Camper submitted image from Palisades State Park Campground - 1

Camper submitted image from Palisades State Park Campground - 2

Camper submitted image from Palisades State Park Campground - 3

Water

Camper submitted image from Palisades State Park Campground - 4

People

Camper submitted image from Palisades State Park Campground - 5

Buildings

Established Camping

Palisades State Park Campground

25 Reviews

About

State Park

Suggest an Edit

Location

Palisades State Park Campground is located in South Dakota

Directions

In Southeastern South Dakota: 10 miles north of I-90, Brandon Exit 406.

Address

25495 485th Ave
Garretson, SD 57030

Coordinates

43.68800068 N
96.5200004 W

Open in Google Maps

The Dyrt Alerts

Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

Learn More

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Stay Connected

WiFi
Unknown
Verizon
Good
AT&T
Good
T-Mobile
Unknown

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Cabins
Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Pull-Through Sites
Big Rig Friendly

For information regarding reservations, contact this campground directly.

The Dyrt Alerts

Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

Learn More

Contact

General Info

N M.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 28, 2023

Quiet and quick

We stopped here for one night, site 29E. Really nice area except there was a bunch of wasps invading our space as there is some sort of fruit tree above. Nice space, so clean, lots of amenities. Park rangers stopped by to say hi. There is a train you can hear during the night. Almost all the sites were full, mostly RVs.

Site29e

Month of VisitOctober

Charlie B.

Traveler

Reviewed May. 20, 2023

Great spot close to Sioux Falls

We enjoyed our stay in site 10. It was a large site, though on a busy weekend the proximity of 7, 8 and 9 would be bothersome. They have RV/Camper sites, tent only and adorable camper cabins. We were very happy to stay somewhere without a fire ban. The park is also close to Split Rock Park and Devils Gulch. There is plenty of hiking and it is only about 30 min from Sioux Falls. Overall, after looking around, I think 20 would have been the best tent site.

Site10

Month of VisitJune

Joe R.

Legend

Reviewed Jul. 25, 2022

Well Shaded Park

We happened upon this park during the 50th anniversary of the park so there were lots of park events happening. This is a very clean and well maintained park. We tent camp so much of my observations are geared for the tent camper. We stayed at site 34E, a long but narrow and slanted site. We were lucky to find some awkward somewhat flat place for our two tents. This site would be just fine for RV camping but I’d steer clear for tent camping. I’d estimate that 50% of the sites are flat and suitable for tents.
Here are some key take aways from our 3 night stay in late July 2022. -clean and well maintained park

fair wireless service for Verizon
well placed and clean shower / restroom houses
nice playgrounds
great options on the park for paddle boarding, kayaking, water play as well as additional options at near by Devil’s Gultch and Split Rock parks.
Very well shaded park
Grocery store less than 10 min away.
Mosquitos weren’t a problem during out stay with a little bug spray prevention.
Nice aluminum picnic tables at all sites. Standard fire pits with grilling attachments.
employees will enforce local approved fire wood use

Negatives:

lots of biting flies
if you like private sites this isn’t for you

The interesting:

this is easily the most heavily staffed state park I’ve ever stayed at. If you like a constant park employee presence you’ll like it. I found it to be excessive however. During a 30 min time period we counted 8 employee vehicles to two park visitors driving by. It seemed to create unnecessary road traffic and noise at times. Park employees walk the park on foot in the dark at the 11pm to enforce quite time. There aren’t going to be any site reservation mix ups there either. Park employees constantly check sites and make sure reservations are correct. The camp host was very nice and makes the round frequently.

Site34E

Month of VisitAugust

(5) View All

Ivana B.

Traveler

Reviewed Oct. 24, 2021

Very nice and clean

We stayed there for only 1 night in a tent. It was very nice, a lot of people. We stayed there towards the end of October so they had heaters in the bathrooms. Nice, clean and big showers. The staff was very helpful and friendly. You can hear the train yes, but its not too bed. Would stay there again. For tent site 10 is really nice and big.

Site10

Month of VisitNovember

Emilia

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 26, 2021

Beautiful but loud

The campsite was easy to find and close to the town of Garretson. There was a small grocery store there. We only stayed one night on our way West, the sites were nice and grassy with mixed sun and shade. It’s been a dry year so the mosquitos were minimal. We explored split rock creek which is a5 minute walk from the campsite- very beautiful rock formations and an old walking bridge built in 1908. Pictures don’t do the rocks justice, they are beautiful! However, the water was very brown and murky, smelled suspiciously like manure. We saw some people swimming but opted not to because of the color and smell of the water. We did see many large fish in the creek. There were also nice picnic areas on the creek with tables and fire pits. Last issue with the campsite was the noise. The night started out quiet with lots of insect sounds, which are loud but so great when you are camping! The unexpected noises were trains passing by (sounded super close in the middle of the night), planes flying overhead, and cars driving by. This is of course not the fault of the park but the surrounding area…still wouldn’t recommend a long quiet camping trip here if you want to escape the everyday sounds of humans. Overall a very sweet campground, good bathrooms and showers. Staff was very friendly and helpful.

Site11E

Month of VisitSeptember

(5) View All

Inez W.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 25, 2021

Wish we could have stayed longer

Stayed here for an overnight on a cross country trip. It's a beautiful park that was only about half full. We had a big campsite and the entire tent area mostly to ourselves. They was one other party six sites up from us.

Our site wasn't the most level but it worked. I would probably pick a slightly higher number or one with electric even if we didn't need it because they're more level.

Being from out of the region, we were surprised by the number of earwigs, but that's nature, right?

We definitely want to make our way back here for a longer stay.

Site22

Month of VisitSeptember

Christoph R.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 29, 2020

Beautiful campground

Nicely shaded with lots of trees and hiking opportunities.

