Palisades Campground

For those of us in South Dakota who yearn for an outdoor adventure that combines stunning natural beauty with thrilling recreation, Palisades Campground, nestled within the renowned Palisades State Park in Garretson, offers an experience unlike any other. This park is truly one of South Dakota's most unique areas, characterized by its towering Sioux Quartzite rock formations that line Split Rock Creek. These ancient pink cliffs, some rising up to 50 feet, create a dramatic and picturesque backdrop for your camping getaway, making it a popular destination for campers, hikers, photographers, and especially rock climbers.

Palisades Campground caters to a variety of camping styles, ensuring there's a perfect spot for everyone, whether you prefer the convenience of an RV, the rustic charm of a tent, or the comfort of a cozy cabin. The park has undergone recent enhancements, including the development of a new welcome center and additional campsites, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing visitor experience. It’s a place where you can spend your days exploring rugged trails, scaling ancient rock faces, or simply relaxing by your campsite, listening to the rushing waters of Split Rock Creek.

What makes Palisades particularly special for us locals is its accessibility and the sheer diversity of activities packed into its relatively compact size. It’s a true outdoor playground that’s easily reachable for a weekend escape, yet it feels like a world away from the ordinary. If you've ever driven past and wondered about those incredible rock formations, now's your chance to experience them up close and personal.

Palisades Campground is located within Palisades State Park at 48422 256th St, Garretson, SD 57030, USA. This prime location places it just outside the charming town of Garretson, in southeastern South Dakota. For residents across our state, Palisades State Park is remarkably accessible, especially from the eastern half. It's approximately 10 miles north of Interstate 90, making it a convenient detour for those traveling east or west. From Sioux Falls, it's a short and scenic drive of about 30 minutes, making it an ideal destination for a day trip or a quick weekend getaway for many South Dakotans.

The park's official entrance and welcome center (opened in 2024) provide a clear entry point. The campground itself is integrated into the natural landscape, with sites nestled among trees and along the creek. While the main address is 48422 256th St, it's worth noting that the park spans both sides of Split Rock Creek, offering diverse views and access points to the unique quartzite formations. The park roads are generally well-maintained, allowing easy access to the various camping loops, trailheads, and recreational areas.

Within the park, signage is clear, guiding campers to their designated sites and to facilities like restrooms, showers, and the dump station. For those arriving with RVs, many sites offer paved parking pads, though some leveling might be needed. The park's design ensures that while you feel immersed in nature, essential services are never far, making it a convenient and stress-free destination for South Dakotans looking to explore our state's geological wonders.

Palisades Campground within Palisades State Park offers a comprehensive range of services and amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience for all visitors. The park is committed to providing modern conveniences while preserving its natural beauty.

• Diverse Campsites: The park features a total of 111 campsites, including a mix of electrical hookup sites (30 and 50 amp available on many, though not all), non-electrical tent-only sites, and some with full hookups. Each campsite typically includes a picnic table and a fire ring with a grate.

• Camping Cabins: For those seeking more comfort, Palisades offers 10 camping cabins, providing a cozier alternative to traditional camping. There is also a 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom lodge available for reservation, ideal for larger groups or families.

• Modern Restrooms and Showers: Well-maintained comfort stations with flush toilets and hot showers are available. While some water systems may be closed between October 1 and April 30, vault toilets typically remain open year-round.

• Sanitary Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available within the park, or nearby in Garretson, for RV campers to dispose of waste.

• Drinking Water: Fresh drinking water stations are available throughout the campground loop.

• Free Wi-Fi: The park offers free Wi-Fi service, particularly noted in the newer King campground area, with decent download speeds, allowing campers to stay connected if desired.

• Firewood for Sale: Firewood is available for purchase at the park entrance or office, ensuring campers have access to certified wood for campfires.

• Playgrounds: There are designated playground areas for children, providing entertainment for younger campers.

• Amphitheater: An amphitheater is present, often used for ranger talks and interpretive programs, especially during peak season.

