Lake Henry Campground, De Smet, SD

Welcome to Lake Henry Campground—a local gem nestled in the heart of the iconic Kingsbury County, South Dakota. For those of us who call the Mount Rushmore State home, finding a reliable, clean, and genuinely friendly place to escape is key to enjoying our beautiful prairies and lakes. Lake Henry Campground offers just that: a peaceful retreat on the shores of historic Lake Henry, providing a comfortable and convenient base for all your outdoor adventures.

This campground specializes in offering a simple, clean, and highly functional environment for travelers and local families alike. It's a small, quiet park that focuses on the essentials—reliable utilities and spotless facilities—making it a perfect alternative to crowded, resort-style destinations. Whether you're passing through on a road trip, looking for a fishing weekend, or simply needing a quiet place for a local staycation, Lake Henry Campground is dedicated to ensuring a pleasant experience.

A quick look at customer feedback frequently highlights two major positives: the exceptionally clean facilities, particularly the private bathrooms and showers, and the calm, well-maintained, level sites. This focus on guest comfort and cleanliness makes it a standout choice for those who value privacy and quality during their camping stay.

Location and Accessibility: Anchored in Kingsbury County History

Lake Henry Campground is conveniently located in De Smet, South Dakota, an area famous for its pioneer history and proximity to natural recreation areas. The town of De Smet itself is historically significant as the longtime home of Laura Ingalls Wilder, adding a touch of Americana to your camping experience. The campground's address is a straightforward GPS destination, making travel planning easy for South Dakota residents.

The campground’s proximity to Lake Henry gives it direct access to water-based activities. For those familiar with the area, Lake Henry is part of the 'Twin Lakes' region, situated just north of the much larger Lake Thompson, a popular destination for fishing and boating. While the campground offers a quiet, rural setting, it is not far from local amenities. The town of De Smet provides basic services, and larger communities like Brookings are accessible via major routes for any additional needs.

Accessibility details:

The physical address is:

2000 Twin Lakes Rd, De Smet, SD 57231, USA

Located in Kingsbury County, the campground is easily reached via county and local roads, typically involving a turn off a main highway like US-14 or SD-25, providing a quick and efficient transition from the road to your campsite. The ease of access, combined with its peaceful setting, makes it ideal for RVs and trailers looking for minimal hassle.

Services Offered

Lake Henry Campground prides itself on providing essential, high-quality services to ensure a comfortable stay for all guests. The amenities are geared toward self-sufficient travelers and families who appreciate convenience without the distraction of oversized resort attractions.

Full Utility Hookups: Each site is generally equipped with full hookups, which include water, electric (often 50-amp service), and sewer connections, catering primarily to RV and trailer camping needs. Note: Customer feedback indicates that public hookups are private only, meaning they are for use by registered guests at their reserved sites.
Clean Bathhouse with Showers: Highly praised by guests for being impeccably clean, the bathhouse offers private shower rooms, a significant comfort perk for campers.
Coin-Operated Laundry Machines: A practical service that allows long-term travelers or local families to refresh their wardrobe during their stay.
Convenient Dump Station: Available for guest use to easily service their RVs.
Bagged Ice for Purchase: A simple but necessary convenience, particularly during South Dakota's warm summer months.
Pet-Friendly Environment: The campground is welcoming to pets, offering ample space for dogs to stretch their legs, though owners are expected to follow standard pet courtesy guidelines.
General Store/Office: A central point for check-in and basic supplies.
Free Parking: Available for guests, adding to the convenience of your visit.

Features / Highlights

The true appeal of Lake Henry Campground lies in its peaceful atmosphere and its connection to the surrounding natural and recreational opportunities.

Access to Lake Henry Recreation: Guests have easy access to the picturesque Lake Henry for classic South Dakota water recreation, including swimming, fishing, and boating. The lake is known for providing a tranquil setting for these activities.
Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Lake Henry is managed as a walleye and yellow perch fishery by the state, offering excellent angling opportunities for both experienced and casual fishermen. Black crappie and northern pike are also found here.
Peaceful and Quiet Setting: The campground is noted for its laid-back atmosphere, situated away from major highways and commercial noise, making it a true escape for quiet relaxation.
Well-Maintained, Level Sites: The individual campsites are typically level and well-kept, which is a major advantage for setting up RVs and trailers quickly and comfortably.
Family-Friendly Environment: With a small and manageable size, the campground provides a safe and welcoming space for families to enjoy the outdoors together.
Proximity to Local Attractions: The campground is near the Ingalls Homestead, celebrating the legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder, and is close to Lake Thompson Recreation Area for additional outdoor exploration.

Contact Information

For inquiries, booking information, or to confirm availability, South Dakota residents are encouraged to use the following contact details:

Address:

2000 Twin Lakes Rd, De Smet, SD 57231, USA

Phone:

(605) 610-7854

Mobile Phone:

+1 605-610-7854

Conclusion: Why Lake Henry Campground is Suitable for South Dakota Locals

For those of us living in South Dakota, Lake Henry Campground is more than just a place to park an RV; it’s an accessible, local option that perfectly encapsulates the simple, quality outdoor life the region is known for. It’s an ideal spot for a weekend 'staycation' or a quiet basecamp before exploring the rest of our beautiful state.

Unlike distant, high-cost resorts, Lake Henry Campground offers a no-fuss, high-value experience. The commitment to providing clean facilities and reliable full hookups means less time dealing with logistical problems and more time enjoying the fishing, boating, and stunning prairie sunsets over Lake Henry. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect from the daily grind and reconnect with family, friends, and nature—all within an easy driving distance from many East River communities. The quiet, family-oriented environment and exceptional cleanliness make it a trusted local resource for quality camping, reinforcing why it's a favorite among South Dakotans who appreciate an authentic, peaceful getaway.