Big Sioux State Recreation Area — Attraction in Split Rock Township

Stunning Park, Deeply Disappointing Experience and Park Practices:

A park this beautiful shouldn’t leave visitors feeling deceived and angry — but after my first visit, I’ll never invest another penny to return. The grounds are pristine, the scenery breathtaking, and it’s the kind of place you’d gladly support — I would have happily donated to help preserve it. But being blindsided with a $128 citation for parking in the visitor’s lot, at the ranger station, before even reaching the park itself, left a lasting mark that no view could erase.

We were short on time, but since it was her favorite birthday tradition — and her two friends (myself included) had never seen the park she loved so much — my friend offered to give us a quick drive-through using her season pass. We parked just outside the small brown ranger station at the main entrance — before entering the park itself — and hopped into her vehicle, which had the pass. We stayed only long enough to share a small cupcake and take in her favorite view.

When I returned to my car minutes later, I found a $128.xx citation on my windshield. I was stunned! My car had never entered the park — it sat at the ranger station where visitors commonly stop for information. When we explained the misunderstanding, the ranger repeated a script he seemed to know too well: “You don’t have to pay the citation if you buy a season pass.” When it was clear that wasn’t an option, he moved to, “We also have a monthly pass,” and finally landed on “daily.” Why not start there? It felt rehearsed — as if this situation happens often, relying on loosely interpreted rules to justify charges.

We had deliberately parked outside to ensure we were abiding by the park’s rules — a choice made out of respect, not avoidance. Ironically, we could have driven through without a care and paid the same or less. It made me wonder if this is how the park maintains such immaculate grounds — by penalizing good-intentioned visitors for honest mistakes, time and time again, until the script is second nature.

For those unaware: the moment your tires touch the gravel — even before reaching any usable part of the park — it’s considered “entry.” There was no signage clarifying this, no grace for an honest misunderstanding, and no willingness to resolve it fairly.

What could have been a memory of shared beauty became a lasting disappointment. Instead of creating lifelong visitors, this experience ensured that none of us will return. It breaks my heart that a place so beautiful left such an...

I rarely do a four star rating for a campground, but this one is a little different than most State Park campgrounds that we have been to. The campground and surrounding Recreation area is gorgeous! Trees, beautiful river, HUGE campsites that are really done nicely and nestled in the trees. Merely a short walk to the river, which has a really well maintained pathway that is paved. The luxury of having electric hookups at a State campground is amazing especially with hot weather. The Park staff was very kind as well and the Internet site is easy to use to book reservations. There is also a "dog training area" down the road which is somewhat fenced and made a great place for our larger dogs to run around and do their business safely. The cons of this park are; it is just down from a Speedway which was holding a race the night we were there, and it is extremely close to traffic and other city noises. Now, none of this is really a game changer, unless you are truly looking for that rustic/quiet out of town camping experience. We were just there for the night heading home from a trip and it sure beat some other options. We would come again and would love to explore...

Nice place. We rented a cabin as it was 30 degree forecasted nights... And they were great. Very basic, with bunk beds and a table inside. Outside was a fire ring and a picnic table.

Note, being late season and a last minute reservation, we took the ADA cabin... I honestly don't recommend it, if you have a choice. The fire pit was obviously on the ground, and you had to trek down the ramp and all the way around the cabin to get too it. And it's okay, but the other cabins had the fire pit 10 feet from the front door and I think I would have liked that better.

Another thing to note... The hiking trails are pretty good there. And... If your into fishing o highly recommend going to the north side of the park to the canoe launch. .. otherwise you are going to be hiking a fair ways with all your heart to reach the water. Probably okay if your a solo or adult group... Not so much fun of your fishing...