Sarah W.

Ranger

Reviewed Aug. 31, 2020

Hole in the park

We stayed here the beginning of August as a place to rest on our way west. It was surprising how nice it was.

Aside from the amenities (showers, toilet, hiking trails) this place was exceeding my expectations.

The canyon was beautiful and you could swim there to cool down. I’d recommend water shoes at the water was super shallow.

That said, this is near many farms, so the water was a bit bubbly... I’m still alive.

Kristen L.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 23, 2020

Beautiful, quiet, fun to explore

Had a great time here with our kids! The park is beautiful, clean, and easy to navigate. And you’re close enough to Sioux Falls to explore that area too.

If you can choose, get site 14E! Felt like we had a backyard and our own private woods. Haha. Hope we get to go back!

Sarah V.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 18, 2020

Adorable and quiet

We stayed here on our way out to Yellowstone from Chicago and again on our way back. It’s quiet and well-kept, very clean. The sites are well-spaced and very wooded. Lots of nice short hikes for the kids. Beautiful rock formations to explore. I highly recommend this place!

(5) View All

Wilanrie B.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 17, 2020

Perfect Get Away Spot

We were at camp spot 12E it was very nice! The bathrooms and showers were okay and the people were very nice. It was my first time ever pulling and backing up a camper and I was struggling and one of the park rangers came and helped me. It has very pretty views and I definitely recommend going there for a weekend!

(7) View All

Jay K.

Traveler

Reviewed May. 23, 2020

Babbling brook

Nice clean and very quiet midweek camping. There is a little creek that ran next to our camp it was very enjoyable.

(4) View All

Clarke N.

Guide

Reviewed May. 11, 2020

Beautiful!

Very nice campground with big sites. This area is very nice for hiking and pretty sure swimming and kayaking. We were there early spring so water was to cold to swim.

Jessica B.

Scout

Reviewed Oct. 1, 2019

Gorgeous

I love this park for both it's camping and hiking. Stunning quartzite formations make for some great climbing. It's a really small park which is both good and bad. The trails aren't very long, but it's not usually overcrowded.

Scott N.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 27, 2019

Quiet and peaceful

Quiet campground. Nice hiking along the rock formations. Good stop along the way if traveling west or east.

Lee D.

Legend

Reviewed Jul. 26, 2019

Nice stay in a state park

We passed through Palisades State Park earlier this year and spent some time in the day-use area so we knew it was a good place to camp as we passed through South Dakota on another trip. One main (clean) bathhouse with two showers plus two pit toilets for those camping farther away on the loop. A mix of cabins, tent, and electric sites. Lots of trees. LONG driveways and some sites (such as 34E) are very large. The website allows you to view sites, so you know in advance what to expect. Nice walking trails and picnic areas.

Site34E

Month of VisitAugust

(4) View All

Katrin M.

Legend

Reviewed Jul. 7, 2019

A very nice getaway!

We camped here over the weekend with our dogs. The campground is within 10 miles off of I90.

The park is not very big so there are not many campsites. Some have electric hook up, others are just for tent camping. All of them provide a picnic table and a fire pit. They also have little log cabins. We stayed at campsite 6 which was a very good spot. Some of the other sites seemed very close together without much privacy or shade.

The park staff (rangers, camp host and volunteers) was extremely friendly. They always made sure that we had everything we needed. The rangers also offer different programs on the weekend like learning about geocaching or how to make campfire desserts.

There is one bathhouse for the entire campground. It seemed a little old but got cleaned daily. There are also several vault toilets around the area. From the campground you have access to the water. There are also several short hiking trails from where you can see the rock formations.

It was just a very short ride to the Devils Gulch (Jesse James historical site) or Split Rock Park. There is also a Dollar General close by. We would definitely recommend the campground.

(14) View All

Darby A.

Scout

Reviewed May. 9, 2019

Great area

Beautiful stone pillars. Great area to camp in.

Month of VisitAugust

Jennifer S.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 14, 2018

Pocket of Quiet Beauty

This is a sweet little tucked away oasis near Sioux Falls featuring trails, bluffs and climbing options. Great views and clean camp sites.

Month of VisitOctober

Rebecca S.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 11, 2018

very fun spot!

visited here with my sister and our families. lots of fun places to swim and beautiful rock scenery!

(6) View All

Miranda M.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 7, 2018

Beautiful quiet park to camp

This local spot is an unexpected beautiful spot in the landscape. The amenities are limited but its refreshing

Angela K.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 27, 2018

Nice Place

A nice and quiet place with reasonable prices.There was quite a few bugs though so make sure to bring your repelent.

Cate S.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 12, 2017

Great place, close to neighbors!

Palisades is a great state park! Everyone there was so friendly and informative-- you can tell they really enjoy where they work. The park itself is beautiful! The only downside was how close the tent campsites were to each other. I would have liked a little more privacy and better views, but the sites were well kept!

Site10

Month of VisitOctober

(4) View All

Janet P.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 14, 2017

Beautiful Park

This was a one night stop over before we continued on. We were sad to only be there for 12 or so hours. The park is very well kept. The bathroom and shower house was remarkably clean and updated. The park does seem to offer handicap accessible sites and bathroom/shower facilities. The playground was very updated and entertained my 7 year old. The hiking paths looked amazing, but sadly we didn't have time to hike much. We will be planning a trip to go back and fully experience all that they have. A local told us at the gas station the many historical things they have in town, specifically sites that are related to Jesse James.

Site12E

Month of VisitAugust

Ashley E.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 30, 2016

Amazing Hiking Trails

Great hiking area. Not ideal water for kayaking through. Beautiful views!

(4) View All