the Big Sioux River with 29 sites, electric and water hookups, sewer at sites 16 to 29, and walking access to historic downtown (about $30 to $40 per night). Palisades State Park, 10 miles east near Garretson, offers two campgrounds (Queen and King) tucked among quartzite cliffs and Split Rock Creek. Big Sioux Recreation Area in Brandon (about 25 miles south) has shaded riverside sites. Newton Hills State Park to the south and Split Rock Creek State Park in Minnesota round out the list. Pro tip: South Dakota state parks book up to 90 days ahead on the GFP reservation site.
gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/palisades-state-park/When is the best time of year for an RV trip from Dell Rapids?
Late May through mid-September is prime time for RV camping in Dell Rapids, with average highs from 75°F to 84°F and long daylight hours for exploring. June is the rainiest month (about 3.3 inches), so July and August are slightly drier picks. Shoulder seasons (mid-May and September) bring cooler nights in the 40s and 50s, fewer crowds, and great deals on a motorhome rental in Dell Rapids. Winters are genuinely cold, with January lows around 8°F and snow on the ground, so most campgrounds close from late October through March. Pro tip: book Labor Day weekend early since Sioux Falls area campgrounds fill fast.
weather.gov/fsd/I've never driven an RV before. Will I be okay?
You'll do great, especially around Dell Rapids where roads are wide, flat, and far less stressful than coastal cities. Every RVezy host provides a hands-on orientation at pickup, walking you through driving, leveling, the propane system, hookups, the dump valves, and the awning before you leave the driveway. You can message the host beforehand with any questions, and 24/7 roadside assistance is built into every booking. The drive from Dell Rapids to nearby campgrounds like Palisades State Park is under 15 minutes on quiet two-lane roads, perfect for getting comfortable. Pro tip: take your first practice drive on Highway 77 north of town where traffic is light and shoulders are generous.
dot.sd.gov/What happens if I have a problem on the road?
You're never on your own. Every RV rental in Dell Rapids booked through RVezy includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the protection plan, covering needs like flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, fuel delivery, and towing. If something inside the RV acts up (a stuck slide-out, finicky water pump, or AC hiccup), message your host directly through the app since they know their rig best. RVezy's support team is also reachable through the Help Center. Sioux Falls is just 20 miles south on I-29 with major service centers if a part is needed. Pro tip: save the roadside number in your phone before you leave the driveway.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take my Dell Rapids RV rental across state lines or into Canada?
Yes to interstate travel, and that's part of what makes a Dell Rapids RV adventure so fun. South Dakota borders Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana, and your RVezy protection covers travel throughout the U.S. Popular cross-state routes include Pipestone National Monument (45 miles into Minnesota), Spirit Lake, Iowa (90 miles southeast), and the Black Hills out west. Cross-border travel into Canada depends on the host and the protection plan, so confirm directly with your host before booking. Travel to Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals. Pro tip: I-90 runs straight west from nearby Sioux Falls all the way to the Pacific.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityHow much should I budget for fuel?
Fuel is one of the most predictable parts of your budget. Most Class C motorhomes around Dell Rapids average 8 to 12 miles per gallon, Class B campervans 14 to 20 MPG, and travel trailers depend on your tow vehicle (usually 10 to 14 MPG combined). South Dakota gas prices typically run a bit below the national average, often $3.00 to $3.50 per gallon, with stations easy to find along I-29 and Highway 77. For a 400-mile round trip to the Black Hills in a Class C, plan on roughly $130 to $180 in fuel. Pro tip: fill up in Sioux Falls before heading west, since prices climb in smaller towns out past Chamberlain.
dot.sd.gov/How far in advance should I book a campground?
For South Dakota state parks near Dell Rapids, book 90 days out — that's exactly when the Game, Fish and Parks reservation window opens, and prime summer weekends at Palisades State Park and Big Sioux Recreation Area sell out within hours. The City of Dell Rapids Campground takes online reservations directly through the city's website and has a two-night minimum on weekends. Private parks like Tower Campground in Sioux Falls are usually bookable closer to your trip but still fill for July 4th and Sturgis week. Pro tip: if a state park weekend is full, check Sunday-through-Thursday availability since midweek often has openings even in peak summer.
gfp.sd.gov/reservations/What are the driving conditions like around Dell Rapids?
Driving around Dell Rapids is about as RV-friendly as it gets: flat to gently rolling prairie, wide lanes, and minimal traffic. I-29 runs just east of town with easy on-ramps, and Highway 77 connects you straight south to Sioux Falls. The real consideration here is wind: gusts over 30 mph are common across open prairie, especially in spring and fall, and crosswinds can push a tall rig around. Summer thunderstorms can pop up quickly, sometimes with hail. Winter brings snow, ice, and occasional blizzards from November through March. Pro tip: check the South Dakota 511 app before any drive, and pull over at a rest area if a storm cell is rolling through.
sd511.org/What amenities do campgrounds near Dell Rapids offer?
Most established campgrounds for RV camping in Dell Rapids come well-equipped. The City of Dell Rapids Campground offers 30-amp electric, water at each site, sewer hookups at sites 16 to 29, a modern shower house, fire rings with adjustable cooking grates, and a playground. Palisades State Park has electric sites, a bathhouse with showers, and potable water fill stations. Big Sioux Recreation Area provides electric hookups, a dump station, and shaded sites near the river. South Dakota state parks charge a daily $6 vehicle entrance fee on top of camping fees, or you can grab a $36 annual park pass. Pro tip: the dump station at the Dell Rapids campground is the easiest pre-departure stop in town.
gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/big-sioux-recreation-area/What's actually inside the RVs on RVezy?
More than you'd expect. Most RVs you'll find for rent in Dell Rapids come fully outfitted: a queen or king bed, bunk options for kids, a kitchen with a stove, fridge, microwave, and sink, a bathroom with shower and toilet, AC and furnace, a TV, and seatbelts for every traveler. Many hosts include kitchen kits, linens, outdoor chairs, and a generator for off-grid stops. Wi-Fi varies, though Verizon and T-Mobile coverage is generally strong in the Dell Rapids and Sioux Falls area. Each listing on RVezy shows exactly what's included plus photos of every interior corner. Pro tip: filter by Sleeps 6+ if you're planning a family RV trip in Dell Rapids.
fcc.gov/BroadbandData/MobileMaps/mobile-mapWhat add-ons can I get with my Dell Rapids RV rental?
Hosts offer all kinds of helpful extras to make your trip smoother. Common add-ons for a campervan rental in Dell Rapids or larger motorhome include delivery and setup, dump station service at return, generator use, bike racks, camping chairs, outdoor grills, linen and kitchen kits, and even pre-stocked firewood. Many hosts will also handle propane top-offs for a small fee. Pickup and dropoff are typically from the host's home base in or near Dell Rapids, usually between 1 PM and 11 AM the next morning. Mileage policies vary, with most hosts allowing 100 to 150 miles per night included. Pro tip: bundle delivery and dump station service if you want a totally hands-off experience.
cityofdellrapids.org/How does payment and the security deposit work?
Payment is simple and secure: you pay through RVezy at booking with a credit card, and your card is charged for the rental total, taxes, and your chosen protection plan. A separate security deposit hold is placed before pickup (typically $500 to $1,500 depending on the RV), and it's released after the trip once the rig is returned in good shape with the agreed mileage and a clean interior. To avoid any deposit issues, do a quick walk-around video at pickup and dropoff, dump tanks before return if required, and refill propane and fuel to the starting level. Pro tip: ask your host about their cleaning and dump policy during booking so there are zero surprises.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-works