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campground

Big Stone American Legion & Campground

14521 485th Ave, Big Stone City, SD 57216, USA

Introduce

🏆 Introduction / Overview: Community, Hospitality, and the Lake Life
For South Dakota residents, especially those in the northeastern corner of the state, the **Big Stone American Legion & Campground** offers a unique local experience that perfectly blends community spirit with lakeside recreation. Located right in Big Stone City, this establishment is more than just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it is a vital local hub—the home of American Legion Post 229—that actively serves veterans and fosters a friendly atmosphere for the entire community.

The dual nature of the facility—combining the Post with a campground—makes it a truly distinct destination. The American Legion hall component is highly praised for its **"Polite, friendly atmosphere"** and its capability to host large gatherings, as noted by a reviewer who held a successful 80th birthday party there. It is known for its cleanliness and friendly staff who ensure guests "had a good time." This level of local hospitality extends directly to the adjacent campground, providing a welcoming and safe environment for campers.

While the official camping details may suggest a more basic setup than some resort-style parks (relying on nearby Big Stone Lake access rather than extensive on-site amenities), the value is found in the community connection and the prime location near the lake. The campground serves as an affordable, accessible base for enjoying the renowned fishing, boating, and nature viewing around **Big Stone Lake**. Visitors often find themselves "invited to partake" in special events like "Taco Thursday," highlighting the inclusive, convivial atmosphere that defines this South Dakota gem.

Whether you are a veteran seeking camaraderie, a local family planning a reunion, or an angler looking for a simple place to stay near the lake, the Big Stone American Legion & Campground provides a foundational piece of the Big Stone City experience.


🌅 Location and Accessibility: Gateway to Big Stone Lake
The Big Stone American Legion & Campground is ideally situated in **Big Stone City, South Dakota**, a community nestled on the southern tip of the massive and beautiful Big Stone Lake, which forms a natural border with Minnesota. This location offers exceptional access to the lake's resources and is highly convenient for locals in Grant County and the surrounding region.

The address is **14521 485th Ave, Big Stone City, SD 57216, USA**. This placement is strategic for outdoor enthusiasts:

  • Direct Lake Access: The campground’s close proximity to Big Stone Lake means easy, often walking-distance access to a **boat launch and prime fishing spots**—the area is famous for its excellent walleye, muskie, and smallmouth bass fishing.
  • Interstate Proximity: Located near major routes, the park is easily accessible for RVs traveling through the region, including those using I-29 to the west.
  • Local Convenience: The site is right within the Big Stone City municipality, ensuring quick access to local shops, fuel, and services for forgotten supplies.
  • Bilateral Recreation: Its location on the border allows easy exploration of adjacent recreational areas, including Big Stone Lake State Park (in Minnesota) and other local parks.

The environment provides a mix of small-town ease and large-lake outdoor adventure, all supported by a central community hub.


🍽 Services Offered: Community, Events, and Camping Essentials
The services offered at the Big Stone American Legion & Campground are twofold: dedicated community facilities from the American Legion Post and essential camping provisions. The combined services offer a practical, engaging stay for guests.

Key services available at this facility include:

  • Function/Meeting Hall Rental: The American Legion hall provides a **large, clean venue** capable of hosting community gatherings, private parties, reunions, and events, such as the 80th birthday party successfully hosted there.
  • Community Dining Events: The Post regularly hosts community functions, most famously "Taco Thursday," where guests are invited to partake in a **self-serve, friendly dining atmosphere**.
  • Basic Campground Sites: The accompanying campground offers sites suitable for RVs and tents, providing a simple, lakeside option for overnight stays.
  • Essential Utility Access: While specific hookup details for the campground are best confirmed directly with the Post, most modern RV facilities in the area offer basic amenities like **electric hookups** (likely 30 amp) and access to water.
  • Friendly, Staffed Contact Point: Unlike unmanned campsites, the presence of the American Legion Post provides a continuous, **friendly staff presence** and a point of contact for assistance or local information.
  • Veterans and Youth Support: As an American Legion Post, the facility actively contributes to **veterans’ services and youth programs** (like American Legion Baseball and Boys State) within the South Dakota community.

