Camping spot #22, Corona, SD

Introduction / Overview

For residents of South Dakota looking for the quintessential lakeside camping experience without traveling out of state, there is a true hidden gem nestled on the shores of Big Stone Lake: Hartford Beach State Park. This is where you can find Camping spot #22, a highly-rated site that embodies the best of Eastern South Dakota’s natural beauty.

Campsite #22 is more than just a place to park your RV or set up a small tent; it is a popular, well-established spot within a mature, tree-covered loop of the park’s campground. Campers consistently praise this specific site for its mature shade cover, making it a comfortable retreat even on the warmest summer days. With its prime location on the inside of the campground loop, the spot offers a lovely, close-up experience of the park’s environment. It provides a back-in style parking area, featuring a rough-surfaced paved pad for stability, and boasts excellent views of Big Stone Lake, offering a serene backdrop for your entire stay. For local South Dakotans, this location offers an affordable, accessible, and deeply relaxing retreat right on one of the state's most beautiful border lakes.

Location and Accessibility

Camping spot #22 is located within the greater Hartford Beach State Park campground, situated near the small community of Corona, SD 57227, USA. The park is easily accessible in the northeastern part of the state, approximately 15 miles north of Milbank, just off SD Highway 15. This makes it a straightforward drive for anyone in the northeastern, eastern, and even central parts of South Dakota.

The address—Corona, SD 57227, USA—pinpoints a location right on the South Dakota side of Big Stone Lake, a long, narrow body of water that marks the border with Minnesota. Accessibility is excellent, with well-maintained state roads leading directly to the park entrance. Once inside the park, the campground loop is easy to navigate. Spot #22 is specifically noted as a back-in type spot on the inside of the park loop. While the site pad slopes slightly upward, it is a recognizable and popular spot, offering a perfect balance of being centrally located near facilities while being shaded by the mature, native woods that characterize this beautiful state park.

Services Offered

The services provided at Camping spot #22 and the immediate surrounding area are designed for comfort and convenience, enhancing the authentic state park experience for South Dakota residents.

Electrical Hookups: The site is equipped with a power box providing one 30-amp and two 15-amp outlets, suitable for a variety of RVs and camping setups.
Comfort Station Access: Crucially, the site is located right next to the showers and comfort station facilities, providing easy, close access to clean restrooms and hot showers—a highly valued amenity by all campers.
Standard Campsite Amenities: Each site, including #22, comes with a sturdy picnic table for outdoor dining and a designated fire ring, perfect for traditional campfires and cooking.
Waste Disposal: The wider Hartford Beach State Park provides essential services, including a sanitary dump station for RVs.
Water Access: Drinking water sources are available within the campground area for potable water refills.
Paved Pad: The campsite features a rough-surfaced paved pad, offering a solid surface for parking and setup, though users should be aware of the upward slope on this particular back-in spot.

Features / Highlights

Camping spot #22 is highlighted by several distinct features that set it apart within the Hartford Beach State Park experience, making it a desirable reservation for local campers.

Mature Tree Cover: The spot is located in a heavily wooded area, providing dense shade that keeps the campsite cool and private, a prized feature during the hot summer months in South Dakota.
Prime Lake Views: The site offers long, beautiful views of Big Stone Lake, allowing campers to enjoy stunning sunrises and sunsets over the water directly from their camp area.
Direct Shower Proximity: Being situated immediately next to the shower house is a major convenience, minimizing the walk for daily necessities.
Recreational Opportunities: Campers have easy access to the numerous park amenities, including a swimming beach, a boat ramp for lake access, and a popular nine-hole disc golf course on a scenic knoll.
Historical Significance: Hartford Beach State Park features hiking trails that pass historic American Indian burial mounds and a prehistoric village site, offering a unique opportunity to connect with the deep history of the region.
Exceptional Fishing: Big Stone Lake is renowned among local anglers for its excellent fishing, particularly for perch, walleye, northern pike, and crappies.

Contact Information

As Camping spot #22 is part of Hartford Beach State Park, all inquiries, reservations, and general information can be obtained through the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks system. Please use the park’s main information for contact.

Address: 13672 Hartford Beach Road, Corona, SD 57227, USA

Phone: (605) 432-6374 (Park Office)

Note: Reservations for specific state park campsites like #22 are typically made online through the state's official booking system, often up to 90 days in advance, a process familiar to most South Dakota state park enthusiasts.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Camping spot #22 at Hartford Beach State Park is perfectly suited for South Dakota residents because it delivers the quintessential prairie-meets-lake experience right in their backyard. This location provides a high-quality, amenity-rich escape without the long, cross-country travel often associated with vacations. Locals appreciate the value of a state park experience: the campsites are clean, well-maintained by the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks, and offer a quiet, family-friendly atmosphere that fosters a true connection with the regional environment.

For a South Dakotan, securing a spot like #22—with its 30-amp power, great lake views, and immediate access to clean showers and comfort stations—means maximizing relaxation time. They can spend less time driving and more time fishing Big Stone Lake for walleye, hiking the trails past historic mounds, or simply enjoying a campfire under the stars in a deeply shaded, familiar, and welcoming setting. It’s an ideal base camp for a weekend of outdoor recreation, blending the convenience of modern facilities with the untouched beauty of the state’s northeastern corner.