Consider South Dakota Parks for Your Event
Meetings ~ Weddings ~ Reunions ~ Retreats

The South Dakota state parks make great places to gather your group, whether for a family reunion, class reunion, company picnic, wedding or other special event. Use this page to help find the perfect site for your next get-together.
A one-day event
If the event you’re planning will take place on one day, almost any park will work great. Almost all of the state parks and recreation areas have picnic areas with multiple tables and shelters to accommodate your group. The picnic shelter reservation fee is $11 per day. Parks with a large number of picnic shelters include: Newton Hills (5) Lewis and Clark (8) Oahe Downstream (5) Okobojo Point (6) Pierson Ranch (4) In addition, the picnic shelters at Fort Sisseton and Pierson Ranch have kitchenette facilities available to rent. Rental fee at Pierson Ranch is $50. Fort Sissteon is running a special—rent the shelter and the kitchenette for just $11!
An extended stay
When the gathering is too big to fit into the space of one day, you might want to consider spending the night. The South Dakota state parks have several overnight options for all the members of your group. Group campsites can be reserved at 28 state parks and recreation areas. To qualify as a group, a minimum of 10 sites must be reserved. Camping cabins and picnic shelters may be reserved with your group reservation in some parks. Regular per site camping fees apply. At Custer, group camping takes place in separate areas and a $3/person per night fee applies ($60 minimum). Group campsites can be reserved beginning Nov. 1 for the upcoming reservation season through the reservation call center at 1-800-710-CAMP (2267). A number of parks across the state offer camping cabins for a cozy stay. The one-room cabins sleep four (six at Fort Sisseton) and have electricity, heating and air conditioning. Or, reserve one of the group lodges found in three parks– Lake Thompson, Mina Lake, and Shadehill. The cabins and lodges also provide a great base for your get-together. Use the cabin to store your recreation equipment or use the lodge’s kitchen to prepare meals or keep refreshments cold.
Choose your fun
Many state parks offer a variety of outdoor recreation, from swimming to biking to archery. Find the park that offers the recreation that fits your group’s needs. Several parks also have recreational equipment available for rent or for checkout, including canoes, horseshoes, volleyballs and more.
Additional facilities
Several parks offer additional facilities to help make your special event complete. 20' x 20' canopy tent available at Newton Hills and Union Grove state parks, call (605) 987-2263. The historic south barracks at Fort Sisseton features a kitchen, tables and chairs for 400, and a stage with lighting and sound systems. Also, a 40' x 100' tent is available, call (605) 448-5701. Concessionaires are located in several parks, offering lodging, groceries, bait and other services.
Park entrance licenses
Vehicles entering parks designated as fee areas need to have a valid park entrance license. Both daily and annual passes can be purchased at the entrance station, online, or at your local park office. You could also apply for a special event license, which allows the planner to purchase one-time entrance licenses ahead of time. Most parks require at least six weeks before arrival to make arrangements. Contact the individual park office for more information and to apply. Resident non-profit youth groups may be eligible for free entrance; contact the park in advance for more information.

Consider South Dakota Parks for Your Event Meetings ~ Weddings ~ Reunions ~ Retreats

Consider South Dakota Parks for Your Event
Meetings ~ Weddings ~ Reunions ~ Retreats