Labor Day Camping Reservations Still Available in S.D. State Parks

PIERRE, S.D. – Game, Fish and Parks officials are reminding campers planning an outdoor holiday for the Labor Day Weekend that there is still time to make reservations.

“With Labor Day Weekend just around the corner, many campers have already made their reservations, but there are still some parks with campsites available," said Doug Hofer, state parks director.

Those state parks and recreation areas with at least ten campsites available as of Monday, Aug. 20 include:

Angostura Recreation Area near Hot Springs

Cow Creek Recreation Area near Pierre

Custer State Park near Custer

Farm Island Recreation Area near Pierre

Indian Creek Recreation Area near Mobridge

Lake Louise Recreation Area near Miller

Oahe Downstream Recreation Area near Ft. Pierre

Platte Creek Recreation Area near Platte

Rocky Point Recreation Area near Belle Fourche

Roy Lake State Park near Lake City

West Bend Recreation Area near Pierre

West Whitlock Recreation Area near Gettysburg

In addition, the following state parks and recreation areas had at least five campsites available as of Monday, Aug. 20: Hartford Beach, Lake Thompson, Lewis and Clark, Pickerel Lake, Lake Vermillion, Snake Creek and Fisher Grove.

A current list of available sites can be found online at www.CampSD.com. Reservations for the weekend can be made until 12 noon on Thursday, Aug. 30, through www.CampSD.com or by calling 1-800-710-CAMP (2267). All sites not reserved become available on a first-come, first-served basis on Friday, Aug. 31.

In addition, a number of campgrounds offer all sites as first-come, first-served. These include:

·        Burke Lake Recreation Area

·        Lake Hiddenwood Recreation Area

·        Little Moreau Recreation Area

·        North Wheeler Recreation Area

·        Okobojo Point Recreation Area

·        Swan Creek Recreation Area

·        West Pollock Recreation Area

The following parks have a portion of sites available on a first-come basis:

·        Buryanek Recreation Area

·        Cow Creek Recreation Area

·        Lake Louise Recreation Area

·        Lewis and Clark Recreation Area

·        Custer State Park  - Center Lake Lower Loop, French Creek Horse Camp and Stockade Lake South

Campers should also be informed about any campfire bans in place. For current restrictions, please contact the individual park office directly.

After the Labor Day weekend, sites at most parks become available first-come, first-served, but a number of parks do accept autumn reservations. Reservations for arrival dates through Oct. 7 are accepted at Big Sioux, Custer, Lewis & Clark, Newton Hills, Palisades and Snake Creek.

For more information on South Dakota State Parks and recreation areas, visit www.SDparks.info or call (605) 773-3391.

-GFP-