Hillbilly Haven

🌄 Introduction / Overview

For South Dakota locals and visitors seeking an authentic, welcoming, and conveniently located base for outdoor adventures, Hillbilly Haven near Fairfax, SD, stands out as a genuine, no-frills haven. This campground is not about resort-style luxury; it is about providing a comfortable and friendly environment with essential amenities, all while capitalizing on its prime location near one of South Dakota's greatest natural assets: the magnificent Missouri River. Customers consistently praise the campground for its genuinely "great folks" and "awesome scenery," which is the heart of the experience here on the Great Plains.

Situated in the rolling rural landscape of south-central South Dakota, Hillbilly Haven primarily serves the needs of RV campers, hunters, and anglers drawn to the area. It provides fundamental utility connections, making it a highly practical spot for travelers needing a safe and reliable place to set up their rig. The overall atmosphere is relaxed and laid-back, fostering a sense of community among guests—a true reflection of the welcoming spirit often found in this region of South Dakota. The direct, hands-on involvement of the owner, described by one reviewer as "an awesome guy," ensures a personal touch and helpful service that larger, commercial operations often lack.

The core appeal of Hillbilly Haven is its strategic positioning. It places guests within striking distance of extensive public lands and premier water access, making it a critical hub for pursuing outdoor passions. Whether you are aiming to fish the renowned waters of the Missouri River or explore the thousands of acres of nearby Walk-In Area for hunting, this campground acts as the perfect staging ground. It is an essential part of the local infrastructure for outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize access and a warm welcome over numerous, elaborate amenities.

🗺️ Location and Accessibility

Hillbilly Haven is a purposefully rural retreat, strategically located to offer peace and proximity to key recreational areas along the Missouri River corridor.

The specific location is noted as:

Co Rd 67, Fairfax, SD 57335, USA

More precisely, the campground is located approximately 9.5 miles north/east of the town of Fairfax, SD, along a county road (South Scalp Road). This positioning means guests should expect to navigate several miles of country roads (likely gravel) to reach the entrance, which is standard for accessing many of South Dakota's remote recreational areas. For local users familiar with the region, this relative seclusion is a benefit, ensuring a quiet, away-from-it-all experience.

Despite its rural setting, the location offers exceptional accessibility to outdoor resources. The campground is situated only 1.5 miles from a boat access point on the Missouri River, providing remarkably quick transit time for launching fishing boats and watercraft. Furthermore, the area is surrounded by immense public resources, with approximately 3,000 acres of public walk-in hunting area located within a three-mile radius. This geographical advantage makes Hillbilly Haven a premier choice for hunters and anglers exploring the central South Dakota river breaks and associated public lands. Given the rural location, campers should always ensure their navigation system is updated or rely on detailed map directions upon nearing the park.

🛠️ Services Offered

Hillbilly Haven focuses on providing functional, essential, and full-service utility hookups necessary for a comfortable RV camping experience in a remote environment. The available services prioritize utility and hygiene.

• Full Utility Hookups: The campground provides essential hookups for Recreational Vehicles, including:
  • Water
  • Electric (Likely 30 Amp and/or 50 Amp service, though specific details may require calling)
  • Sewer
• Bath House: The property includes a dedicated "his and her bath house," which offers clean restroom facilities and showers, a vital amenity for both RV and tent campers.
• RV and Tent Sites: Sites are available for both self-contained RVs/trailers needing hookups and for primitive tent camping.
• On-site Management: The owner/manager is frequently on-site, providing personalized assistance and local knowledge, a service often noted as a highlight by reviewers.
• Seasonal Operation: The campground typically operates on a seasonal basis, often from early spring through fall, catering to the primary hunting and fishing seasons in the area (visitors should confirm opening/closing dates).

🌟 Features / Highlights

The true highlights of Hillbilly Haven are not its internal amenities, but rather its strategic location and the access it provides to the extraordinary outdoor activities found in the South Dakota Missouri River region.

• Missouri River Access: With a boat access point just 1.5 miles away, the campground offers nearly immediate access to the huge reservoir waters created by the Fort Randall Dam, which is renowned for world-class walleye, smallmouth bass, and catfish fishing.
• Proximity to Public Hunting: The existence of 3,000 acres of public Walk-In Area (WIA) within three miles makes this an exceptional choice for hunters targeting pheasant, deer, and other local game during their respective seasons.
• Scenic Environment: The campground is nestled in a location that offers "awesome scenery," characterized by the rolling hills, prairie landscape, and proximity to the river breaks, perfect for nature photography and peaceful evenings.
• Friendly, Local Atmosphere: Customers consistently praise the "great folks" and "awesome guy" who runs the campground, highlighting the warm, inviting, and trustworthy atmosphere that defines the South Dakota small-business experience.
• Essential Camping Comforts: The presence of full hookups and a dedicated bath house ensures that guests, even while immersed in a remote setting, have their basic needs for comfort and utility met.

📞 Contact Information

For the most up-to-date information on site availability, reservations, and specific details about the local hunting and fishing conditions, direct contact with the management is highly recommended.

Primary Phone: (605) 261-3023

Mobile Phone: +1 605-261-3023

Address: Co Rd 67, Fairfax, SD 57335, USA

In a small, locally run operation like Hillbilly Haven, calling ahead provides the best way to secure your spot and receive personalized advice about your stay and the surrounding recreation opportunities.

👍 What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Hillbilly Haven is an excellent decision for South Dakota locals whose priority is exceptional access to the region’s premier hunting and fishing grounds, coupled with a genuine, friendly, and hassle-free camping experience. What makes it particularly worth choosing is its unmatched access to the outdoors. You are not just near the Missouri River; you are minutes away from boat ramp access and surrounded by thousands of acres of public walk-in land. This proximity translates directly into more time spent hunting or fishing and less time commuting.

Furthermore, the park delivers the essential amenities of a full-hookup RV site and clean bathroom/shower facilities, removing the biggest stress points of remote camping. The personal, welcoming nature of the ownership, frequently cited in reviews, provides a layer of comfort and security that travelers appreciate. While one reviewer noted a desire for a playground, the vast outdoor playground of the Missouri River and the surrounding public lands far outweighs this minor omission for the typical visitor. It is the perfect strategic base for sportsmen, outdoor photographers, and anyone who cherishes the quiet, scenic beauty of the Great Plains, supported by friendly, reliable service.