Great view of Lake Thompson, and location convenient to the DeSmet area. Lots of lilacs in bloom. Nice path for jogging. As far as I could tell, only pit toilets were available, and they were not disgusting but not very clean, either. Pleasant grassy sites with asphalt pads. Very quiet except for the wind off the lake. Good campground for the price! We camped here in a Motorhome.
This is a terrific park near De Smet, SD. The sites are fairly large and angled for easy in and out, many are near the lake and beach. We didn't see any pull-thru's. We had site #18 with 50 amp electric, a deep double wide gravel drive and a beautiful view of the lake for only $14 a night; we have a 30 ft class A. Many of the sites are a bit sloped and many only have small trees but these are very minor negatives to what is overall a fantastic park. The bathhouses were in great shape and very clean (the whole park was very, very clean), the showers had plenty of hot water and places to put your stuff. There is a nice walking trail, boat launch, fish cleaning station and easily accessed double dump set-up with potable water. They also have cabins with decks and good proximity to the water. The camp hosts and ranger were extremely helpful during bad weather. When the area went under tornado watch and then warning they went around and advised campers of the weather threat and they opened the camp lodge (it has a basement) for shelter if needed. The staff at many places would not make the effort. De Smet is a nice little town, we really enjoyed the tours of the Surveyor's house and the Ingalls' house made famous by the Laura Ingalls Wilder Little House books. We camped here in a Motorhome.
We loved this place! We lucked into a site for the weekend (usually summer weekends are
booked, so reserve early) and it was great. Large, open sites, some with lake view. Lake Thompson is 18 miles long - has a swimming area and boat ramp and a nice beach area. Bathhouses were free and immaculate, although busy on the weekends. By Sunday afternoon the place was deserted. Playground for the kids, paved roads for biking, quiet and safe. Friendly hosts and office staff. Would highly recommend for an overnight or extended stay. We camped here in a Travel Trailer.