Roy Lake State Park — Attraction in South Dakota

We had heard abt Roy Lake State Park in South Dakota and had seen signs along the highway for the park. We are avid campers and decided to take a look before camping there. We were amazed.. Its set up in 2 areas... I'll call it east side and west side... East is fairly new with around 90+ camp sites and very nice shower/bathroom facility. It would be very easy to back into any spot.. My only complaint is that many of the parking spots are raised up so there might be times where you would step out of your camper and immediately drop down a foot or more... an elderly or handicapped person might have a problem in that situation. There was a rather small swimming beach. West side is older but very well set up.. As you drive in you'll find the ranger station on the right and a large swimming beach on the left side.. there are many trails to be able to drive through with many campsites scattered around the area. There's a walk bridge leading to a hiking trail around an island. By the lakeshore there's cabins that are rentable and also a lodge and a building with 4 "suites" that will sleep abt 10 people in each. They are quite roomy, with 2 bedrooms.. Both areas are very well kept and clean.. we will definitely be back to spend some time, whether its in the camper or in the on site lodging facility. Both areas are well groomed and clean, and both areas have a playground area with swings,etc.. We chatted with the help in both areas everyone was very friendly and helpful. Dogs are allowed but like any other place you must keep them on a leash and clean up behind them! HAPPY CAMPING!! UPDATE 6/20/25.. we just returned from camping at the West unit. Kathy's daughters and their families stayed in the lower suites and we had our camper in site 19. Hosts were very friendly and helpful. Kids were able to do their water sports right out in front. Everyone had a very great time and got hooked on the place.. We will return...

3 stars falls short of many other reviews. The reason I'm so harsh is simple, pad slopes. They have made a campground on hills so to make a level(ish) camping pad they have dumped truck loads of gravel. To get one side level with the other there is a four foot drop. To walk from our camper to picnic table or fire pit we have to traverse a ball bearing steep slope. The gravel has quarter size round rocks and it is dangerous. I feel that way and 2 other campers (only 3 of us at this campground) feel the same way.

Having said that, grounds are clean. Bathrooms are clean. There are no garbage bins anywhere in the campgrounds itself. Possibly some bins at the entrance/exit. 50, 30 amp and 110 service, EMS system shows no errors. There is water but no way to connect a hose with a filter. You have to place a container under the spout and push and hold a button to discharge water...PAIN! Lots of room for kids to run and play at the playgrounds. Lake is nice and access very reasonable. We've seen deer tracks but no deer yet. Turkeys are very abundant. Paved road to campgrounds and paved roads inside campgrounds as well. Many mature trees that provide very nice shade. Large sturdy aluminum picnic tables. Oh, also campsites are nicely distanced from one another. Not many mercury lights so night time is dark around campground, stars are bright and amazing. Dump stations at...

If you're looking for a great fishing location, tranquil ambiance, great playground for littles, nice selection of kayak rentals, or a variety of cabins then I'd suggest Roy Lake. My only downsides were a lack of biking/walking trails. About the cabins: there are basic cabins with heat/air, TV, mini kitchens, bathroom and 2 bedrooms (there's space in the living area to sleep but it's not as comfortable as the bedroom). They have larger cabins that accommodate larger groups which include larger kitchen/living areas. They also have camper and tent areas but I haven't utilized them. Kayaking: affordable renting options and a launching area off a dock (which was incredibly helpful). Kayaking was a blast. Fishing: available boat rentals, lots of floating docks, fishing items available for purchase, I personally felt that there were a lot of fish here. My kids spent hours fishing. Random: There's an indoor community space and outdoor community patio. Inside there's a microwave, pizza oven, coffee machine, games and a TV available for campers. There's also a shop with a variety of...