Palisades State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Palisades State Park is located just south of Garretson in South Dakota. It lies on the Coteau des Prairies, a plateau on the northern Great Plains. Measuring only 157 acres, it’s the state’s second-smallest state park, yet that doesn’t stop hordes of visitors flocking here each year. Despite its size, the state park is one of the most fascinating areas within the region, containing Split Rock Creek, scenic overlooks, and the 1.2 billion years old Sioux Quartzite rocks, which are up to 50 feet high. Thanks to these quartzite rock cliffs and spires, Palisades State Park is known as one of the best rock-climbing destinations within the state. Visitors can also enjoy other outdoor activities here, including hiking, picnicking, camping, fishing, canoeing, and more.
Wildlife viewing brings plenty of opportunities to see species such as deer, beavers, squirrels, elk, porcupine, coyote, rabbits, and over 300 species of birds, which enjoy the region’s moderate climate. Summer can see temperatures as high as 84°F, while winter can fall to just 7°F. If you’re planning on visiting Palisades, you’ll want to come prepared. Keep reading for information about campgrounds, in-park activities, how to get here, and more.
Spring 24°F - 69°F
Summer 58°F - 84°F
Fall 24°F - 74°F
Winter 7°F - 29°F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Palisades State Park
While the park’s unique beauty draws visitors to the region, it is also the camping opportunities in and around Palisades State Park that have people flocking here.
If you’d like to travel with a cosy bed, fully-stocked kitchen, and private bathroom, we recommend visiting this stunning place in an RV. If you don’t own one, you can easily rent an RV fromRVshare.com to suit your budget and needs. All rentals come with nationwide insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance, and a world-class team dedicated to helping you succeed.
Palisades has a campground containing a mix of tent-only and trailer / RV sites, some of which have electric hookups. These 34 seasonal campsites are available from May to October, starting at $17 per night. There are also many campgrounds and RV parks located outside of the state park, including the following:
Sioux Falls KOA Journey
Just a 20-minute drive from the state park is theSioux Falls KOA Journey, which features lush grass campsites, pet-friendly facilities, and enough on-site activities to keep adults and children entertained for days. The maximum pull-thru length is 100 feet, so the sites can accommodate larger motorhomes too.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: swimming pool, basketball court, mini golf, bike rental, pavilion, laundry facility, game room, children's play area, dog park, cable TV, firewood for purchase, toilets, showers, dump station.
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park of Sioux Falls
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park of Sioux Falls is the ultimate RV camping destination if you’re traveling with children. It has been operating for over 20 years and is known for offering some of the best family camping and entertainment in the Sioux Falls area. Rates start at $40 per night.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: heated swimming pool, spa, two playgrounds, jumping pillow, corn maze, pedal cart and golf cart rental, indoor theatre, mini golf, sports courts, general store, gift shop, camping supplies, laundry facilities, dump station, restrooms, showers, picnic area.
Pipestone RV Campground
Just over a half-an-hour’s drive from the state park (across the Minnesota border) isPipestone RV Campground, which is located very close to Pipestone National Monument. Open from May 1st to October 1st, this family-friendly campground has lots of amenities to keep everyone comfortable and entertained. Rates range from $17 - $42 per night.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: dump station, laundry facilities, heated outdoor pool, 18-hole mini golf, pavilion, camp kitchen, camp store, playground, fire pits, sports courts, toilets, showers.
What to Do at
Palisades State Park
Inside Palisades State Park
With its unique rock formations, scenic overlooks, and tranquil creek, you won’t be bored during your time here at Palisades. From hiking and rock-climbing, to water activities such as fishing and canoeing – there’s plenty to do within the state park.
Hiking : Hikers have their choice of four trails that range from 0.2 to 1.5 miles in length. These include the Balancing Rock Trail, King and Queen Rock Trail, South Wall Trail, and Split Rock Creek Trail. View a hiking map and guidehere.
Fishing : Split Rock Creek allows visitors to partake in fly fishing, shore fishing, and fishing from a kayak or canoe. Anglers can expect to catch species such as northern pike, white crappie channel catfish, largemouth bass and walleye. If you don’t have your own fishing equipment, it can be rented from within the state park.
Canoeing and kayaking : Along Split Rock Creek, on the east side of the park, provides visitors with ample opportunities to enjoy canoeing or kayaking. You’ll love seeing points of interest (such as the historic bridge or Sioux Quartzite rocks) from the water. Just be wary of falling rocks near the cliff edges and circular currents.
Rock-climbing : The cliffs and formations at Palisades are used by rock climbers to practice their scaling and rappelling techniques. Some of the best climbs in the park include Balancing Rock, King and Queen Rock, and South Wall. Just keep in mind the park prohibits drilling, bolting or altering the rocks in any way.
Outside Palisades State Park
If you thought there was plenty to do inside of the park, then you’ll be surprised by just how many experiences are on offer outside of the park too. Palisades is surrounded by breath-taking locations and is just 20 miles from Sioux Falls, the most populous city in South Dakota.
Restaurants
Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews
As the most popular restaurant within the region, you can’t miss a meal atSickies Garage Burgers & Brews. They have a rotating selection of over 50 local craft, domestic, and import brews. You’ll also find over 50 combinations of creative burger flavors to get your tastebuds tingling.
Type: Burger / bar
Location: Sioux Falls, SD
Fryn' Pan Family Restaurant
Thislocal chain restaurant serves all-day breakfast and homestyle American dishes in a casual atmosphere. You’ll find a popular soup and salad bar, as well as gluten-free options, and favorites such as burgers, pasta, sirloin steak, and more.
Type: American restaurant / 24-hour breakfast
Location: Sioux Falls, SD
Giliberto's
Craving some mouth-watering Mexican food?Gilberto’s is open 24 hours and serves favorites such as tacos, burritos, nachos, and more. It’s only a 30-minute drive from the state park too, so you’re never far from a hearty, delicious meal.
Type: Mexican
Location: Sioux Falls, SD
Sightseeing
World's Only Corn Palace
TheWorld's Only Corn Palace is a quirky roadside attraction featuring corn murals. It’s also the home of industrial exhibits, dances, stage shows, meetings, banquets, proms, graduations, and basketball games.
Location: Mitchell, SD
Butterfly House & Aquarium
If you fancy seeing wildlife of a different kind, then theButterfly House & Aquarium is a great stopover the whole family can enjoy. It features hundreds of active butterflies, along with sea life displays and a touch pool. Admission ranges from $9 - $12. Children two and under are free.
Location: Sioux Falls, SD
Great Bear Ski Valley
Regardless of the season, there’s always something to do atGreat Bear Ski Valley. The ski area features downhill and cross-country trails, as well as a tubing park. There are also over 220 acres of natural splendour, including 4 miles of hiking trails, just waiting to be discovered.
Location: Sioux Falls, SD
How to Get to
Palisades State Park
The state park is located 20 miles south-west of Sioux Falls. Get on I-229 N from W 11th St and E 10th St, then follow I-229 N and I-90 E to 486th Ave in Red Rock Township. Take exit 410 from I-90 E and continue on 486th Ave. Drive to 485th Ave in Palisade Township and look for the park’s entry sign.
Entering Palisades State Park
There is a daily fee of $6 per vehicle.
We’re very excited that you’re planning a trip to Palisades State Park. Once you’ve finished exploring all that the park has to offer, there are also some incredible opportunities waiting for you outside of its gates! During or after your stay, we encourage you to tag us in any of your social media posts, or why not share your photos and experience with us at [email protected]? We may even feature your story on our blog or social media channels. Happy camping!