Elk Point City Park and Campground

For South Dakota residents and travelers utilizing the busy Interstate 29 corridor, the **Elk Point City Park and Campground** offers a highly practical and remarkably affordable option for an overnight stay or short visit. Located in the small, welcoming community of Elk Point, this city-operated park campground is primarily valued for its convenience and low price point. With a reported rate of just **$15 per night with electricity**, it stands as one of the most budget-friendly electric-equipped campsites in the region, a huge draw for value-conscious campers.

The facility typically features around **23 campsites** and is designed for a no-fuss experience, offering **self-registration** for quick and easy check-in, particularly appreciated by those driving long distances. The setting is within the broader City Park, which provides a large, **grassy area** for parking—an aesthetic and practical advantage noted by campers: "You park on grass which is an advantage when you're rolling up a water hose. No muddy hose to roll up. Also nice to walk on." The park also caters to families, featuring a **"Great playground for kids here,"** and is adjacent to local ball fields, adding a lively community atmosphere.

However, local users should be aware that convenience comes with a trade-off. The immediate proximity to I-29 means the **traffic noise is a significant factor**, particularly for tent campers or those sensitive to sound. Prospective visitors should weigh the extreme value and convenience against the potential for noise disruption.

The primary feature of the **Elk Point City Park and Campground** location is its unparalleled accessibility from a major regional highway, making it an excellent 'quick in and out' stop for travelers traversing the plains.

The campground is located at:

400-498 S Harrison St, Elk Point, SD 57025, USA

Its key geographical marker is its direct placement **"located directly beside I29."** Elk Point, the county seat of Union County, is a small town positioned in the southeast corner of South Dakota, conveniently near the borders of Iowa and Nebraska. This makes the campground a strategic stop for local users heading north toward Sioux Falls or south toward Sioux City, Iowa. The closeness to the highway exit minimizes travel time and reduces the complexity of finding the site after a long drive. Access to the campground involves navigating a short distance from the interstate to the park area on South Harrison Street. While the accessibility is excellent, campers must be fully prepared for the constant presence of interstate traffic and the associated noise.

The services at Elk Point City Park and Campground focus on providing core necessities for RV and camper trailers at an exceptional price point, consistent with its role as a budget-friendly municipal park.

• Affordable Electric Hookups: Sites offer **30-amp and 50-amp electric hookups** for only **$15 a night**, which is considered very inexpensive in today's camping market.
• Water Availability: **Water is available** within the campground, although it is typically via an accessible water spigot or central location, **not at each individual site**.
• Clean Bathhouse: The park features a **bathhouse** that offers **restrooms and/or showers** that are generally reported as being **clean** and well-maintained.
• Self-Registration System: The campground operates on a convenient **self-registration** system, allowing campers to quickly choose a site and pay via a secure drop box.
• Campsites: There are approximately **23 campsites** available, primarily consisting of grassy, open areas for parking, and likely featuring basic amenities like **firepits** and **picnic tables**.
• Sanitary Dump: While not confirmed at the site, the proximity to a major interstate suggests a **Sanitary Dump** may be available nearby or within the wider Elk Point city park system, but campers must verify this.

These services, particularly the electric hookups and clean bath facilities, provide essential comfort for a short stay.

The key features of the Elk Point City Park and Campground are strongly oriented toward value, community recreation, and ease of use.

• Exceptional Value: The **$15 per night rate for electricity** is the biggest highlight, offering a highly economical stay for travelers on a budget.
• Family-Friendly Recreation: The campground is located within the City Park, providing a **great playground for kids**, sand volleyball, horseshoes, and an **18-hole Disc Golf** course, ensuring ample activity for all ages.
• Ball Field Proximity: Being right next to the **ball fields** (Todd Larsen Baseball Field Complex) creates a lively community atmosphere, offering free entertainment for campers, though this may lead to noise on weekends.
• Grassy Sites: Parking on grass is a practical highlight, making it "nice to walk on" and preventing "muddy hose to roll up."
• Quick In and Out Access: The self-registration and direct proximity to I-29 make it perfect for a fast, hassle-free overnight stop.
• Nearby Attractions: The location is within a short drive of **Ponca State Park**, **Stone State Park**, and the Missouri National Recreational River, offering excellent day-trip options.

While potential issues like traffic noise and occasional maintenance lapses have been mentioned by some users, the park's low cost and rich array of recreational facilities make it a popular stop for many South Dakota locals and travelers.

For up-to-date information on the **Elk Point City Park and Campground**, including current rates, seasonal closing dates (typically closed in winter), and to report any maintenance issues, campers should contact the City of Elk Point:

Address:
400-498 S Harrison St,
Elk Point, SD 57025, USA

City of Elk Point Phone:
(605) 356-2141
Mobile Phone: +1 605-356-2141

As the campground is self-registered, campers should call the City office during business hours if they have questions about site availability or utility status, especially if issues like inoperable hookups have been previously reported.

For South Dakota travelers, the **Elk Point City Park and Campground** is unequivocally worth choosing for its **exceptional value and speed of access**. If your priority is a **$15 overnight stay with reliable electricity** and clean washrooms, directly off I-29, this park is hard to beat. It provides the essential services needed for a short stop without the high cost of private RV parks. The added bonus of the **playground, disc golf, and ball field atmosphere** makes it particularly appealing for families who need a place for kids to unwind. While the **I-29 traffic noise is a reality**—a direct consequence of its convenient location—smart campers can mitigate this by running their A/C fan. Choosing this campground means prioritizing budget and time over absolute tranquility, securing a practical and amenity-rich base for your South Dakota travels.