• Boat and Fishing Equipment Check-out: The park office may offer fishing equipment and possibly lawn game checkout, encouraging participation in outdoor activities.

• Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome in the campground but must be on a 10-foot leash. (Note: Pets are generally not allowed inside park buildings or camping cabins.)

Palisades Campground and State Park are celebrated for a multitude of unique features and highlights that make it a truly exceptional destination for South Dakotans.

• Spectacular Sioux Quartzite Formations: The park's defining feature is its stunning 1.2-billion-year-old pink Sioux Quartzite cliffs and spires, reaching up to 50 feet. These dramatic geological formations along Split Rock Creek offer incredible scenic beauty and photo opportunities.

• Premier Rock Climbing Destination: Palisades is a mecca for rock climbers of all skill levels, offering numerous cracks, fissures, and sheer cliffs for scaling and rappelling. It's one of the few places in the region where this sport can be enjoyed.

• Extensive Hiking Trails: Five distinct hiking trails wind through the park, totaling nearly 5 miles. These trails, including Balancing Rock, Split Rock Creek, South Wall, and King and Queen Rock, offer varying lengths and difficulties, providing scenic views and access to the unique rock formations.

• Split Rock Creek: The creek itself is a significant feature, flowing year-round and providing opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Paddlers can enjoy stunning views of the towering spires from the water.

• Historical Significance: The park has a rich history, including an early townsite, a flour mill powered by the creek, and a short-lived silver rush. The historic 1908 iron truss bridge over Split Rock Creek is on the National Register of Historic Places.

• Diverse Camping Environments: With two distinct campground areas, Queen and King, campers can choose their preferred setting. Queen is wooded and more secluded, while King, a newer addition, is on the prairie with open views of Split Rock Creek.

• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Split Rock Creek offers good fishing for species like northern pike, white crappie, channel catfish, largemouth bass, and walleye, with options for fly fishing, shore fishing, or fishing from a kayak.

• Stargazing and Nature Watching: The park offers good opportunities for stargazing from atop the cliffs on clear nights. It's also home to diverse flora and fauna, making it excellent for birdwatching and wildlife observation.

• Interpretive Programs: During the warmer months, the park often hosts interpretive programs and ranger talks, enhancing visitors' understanding of the park's natural and cultural history.

For reservations, general inquiries, or more specific information about Palisades Campground and Palisades State Park, please use the following contact details:

Address: 48422 256th St, Garretson, SD 57030, USA

Park Office Phone: (605) 594-3824

Reservations (South Dakota State Parks): 1-800-710-2267 or CampSD.com

Email: palisadespark@state.sd.us

It is recommended to check the official South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website for the most up-to-date information on park conditions, fees, and reservation policies.

For us South Dakotans, Palisades Campground within Palisades State Park is more than just a place to set up camp; it's a testament to the surprising natural wonders hidden within our own state. While many might immediately think of the Black Hills for outdoor adventure, Palisades offers an equally compelling, albeit different, experience right here in the eastern part of South Dakota. Its proximity to Sioux Falls means it's an incredibly accessible escape, perfect for a spontaneous weekend trip or a planned longer vacation without the extensive travel.

What makes Palisades particularly appealing to us locals is its unique geological landscape. These 1.2-billion-year-old Sioux Quartzite cliffs are a marvel, providing not only breathtaking scenery but also unparalleled opportunities for rock climbing and adventurous hiking, activities that are rare to find in this part of the state. It allows us to engage with nature in a truly dynamic way, whether we're scaling a cliff, paddling down Split Rock Creek, or simply enjoying the quiet beauty from a scenic overlook.

The continuous improvements to the park, including the new welcome center and expanded camping options, demonstrate a commitment to serving the needs of visitors, reflecting the quality we expect from our state parks. With diverse campsite types, comfortable cabins, modern amenities like hot showers and Wi-Fi, and engaging interpretive programs, Palisades Campground provides a well-rounded and deeply satisfying outdoor experience for families, adventurers, and peace-seekers alike. It’s an opportunity for us to truly appreciate the unique beauty and recreational potential that lies within our very own South Dakota.