The number of people staying at parks and recreation areas operated by the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks was down in October.
However, Parks and Recreation Division Director Jeff VanMeeteren says a focus on the central part of the state and good fishing on Lake Oahe translated into good camping numbers at nearby campgrounds.
Overall, camping at state parks and recreation areas is down roughly 5% when compared to 2024.
In the past, I would camp 2-3 times in the fall, each time at least 2 nights. This year, I did not because of the price increase. I particularly find the added $6 to make a reservation by phone too extreme. I have made reservations online before, but there are so many times the website would lock up and quit working just about when I was going to finish. I also prefer to go to the campground and select a site away from other campers because I have dogs. My two favorites are Snake Creek and Rocky Point.