Gunderson Park

🏕️ Introduction / Overview

For South Dakota residents seeking a true escape to nature without the high costs or crowded atmosphere of major tourist campgrounds, Gunderson Park in Centerville offers a unique, nostalgic, and budget-friendly solution. Nestled near the small, friendly community of Centerville, this historic park is a cherished local secret, known to be a beautiful old park that once featured a swim beach and pavilion in its heyday. Today, it stands as a testament to simple, free, and self-contained camping.

Gunderson Park operates primarily as a free, primitive camping area, meaning it is ideal for self-sufficient campers—those who bring their own amenities and adhere to a strict pack-in, pack-out policy. Its appeal lies in its spacious, open areas, large mature trees, and peaceful location bordered by the lazy Vermillion River. For local South Dakotans looking for a no-frills, authentic boondocking experience close to home in the southeastern corner of the state, Gunderson Park provides an unmatched opportunity.

It is important for local users to note the operational season: camping at Gunderson Park is officially permitted only from Memorial Day to Labor Day. While it is free, the local City Hall requires campers to obtain a permit for their stay to ensure compliance with local ordinances. The maximum stay is typically limited to 14 days within any 30-day period, allowing the space to remain open and accessible for everyone in the community.

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🗺️ Location and Accessibility

Gunderson Park is conveniently located just outside the charming small town of Centerville in Turner County, South Dakota. While the official address is listed as Centerville, SD 57014, USA, the park is situated a short distance—often cited as about a quarter-mile—north of the main Centerville area, right off a county road.

Accessibility details for South Dakota locals include:

• Proximity to Town: Despite its secluded feel, the park is less than a mile from downtown Centerville. This allows campers quick access to local gas stations, small eateries, and essential supplies, blending a rustic camping experience with the convenience of a nearby town.
• Paved Trail Access: A major accessibility highlight is the approximately one-mile-long paved path that connects the campground area to the local football field and, essentially, into the town. This path is perfect for walking, jogging, or biking and enhances the feeling of community integration for campers.
• Road Conditions: Visitors should be aware that the county road leading into the park can occasionally be rough, particularly if maintenance or construction is underway. Drivers of larger RVs should proceed with caution, though the grassy areas within the park offer plenty of space for maneuvering once inside.
• Regional Connectivity: Centerville is centrally located in southeast South Dakota, making Gunderson Park an ideal stopover or destination for residents traveling between major hubs like Sioux Falls (approximately 30 miles northeast) and Yankton, or when exploring nearby State Parks like Newton Hills or Union Grove.

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🛠️ Services Offered

Gunderson Park is known for its primitive, minimalist approach to camping, a deliberate choice that contributes to its tranquility and cost-free status. The services are highly self-contained, requiring campers to be fully prepared.

The primary services and amenities currently available include:

• Free Camping: The number one service—camping is offered at no nightly charge, making it a fantastic, budget-friendly option for South Dakota families and travelers.
• Camping Permit System: While free, a camping permit is required and must be obtained from the Centerville City Hall. This is a crucial procedural step to ensure your stay is authorized.
• Designated Fire Pits: There are a limited number of permanent fire pits or stone hearths available, providing a designated, safer space for campfires, though local fire restrictions must always be checked.
• Concrete Boat Ramp: The park provides access to the Vermillion River with a concrete boat ramp, suitable for launching small fishing boats, canoes, and kayaks.
• Excellent Cell Service: A notable service often highlighted by campers is the decent Verizon cell service, which is a modern necessity for many travelers and a valuable amenity in a primitive setting.
• Resting Benches: A few benches are situated around the park, offering simple spots to relax, read, or enjoy the river view.

It must be emphasized that the park does not provide water, restrooms (beyond potentially a seasonal portable toilet), or trash cans. All campers must be fully self-contained.

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⭐ Features / Highlights

The distinct features of Gunderson Park stem from its natural environment and historical context, offering a unique draw for campers in the South Dakota region.

• Free, Flexible Layout (Boondocking): The biggest highlight is the flexible, free camping policy. Since there are no designated RV pads or tent sites, campers can choose their perfect spot within the open grassy areas, allowing for a true dispersed camping or "boondocking" feel, which is rare for such a well-maintained park near a community.
• Historical Significance & Natural Beauty: The park is often referred to as "the Beach" due to its history as a popular swim beach area in the 1920s. This history, combined with the presence of massive, shady, old-growth trees (including numerous mulberry trees) and the natural border of the Vermillion River, gives the park a deep sense of rooted history and tranquility.
• The Centerville Bike Path Connection: The paved pathway is a major draw, offering campers a safe and scenic route to walk, run, or bike directly into Centerville for coffee, local shopping, or to simply visit the historic downtown.
• River Access and Fishing: Located on three sides by the Vermillion River, the park offers excellent bank access for fishing and direct launch access for paddling. While the river level may fluctuate, the opportunity for a quiet day on the water is a primary feature.
• Wildlife and Birding: The river corridor and the mature tree cover attract various local wildlife and are excellent for birdwatching. Some visitors have even reported seeing Bald Eagles, adding an exciting dimension to the natural experience.

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📞 Contact Information

As a municipally managed park, the most reliable source for permits, current fire restrictions, and any changes to the camping policy is the Centerville City Hall.

Address: Centerville, SD 57014, USA (For physical location, search for Gunderson Park near Centerville, SD)

Phone: The primary contact for permits and information is the Centerville City Hall.

Local Office Phone: (605) 563-2302 (Recommended for non-emergencies and permit inquiries)

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✅ What is Worth Choosing

Gunderson Park is worth choosing for the South Dakota camper who prioritizes peaceful, budget-conscious, and self-reliant outdoor time over luxury amenities.

It is worth choosing if you are an experienced RVer or tent camper who is completely self-contained (water, power, sanitation). The opportunity to camp for free, with the quiet backdrop of the Vermillion River and the shade of enormous, old trees, is a rare find in today's increasingly regulated camping landscape. The park’s simplicity encourages genuine, old-fashioned camping where the focus is solely on relaxation, fishing, and enjoying the natural environment.

It is worth choosing because of its strong connection to the local community. The paved path means you're not isolated; you can easily walk into Centerville to support local businesses, grabbing a meal or supplies, effectively using the park as a basecamp for exploring the small-town charm of southeastern South Dakota. For those who appreciate history, a quiet atmosphere, and the freedom to find their own perfect spot, Gunderson Park offers an authentic and rewarding experience that few paid campgrounds can match.