Big Sioux Recreation Area

Big Sioux Recreation Area lies on the banks of South Dakota's Big Sioux River. Close to both the cities of Brandon and Sioux Falls, Big Sioux is an ideal place to camp when in the area for sporting events, hospital visits or conferences. Big Sioux is popular among campers, canoers, history buffs and archers. When the snow flies, groups of cross-country skiers and snowmobilers gather at the enclosed warming house.

History	Located 4 miles SW of Brandon off I-90, Exit 406 Location map (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.) DOT Road Report Open year-round Park entrance license required: $5/day/vehicle or $23 for an annual pass Camping & Fees: $12/non-electrical, $16/electrical site. 50 sites (43 electrical). One wheelchair accessible site. Seven tent-only sites. Showers. Water. Dump station. Camping Cabins: Two cabins, one accessible. Each sleep four people. $35/night. Reservations: (800) 710-2267 or www.CampSD.com. Up to 90 days prior to arrival. Campsites May to Sept. Cabins year-round. Group reservations available, open Nov. 1 for upcoming season. Recreation: Camping. Cabins. Archery trail, 14-point archery range. Paved, accessible hiking/biking trail. Canoe launch ramp. Cross-country skiing. Nine-hole disc golf course. Fishing. Game / equipment checkout. Historical interest. Accessible picnic shelter. Warming shelter. Playground. Snowmobile play area. Volleyball. GPS Adventure Trail. Snowshoe checkout. Fishing/Boating: Fishing in the Big Sioux River. License required. Park maps: PDF files. Require Adobe Acrobat Reader. - Campground Map. (3 pages, 143KB) - Disc golf course. (1 page, 29KB) - Trail map and guide. (6 pages, 197KB) - Walking map (1 page, 155KB) Big Sioux Recreation Area 410 Park St. Brandon, SD 57005 (605) 582-7243 Email: BigSioux@state.sd.us
The Big Sioux area was home to bands of American Indians. The river provided fish, clams and waterfowl, as well as transportation to the north and south. Trees for fuel and lodges were readily available and drinking water was abundant. A log house and storm cellar marks the original Ole Bergerson homestead. In 1868, Bergerson helped Ole Iverson, the area's first settler, build a dugout. The men wintered in the dugout and the following year, Bergerson built his own log home using hand-hewn cottonwood logs. Some of the trees in the park are among the oldest in the state.
Trails
Formed by the debris of melting glaciers, the hills bordering the Big Sioux River offer a variety of hiking areas. Acres of native grasses and wildflowers blend into native woods that provide bird watching, nature study or solitude. The park features over seven miles of trails, including opportunities for archery, biking, cross-country skiing, disc golf and hiking. Click here for a printable trail map and guide of the trails.
Canoeing
The Big Sioux River offers scenic vistas along its 390-mile course from northeast South Dakota to the Missouri River. This waterway, once used extensively by American Indians and fur traders, now offers an ideal setting for canoeing and kayaking. The river winds for nearly two miles through the heart of the park. Canoe launching facilities are available in the park. The free Big Sioux River Canoe/Kayak Map details the area from Sioux Falls to Fairview and is available at the park and local sports shops. Or, click here to download a copy and learn more about canoeing and kayaking opportunities in SD state parks.
Geocaching
Twin Teen Oaks N 43° 35.185 W096° 35.762 Prairie Patch N43° 34.823 W096° 36.254
Nearby Attractions
Palisades State Park, Beaver Creek Nature Area Devil's Gulch Historic Site, Split Rock Park, Garretson The Outdoor Campus, Sioux Falls Many more attractions in Sioux Falls More attractions and events can be found at www.TravelSD.com

Big Sioux Recreation Area

Formed by the debris of melting glaciers, the hills bordering the Big Sioux River offer a variety of hiking areas. Acres of native grasses and wildflowers blend into native woods that provide bird watching, nature study or solitude.

The park features over seven miles of trails, including opportunities for archery, biking, cross-country skiing, disc golf and hiking. Click here for a printable trail map and guide of the trails.