Big Sioux Recreation Area

This is one of the best places I’ve stayed. Worth every penny and it’s not that expensive, most state parks are in the $30-40 range so it’s very reasonable. It was a planned two night stay but 100 degrees and 50 mph winds in the badlands caused us to extend our stay here in Sioux Falls 2 extra days. The park was very clean, well maintained, friendly and helpful staff, level sites that were very well spaced and shaded. The bike path in Sioux Falls is wonderful and we did a 45 minutes drive up to Pipestone NHS. I was very impressed and the stark difference between this park and Pulpit Rock in Decorah IA is notable.

We really enjoyed our stay here. Even though the sites are electric only (50 amp), the showers were very modern and clean so we used them daily. The sites are huge with lots of space between each site and lots of grass. The sites are almost all in the shade which was also a plus considering it was hot in July. Those with satellite dishes may have problems. There's a very large grassy field in the center of the main loop, a long walk/bike path through the park, and a Frisbee Golf course. Even though the park is along the Big Sioux River, there's no easy access to the river as it's down a steep embankment. We love places where our dogs can get wet to cool off, but we were rarely able to take advantage of that here. The nearby town of Brandon has most things you could need, but if not it's only a little further to Sioux Falls which has everything else. We had strong AT&T and Verizon signal throughout the park. We wanted to stay longer, but the campground was sold out every weekend so we could only stay during weekdays when it was half empty. We purchased a South Dakota State Park Pass when visiting Custer State Park the week before, so we didn't have to pay the $6 daily park entry fee here. The large campsites, peaceful surroundings, and large clean showers were the big draws for us. If they had water at each site we'd rate it even higher. There's fresh water at the dump station near the entrance, and at two or three spigots around the park. We'd definitely return.

We needed a place for 1 night around Sioux Falls and this place fit the bill, Friendly staff and easy access to water and dump station right as you come in. I only gave it 4 stars on cleanliness because the fire pit was full of trash when we arrived. But every other aspect of the park was clean and nice

We agree with prior reviews, this place is a gem! Enjoyed plenty of bike, hike and horse trails during our stay, and they’re working hard to alleviate high water problems. But, the showers! Big, clean, commercial tile and fixtures, privacy, great water temps and pressure. We went even when we didn’t need to. All campgrounds should use these as a model of how to do showers right. Verizon service was adequate at 2 bars, and AT&T with 3. Sites are large, plenty of shade...close to services. Quiet and dark (at night) during our stay. Would have liked to stay longer...

A nice place to spend the night on our way from Minneapolis to Rapid City. Other reviewers nailed it regarding site cleanliness, size and great restrooms!
We did have to buy 2 vehicle passes at $6 for each day. Since we’re going to be in South Dakota state parks for a week we purchased 2 year-long passes. You buy the first for $30 and get the second for half price = $45.

We have stayed at this park several times this past year. They had flooding issues most of the year and many of the trails were closed due to high water. Services are 30/50 amp electric. You can fill up with fresh water at the dump station, The bathrooms are clean and showers have hot water. There are many nice walking/hiking trails. We especially enjoyed hiking the Valley of the Giants trail this visit. There are lots of OTA TV stations to choose from. As with all SD State Parks, you need to pay for a vehicle pass which is $6 per day or $30 for the annual pass. As of 1/1/2020, the sites and vehicle passes are be going up, but still a great deal. This location is very convenient to Sioux Falls and that is why we stay here!

Really nice campground, wide spacious sites, lots of trees, bathrooms/showers were very clean, staff patrolled the area and was very friendly, bike trails. Not too far from downtown Sioux Falls. 50A, no water/sewer. Site 30E had DISH coverage.

Nice campground. There’s a non-resident fee and they also charge $8 entry to the park whether you have a site or not. If you do a lot in SD you can buy an annual state park pass. 3 tent sites near playground are not drive up but the parking area is very close.

Super happy with the size of the sites and it made it easy to socially distance from neighbors and enjoy outside. Our site (30E) had nice view of the grassy field. We drove right in to avoid staff interaction but they did approach us at the site to verify we the $8 vehicle license. I recommend they add that fee to campground booking system so stay can be truly contactless. Only downside is that we found a tick on our dog a few hours after leaving at a gas stop. Unclear if it came from this site or not but he was near the tall grass.

Just passing through on our way north. New showers/bathrooms are nice. There’s an $8 entry fee into park and a $7.70 Non-Resident free (two nights = $34 p/night). Green campground with lots of trees and grass. Cell service is poor but that’s T-Mobile for ya. Near Sioux Falls. Weather is beautiful especially when coming out of Texas and Missouri.