Enjoy Spring in South Dakota State Parks

PIERRE, S.D. – The temperature is warming up outside and cabin fever has long past set in, so it is the perfect time of the year to get out of the house and enjoy the beautiful outdoors. What better way to take in all that South Dakota outdoors has to offer than on a trip to your favorite South Dakota State Park.

You will find a variety of recreational activities to do when you visit your favorite park this spring. It is a prime time for fishing and bird watching, vegetation and flowers are just coming to life and no crowds, make spotting wildlife more likely. State parks offer trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding.

Spring is the perfect time for a relaxing camping trip as parks are normally not crowded. Most state park campgrounds are open year round, with the exception of Oahe Downstream Recreation Area, Randall Creek Recreation Area and Chief White Crane Recreation Area, which are closed due to roosting bald eagles. Through May 17, campsites at state parks are first-come, first-served and electricity stays on year round.

If you are not quite ready to pull your camper out to your favorite park or think it is not quite warm enough to pitch a tent, many state parks offer cabins for rent. Cabins are heated, have electricity and sleep up to four people. Three state parks also offer group lodges for rent this spring, which in addition to having heat and electricity also have full kitchens and accommodate a larger number of people. These state parks are Mina Lake, Shadehill and Lake Thompson. A fourth lodge, at Newton Hills, will be available in May.

Campfire restrictions are rare in the spring. So once you are done exploring the great outdoors for the day you can come back to your campsite, start a campfire, stay warm and relax under the stars.

While you’re out enjoying the outdoors on your spring camping trip, dressing appropriately for the weather is key. Wearing layers will keep you warm and are easy to take off if the temperature outside rises. Spring can bring rain, so water resistant clothing is needed. Along with rain comes mud, which makes waterproof shoes and a change of shoes a good idea.

For additional information on state parks, please visit the South Dakota state park website at www.SDparks.info.

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