Memorial Park Camping Area, Watertown, SD

About

Introduction / Overview

For South Dakota residents seeking an exceptional local camping experience, the Memorial Park Camping Area in Watertown stands out as a premier destination. Located along the scenic northwest shores of beautiful Lake Kampeska, this extensive 90-plus acre facility offers a comprehensive range of amenities managed by the Codington County Facilities Manager, ensuring high standards of upkeep and service. It is far more than just a place to park an RV; it is a full-featured recreational area designed for both active adventure and peaceful relaxation.

Memorial Park captures the heart of South Dakota’s glacial lakes region, making it an ideal local retreat. The park operates seasonally, typically from May 1st through September 30th (weather permitting), serving as a fantastic basecamp for exploring the natural beauty of the area. With sites accommodating everything from large RVs requiring full hookups to simple tent camping, the park caters to all types of campers and budgets. Customer feedback consistently highlights the long, spacious sites, the abundance of shade from mature trees, and a friendly, helpful atmosphere, solidifying its reputation as a local gem.

Location and Accessibility

Memorial Park Camping Area boasts a highly attractive and accessible location, perfectly situated to enjoy the best of the Watertown area. The physical address is 1200 N Lake Dr, Watertown, SD 57201, USA. This places the park directly on the water’s edge of Lake Kampeska, a major recreational hub in Codington County.

While the campground provides a secluded, lakeside feel, it is conveniently close to the city of Watertown, making quick supply runs or a day of city exploration simple. It can be easily accessed from major routes, located approximately six miles west of Watertown via Highway 212 and then two miles north on SD Highway 139. For those traveling from outside the immediate area, the park is a relatively short drive—roughly 12 miles—from Interstate 29, making it a convenient stop for South Dakotans traveling north or south. This balance of natural lakeside setting and nearby urban convenience is a significant advantage for local users.

Services Offered

The commitment of Memorial Park Camping Area to providing a quality stay is evident in its wide array of essential and convenient services, which include everything a modern camper needs.

Extensive Campsite Variety: The park features approximately 106 campsites, with options including full hookup sites (sewer, water, and 50-amp electric), water and electric-only sites, electric-only sites (20/30/50 amp), and primitive tent sites. Many sites are long, pull-through friendly, and offer good tree shade.

Modern Comfort Stations: Four full bathhouse facilities are available, which include modern comfort stations and heated showers, consistently praised by visitors for their cleanliness and quality.

Reservation System: Advance reservations are available by telephone or online (up to 90 days in advance), ensuring campers can secure their spot. The office accepts major credit cards (Mastercard and Visa) for convenient payment.

On-Site Management: The presence of on-site managers ensures smooth operations, helpful assistance, and enforcement of park rules, contributing to the friendly and orderly environment noted in customer reviews.

Firewood Availability: An honor system or on-site sales of firewood is available, which is a great convenience for local campers who prefer not to transport wood from outside the area or make an extra trip to town.

Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is available for RV users, completing the full hookup amenities necessary for extended stays.

Features / Highlights

The true draw of Memorial Park is its rich offering of recreational features and its exceptional lakeside setting, which provides endless opportunities for outdoor activity right outside your tent or RV door.

Lake Kampeska Access: The park is located directly on the northwest shores of the lake and includes a dedicated boat launch ramp and dock, making it an ideal spot for boating, fishing (known for walleye), and water sports.

Designated Swimming Beach: A zoned swimming area provides a safe and fun place for families to cool off during the South Dakota summer months.

Extensive Trail System: Campers can enjoy the natural surroundings via the Izaak Walton hiking trail system, which features over a mile of wooded trails to explore. The park also connects to the Watertown City Bike Trail.

Family Gathering Areas: A large picnic area is available, complete with horseshoe pits and multiple playground areas for children, making it perfect for family reunions or group outings. Several enclosed reunion buildings and shelters are also available for rental.

Recreational Facilities: Other on-site features include a Game Room and a Gaga Pit, offering additional entertainment options for kids and teens.

Green and Spacious Sites: The campground is characterized by long, spacious gravel sites surrounded by grass and plenty of shade trees, allowing ample room to play yard games like beanbags or simply relax by the campfire.

Contact Information

For reservations, seasonal availability, or specific inquiries regarding the Codington County Memorial Park Camping Area, please use the following contact information. Remember that the operating season is typically May 1st to September 30th.

Address: 1200 N Lake Dr, Watertown, SD 57201, USA

Phone: (605) 882-6290

Mobile Phone: +1 605-882-6290

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For South Dakota residents, Memorial Park Camping Area is perfectly suited as a convenient, amenity-rich, and affordable recreation destination. As a county-run facility on a major regional lake like Kampeska, it offers exceptional value compared to more commercial alternatives. The combination of direct lake access with a boat launch and a designated swimming beach ensures that local families can fully enjoy the quintessential South Dakota summer experience of being on the water without having to travel far.

The high quality of the camping experience—evidenced by the well-maintained sites, clean comfort stations, and friendly atmosphere—makes it a reliable choice for a weekend getaway or a full week's vacation. The diverse array of site types, from full hookup RV spots to budget-friendly tent sites, ensures accessibility for all local campers. Whether a Watertown local wants a quick escape for a relaxing campfire weekend, or a family from the eastern part of the state needs a central hub for fishing and hiking, Memorial Park Camping Area offers the ideal blend of natural beauty, recreational features, and easy access, cementing its status as a cherished local asset.

Memorial Park Camping Area Details

Highlights
Picnics

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom

Offerings
RV camping
RV electric hookup
RV water hookup

Activities
Hiking

Amenities
Picnic tables
Public restroom
Public shower
Restroom
Running water
Slides
Swings
Tent sites

Payments
Camping fee

Children
Good for kids
Kid-friendly hikes
Playground

Parking
On-site parking

Pets
Dogs allowed

Reviews

The buffet looked very large but at 18.50 per person was more than we needed for lunch. We ordered from the take-out menu instead. We ordered the large size of lo mein and chicken fried rice. Serving size was enough for three meals each and very tasty. Lots of moist chicken in the rice. Would definitely return.

Aug 17, 2025 · Pat Carver

We camped over the weekend here. Sites are long & plenty room to play beanbags, play fetch with the dog or just visit by the campfire. Good tree shade. Enjoyed the trails in the woods Saturday morning. Would like to re-visit to see more of that. The lake is wonderful. Spent all afternoon on it Saturday. Honor system firewood available. Glad we didn't have to go uptown for it. Looked like all the kids enjoyed the playgrounds. Price is just right for the amenities. Everyone friendly & helpful.

Jul 25, 2023 · Marie Reed

Great campground on the lake. Many sites to choose from. Friendly people. Our site was by the boat launch. Many flies. So that was a little annoying but nice clean campground. Theres a neat walking path around the duck pond you'll definitely need to explore. For the kids an awesome gameroom with bill exchangers. Overall good family campground with plenty to do. You can even go to church on Sunday!

Sep 04, 2022 · living_maas_life

The campground is fine for RVs and tents. The facilites are old, but they are usable. The management is the real issue at this park. The lady that checked us in on arrival was not friendy, and a poor representation for the park. Codington county should replace her with someone with a little more customer oriented attitude fo make this park more welcoming.

Aug 17, 2024 · Steven Lien

As nice as some 0f the Minnesota State Parks I've been too. Trail around the duck was really nice. I didn't expect to see the variety of birds so close but the reeds gave them security without obstructing my view of them.

Aug 09, 2023 · Wendy Draeger

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