Farm Island State Recreation Area Campground — Hotel in Pierre

We are not new to camping, but we’re not veteran campers either and this was one of the more disappointing campground experiences we’ve had. We were first greeted by two unleashed dogs that ran full speed at our family and our dogs. Thankfully they were friendly, but it was very unsettling, especially with children, not knowing if they were safe. Staff seemed far more concerned with policing where people were fishing than addressing real issues. The actual fish cleaning station was roped off and not working, and instead they had a makeshift table set up that was filthy and covered in old fish guts. It was disgusting and completely unsanitary. The bathrooms were just as bad. Every single one had large spider webs and dead bugs, clearly showing they hadn’t been cleaned or maintained in a long time. To make matters worse, kids were hitting golf balls around the campground without supervision, and several nearly struck campers. That is a major safety issue that should never have been ignored. While staff patrolled late into the night to check fishing spots, they neglected basic safety, cleanliness, and upkeep throughout the park. The priorities here are completely misplaced, and the facilities are in desperate need...

We needed a place to stop over night on our way to the Black Hills and Custer State Park, and happy we found this place. It's actually on Hipple Lake, a widening of the Missouri with a dam near Farm Island. It was not busy when we arrived on a Sunday night, so we got a beautiful site right on the lake shore. The sites are grassy and well separated, though there is little shade (they are planting trees throughout the campground). Very clean and well maintained, as were the bathroom/shower facilities. There is a very nice swimming beach, playground, fishing dock and canoe/kayak rentals. There are also extensive hiking/biking trails and, apparently cross country ski trails in the winter with warming huts. They also have cabins for rent, several on the lake shore. All sites have electric hookups with potable water at the dump station. Our only disappointment was that the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center and Old Fort Sully were not open, apparently due to budget cutbacks. A very nice recreational facility just out side the State...

There are 2 Campground areas Main Campground & East Campground which is smaller but more mature trees.

Big Rig and Dog Friendly. Easy in and out. 45’ Motorcoach had no issues checking in, finding our Site and backing in. Our Site 11E was 70’ long which made it easy to park our tow with the RV.

Plenty of nice grass to hang out in between sites. Dogs loved it and the beachy area along the water.

Picnic Table and fire pit. Hard packed gravel pad and quite level! Very well maintained park. They have planted a bunch of small trees that will make much needed additional shade.

Electric only 30/50 $26/night, dump station.

Easy to find. Route 83 South from Route 12 was very smooth with wide...