⭐ Features / Highlights: The Social Camping Difference
The most distinguishing features of the Big Stone American Legion & Campground are its social environment and its proximity to one of South Dakota’s best lakes, making it a truly unique local highlight.

Highlights that make this destination special:

  • "Taco Thursday" and Community Events: The most cited highlight is the regular **community dining and social events**, offering a chance for campers and locals to mingle in a **"friendly atmosphere"**.
  • Lakeside Fishing Haven: The campground serves as an excellent base for **fishing, boating, and canoeing/kayaking** on Big Stone Lake, a body of water renowned across the region for its size and fish populations.
  • Clean and Welcoming Venue: The facility is consistently noted for being **"clean"** and having a **"friendly staff"**, ensuring a pleasant experience for both campers and event attendees.
  • Support for a Cause: By utilizing the facilities, guests and campers are directly supporting a community pillar—**American Legion Post 229**—which advocates for local veterans and their families.
  • Large Capacity for Gatherings: The Post hall offers a valuable feature for locals by providing a spacious, well-maintained location for **family reunions, birthday parties, and corporate events**.
  • Historic Big Stone City Base: The location provides easy access to local historical sites, wildlife refuge areas (like the Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge), and other outdoor activities common to the northeastern South Dakota landscape.

📱 Contact Information
For South Dakota residents looking to book a camping spot, reserve the hall for an event, or inquire about the next community meal, the Big Stone American Legion & Campground can be reached directly.

**Address:** 14521 485th Ave, Big Stone City, SD 57216, USA

**Phone (Primary):** (605) 862-8310

**Phone (Mobile):** +1 605-862-8310

Given the dual nature of the business (Legion Post and Campground), calling ahead is the best way to confirm event schedules, specific camping site availability, and detailed hookup information.


✅ What is Worth Choosing: Community, Comfort, and Convenience
For South Dakota locals, the **Big Stone American Legion & Campground** is worth choosing because it offers an experience that transcends mere camping: it provides a **clean, friendly, and community-focused hub** with direct access to one of the region's best lakes.

This location is the perfect fit for families and groups who appreciate a welcoming atmosphere, as evidenced by the popular "Taco Thursday" and the staff's reputation for hospitality. While the camping may be basic, the value lies in the **strategic proximity to Big Stone Lake's premier fishing and boating** and the built-in social opportunities. Choosing this location means you are securing a safe, comfortable base for outdoor fun while simultaneously supporting a valuable **American Legion Post** that is integral to the Big Stone City community. It offers convenience, recreation, and a true sense of belonging.

Gallery

Service options

Onsite services

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible entrance

Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Wheelchair accessible restroom

Offerings

Grilling

RV camping

RV electric hookup

Amenities

Public restroom

Public shower

Restroom

Tent sites

Volleyball court

Payments

Camping fee

Credit cards

Debit cards

Credit cards

Children

Good for kids

Parking

Free parking lot

Free street parking

On-site parking

Pets

Dogs allowed

Kevin Dewaine Nov 19
★★★★★5

Invited to partake in taco Thursday. Eat what you want, keep tab of order, self serve food. Polite, friendly atmosphere. Most enjoyable.

Teri Lynch Aug 01
★★★★★5

It was clean, and big enough to hold a 80th birthday party. Friendly staff. We had a good time.

Rosie Steffen Mar 17
★★★★★5

Went for the taco night, awesome food, good service and amazing atmosphere.

David Wellnitz Nov 12
★★★★★5

Veterans Day supper was awesome Teresa did a heck of a good job for all the members

Holly Briggs May 19
★★★☆☆3

They need to expand their building. Way to small inside and out. Too packed to find a seat and the bathrooms are tiny.