Campground Introduce
Welcome to the City Park & Campground in Lake Preston, South Dakota, a highly-regarded destination that consistently earns praise for its exceptional upkeep and welcoming atmosphere. For South Dakota locals seeking a comfortable, clean, and enjoyable outdoor experience, this campground stands out as a true gem. Situated near the picturesque Lake Thompson, it offers a refreshing escape where the beauty of the water meets the convenience of well-maintained facilities. Guests consistently highlight its pristine condition and the quality of its utilities, making it a reliable choice for both seasoned campers and families venturing into the outdoors. Whether you're planning a weekend fishing trip, a family vacation filled with swimming and relaxation, or simply a peaceful retreat by the water, the Lake Preston City Park & Campground provides a fantastic setting to create lasting memories in the heart of South Dakota.
The Lake Preston City Park & Campground is conveniently located in Lake Preston, SD 57249, USA. This address places it squarely within the charming town of Lake Preston in Kingsbury County, in the east-central part of South Dakota. The campground is situated by Thorsnes Park, specifically off Park Ave. S., ensuring it's an integrated part of the community while offering a serene natural environment. Its prime location places it within close proximity to Lake Thompson, a prominent feature of the area known for its recreational opportunities. Lake Preston itself is easily accessible via U.S. Highway 14, a major east-west route that connects to various parts of South Dakota. For locals traveling from larger cities like Sioux Falls or Watertown, the drive is straightforward and scenic. The campground's integration with a city park means that guests benefit from local amenities being within walking distance, such as a community pool and playground, adding to the convenience and family-friendliness of the location. This blend of lakeside tranquility and town accessibility makes it a practical and appealing choice for South Dakota residents looking for a hassle-free camping trip.
The Lake Preston City Park & Campground offers a range of well-maintained services designed to provide a comfortable and convenient camping experience for all visitors. These amenities are frequently praised by guests, contributing to its reputation as a top-tier campground in the region.
- 17 Campsites: The campground features 17 designated sites, providing a good number of options for campers.
- Electrical Hookups: Each camping spot is equipped with electrical hookups, accommodating RVs and trailers, ensuring power for your devices and appliances.
- Sewer Dump Station: A convenient sewer dump facility is available on-site for RV wastewater disposal.
- Water Fill Station: Potable water is accessible for filling tanks, ensuring campers have a fresh water supply.
- New Safe Room/Restroom Facility: The campground boasts a new, modern safe room/restroom facility that provides clean amenities, including showers. This feature is a significant upgrade for camper comfort.
- Community Pool Access: The municipal pool is within walking distance of the campground, offering a refreshing option for swimming and recreation during warmer months.
- Playground Access: A playground is also conveniently located within walking distance, providing entertainment for children.
- Quiet Getaway: The campground is designed to be a "quiet getaway," fostering a peaceful environment for relaxation.
- Spacious Sites: Campsites are noted for being "nice" and providing adequate space, so "you didn't feel like you were on top of your neighbor."
These services ensure a well-equipped and enjoyable stay for families and individuals alike.
The Lake Preston City Park & Campground stands out with several key features and highlights that make it a highly desirable destination for campers in South Dakota. These attributes contribute to its excellent reputation and the positive experiences reported by visitors.
- Exceptional Cleanliness and Maintenance: A recurring highlight from reviews is that the campground is "very well kept" and the "cleanest Campground in SD." This commitment to cleanliness extends to the utilities and facilities, ensuring a pleasant stay for all.
- Quality Utilities: Campers consistently appreciate the "nice" utilities, implying reliable electrical hookups, water, and sewage disposal, which are crucial for a comfortable RV or tent camping experience.
- Enjoyable Lake Access: The campground's proximity to Lake Thompson is a significant draw. Guests describe the lake as "enjoyable," highlighting opportunities for various water activities, including fishing, boating, and swimming.
- Nice Beach Area: The presence of a "pretty nice" beach provides a dedicated space for sunbathing, sandcastle building, and enjoying the lakeside environment. While some may note the occasional presence of pets on the beach, the overall quality remains high.
- Spacious and Non-Crowded Campsites: Despite being a city campground, the sites are described as "nice" and offering enough space so that campers "didn't feel like you were on top of your neighbor," providing a sense of privacy and openness.
- Strategic Location: Being part of a city park means convenient access to nearby amenities like a public pool and playground, enriching the family camping experience beyond just the campsite itself.
- Varying Shade Levels: While some parts offer more shade than others, this can also be a highlight, allowing campers to choose sites based on their preference for sun or shade throughout the day.
- Proximity to Local Attractions: Lake Preston is strategically located near other area attractions, including the famous Laura Ingalls Wilder Homestead in De Smet, offering historical and cultural enrichment alongside outdoor recreation.
These features collectively ensure a well-rounded, comfortable, and highly enjoyable camping experience at Lake Preston.
For inquiries and reservations at the Lake Preston City Park & Campground, please use the following contact information:
Address: Lake Preston, SD 57249, USA
Phone: (605) 847-4140 (Lake Preston City Finance Office)
Reservations for campsites can typically be made by contacting the City Finance Office. It is advisable to call in advance, especially during peak season, to check availability and make a booking.
For South Dakota locals, the Lake Preston City Park & Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination for a myriad of reasons. Firstly, its reputation as being "very well kept" and one of the "cleanest Campground in SD" resonates deeply with South Dakotans who value well-maintained public spaces. Knowing they can expect clean utilities, restrooms, and a generally pristine environment makes choosing this campground a confident decision for a relaxing getaway. The spacious campsites ensure that locals can enjoy their outdoor time without feeling crowded, fostering the sense of peace and connection with nature that many seek. Its prime location on Lake Thompson offers immediate access to beloved South Dakota pastimes like fishing, boating, and swimming in an "enjoyable" lake, providing endless opportunities for summer fun. The presence of a nice beach, while acknowledging that some may bring pets, still offers a fantastic spot for families to relax by the water. Furthermore, the convenience of having a pool and playground within walking distance is a huge plus for local families with children, adding significant value to their camping experience without needing to drive elsewhere. The balance of a tranquil lakeside setting with the accessibility of town amenities makes it an incredibly practical choice. Whether it's a spontaneous weekend trip or a planned family vacation, the Lake Preston City Park & Campground provides a reliable, enjoyable, and genuinely local South Dakota camping experience that encourages return visits.
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This campground is very well kept. The utilities were nice. The lake was enjoyable, unlike some. The beach was pretty nice, people were bringing their dogs and pets on the beach which I didn't like. But other than that the campground was. The camp spots were nice and you didn't feel like you were on top of your neighbor. Some parts of the campground had more shade than others which may be a turn off for some, and the bugs are kind of bad. But all in all, a very nice place.
Jun 02, 2023 · Greyson LeinsPrettiest lake and cleanest Campground in SD
Aug 10, 2023 · Karen BurrellHad a great time
May 22, 2022 · Kelly JohnsonThis is an awesome campground! Make sure to get a site along the lakes edge! Awesome view! Very cleaned up and well kept after! Recommend!
Jul 07, 2025 · K Z- Jul 25, 2022 · Diana vianey Pineda Chavarria
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