Howard City Campground, Howard, SD

Introduction / Overview

For South Dakota residents traversing the central-eastern part of the state or seeking a quiet, convenient weekend retreat, the Howard City Campground stands out as an excellent option. This city-operated campground, nestled within the friendly community of Howard, provides essential amenities and easy access to local attractions, making it a comfortable and value-driven choice for both short stops and longer stays. The atmosphere is distinctly small-town friendly—a place where neighbors look out for one another and the pace of life slows down. It is an ideal representation of the hospitality you expect in South Dakota’s prairie communities.

The campground is part of the larger city park area, offering a family-friendly environment with open spaces. It is particularly well-suited for RV travelers, featuring recent upgrades to its infrastructure to ensure a pleasant stay. Visitors can expect a clean, well-maintained facility where the city takes pride in its community resources. Its affordability and practical amenities position it as a favorite alternative to larger, more crowded commercial or state park campgrounds in the region, offering peace and convenience in the heart of Miner County.

Location and Accessibility

The Howard City Campground is perfectly situated within the city limits of Howard, South Dakota, providing campers with immediate access to local services and recreation. The physical location is: 407 E Howard Ave, Howard, SD 57349, USA. Its central location in Howard means that grocery stores, gas stations, and the town's charming main street are easily reachable, often within walking or short driving distance—eliminating the need for lengthy treks for supplies.

Howard itself is located near major state routes, offering good accessibility for travelers coming from nearby cities like Madison, Mitchell, or Sioux Falls. The campground’s setting is characterized by flat terrain and open spaces, which is typical of the prairie region but makes maneuvering and setting up RVs straightforward. The dedicated camping area offers cement pads for the primary RV sites, ensuring a level and stable setup regardless of the weather. For those interested in regional attractions, the campground is conveniently located relative to Lake Carthage and the historic Prairie Village Museum, making it a practical base for local exploration.

Services Offered

While the Howard City Campground is modest in size, with a reported total of only seven sites, its amenities are thoughtfully designed to maximize comfort and convenience for all guests, particularly those with recreational vehicles. It’s a self-service, honor-system park, making check-in simple.

Campsites: The facility offers seven total sites, accommodating both RVs and tents.
Full Hookups: Six of the available sites feature cement camping pads with full hookups, including electric (reported available at all sites), sewer, and water connections, making it ideal for big rigs and extended stays.
Restroom and Shower Facility: A newer restroom facility was completed in 2006, which includes clean, modern showers and flush toilets for campers.
Sanitary Dump: RV dump facilities are available on-site, a critical convenience for RV travelers.
Water Access: Central/shared water access is available in addition to the site-specific hookups.
Affordable Rates: The campground is noted for its low nightly and monthly rates, providing a budget-friendly option for travelers.
Reservations: Reservations are accepted, though the park can also operate on a first-come, first-served basis depending on current policy.

Features / Highlights

The true highlights of the Howard City Campground are its updated facilities and its integration with the community’s recreational offerings, offering more than just a place to sleep.

New Restroom Facilities: The inclusion of a new restroom and shower facility is a significant feature, ensuring campers have access to clean, modern amenities.
Cement Pads: The dedicated concrete pads for the RV sites offer a superior, level foundation compared to traditional grass or gravel spots.
Proximity to City Pool: A major draw during the summer months is the 5,300-square-foot community swimming pool, complete with a water-spraying mushroom, diving boards, and a wading area, all within walking distance.
Adjacent Golf Course: The Howard Golf Course, a fun 9-hole course, is on the east edge of town, also conveniently close to the campground for golf enthusiasts.
Quiet and Peace: Reviews from campers emphasize the quiet and peaceful atmosphere, which is highly valued for a restful night’s sleep.
Family-Friendly Park Setting: Being located near Thorsnes Park, the campground provides easy access to a playground for children and open spaces for outdoor activities.
Shade Options: While some pull-through spots may be in direct sun, the back-in spots are often noted for providing plenty of shade, which is a major benefit during the hot South Dakota summer.

Contact Information

The Howard City Campground is managed by the City of Howard. For booking, inquiries, or current pricing, please use the following contact details:

Address: 407 E Howard Ave, Howard, SD 57349 (Physical Site)

Contact for Reservations / Information: City of Howard Finance Office

Phone: 605-772-4391

Note: Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season, and should be coordinated through the City Office.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For South Dakotans, the Howard City Campground represents an excellent, often overlooked, local resource that provides a tremendous amount of value and convenience. It is particularly suitable for locals for several key reasons. Firstly, its affordability, with low nightly rates, makes it an economical choice for a quick local weekend getaway or for visiting family nearby, offering a cost-effective alternative to hotels or more expensive regional parks. Secondly, the quality of its infrastructure—specifically the cement pads and new restroom/shower house—rivals many larger, higher-priced campgrounds, but with the added benefit of a quiet, small-town setting.

Finally, the ability to walk to outstanding community amenities like the swimming pool and the golf course means a full, engaging vacation experience is right at your fingertips. It’s a clean, safe, and well-maintained 'peace and quiet' stop, as some visitors have noted, offering all the essentials—full hookups for RVs, clean facilities, and a friendly atmosphere—without the crowds. If you are traveling through or simply looking for a no-fuss, relaxing camping experience that supports a wonderful local South Dakota community, the Howard City Campground is a highly recommended and dependable choice.