Oakwood Lakes State Park Campground 1, Bruce, SD

Introduction / Overview

For South Dakota residents seeking an exceptional outdoor experience with the convenience of modern amenities, Oakwood Lakes State Park Campground 1 stands out as an extremely nice and well-regarded destination. As one of the two main camping loops in the historic Oakwood Lakes State Park, this area offers a fantastic retreat centered around a unique chain of eight connecting glacial lakes in the state's eastern region. The atmosphere is notably family-friendly and welcoming, making it an ideal spot for a local weekend getaway or an extended summer vacation.

Campground 1 is highly praised by local users for its combination of natural setting and comfortable facilities. Reviewers frequently comment on the quality of the grounds, noting that while "Some sites are close like a trailer park," many others are "very spacious providing privacy," thanks to the mature trees and thoughtful layout. It provides a mix of electric and non-electric sites, as well as several cozy camping cabins, catering to all types of campers, from those in large motorhomes to those pitching a simple tent. Situated near Johnson Lake, this campground offers a peaceful, yet activity-rich environment, staying quiet despite its relatively close proximity to Brookings.

Location and Accessibility

Oakwood Lakes State Park Campground 1 is perfectly positioned in the Glacial Lakes & Prairies region of eastern South Dakota. Its official and easy-to-navigate address is 20247 Oakwood Dr, Bruce, SD 57220, USA.

The park's location offers a sweet spot between secluded nature and accessibility. It is only a short drive from the city of Brookings, making it highly convenient for area residents to escape for the day or the weekend. Visitors approaching from the Interstate can use Exit 140 off I-29, or follow US Highway 14 to access the park road. Once inside the park, Campground 1 is easily distinguishable and features convenient access to the main park entrance, where essential services like the sanitary dump station and central water points are located. While the campground offers electrical hookups at most sites, it is important to note, as a previous user mentioned, that you "have to park entrance for dump and water" refills and disposal.

Services Offered

Oakwood Lakes State Park Campground 1 is designed to be a modern and comfortable home base for exploring the park’s many offerings. The services provided ensure a convenient stay for all local campers:

Electrical Campsites: The majority of the sites in Campground 1 are designated with an 'E' and offer electric hookups (up to 50-amp service available) to accommodate a wide range of RVs and trailers, with some capable of handling rigs up to 96 feet long.
Sanitary Facilities: The campground features a clean comfort station with flush toilets and modern shower facilities. These bathrooms are frequently highlighted by campers as being "amazing for a campground," offering private, clean full-sized bathroom areas.
Water Access: Potable drinking water spigots are conveniently spaced throughout the campground loop for easy access. Note that the main dump station and central water fill-up point are located near the park entrance, not at the individual sites.
Camping Cabins: A limited number of popular rental cabins are available within Campground 1, providing a comfortable, semi-rustic lodging option with a bit more shelter than tent camping.
Basic Site Amenities: Each reserved campsite includes a picnic table and a fire ring with a grate for outdoor cooking and enjoyable evening campfires.
Year-Round Operation: The campground is open all year, though services are seasonal; between October 1st and April 30th, water systems (showers/flush toilets) are typically closed, with vault toilets remaining accessible.

Features / Highlights

The experience at Oakwood Lakes State Park Campground 1 is greatly enhanced by its surrounding environment and unique recreational features. It offers a variety of activities for both water and land enthusiasts:

Shaded Sites and Privacy: Many sites are naturally shaded by "Many mature trees," and a significant number are described as "very spacious providing privacy," an important feature for a relaxing camping trip.
Water Sports Hub: Campers have direct access to Johnson Lake and the full chain of eight glacial lakes. The park features a boat ramp for launching watercraft, and the waters are excellent for boating, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.
Family-Friendly Hiking: A beautiful network of trails is easily accessible, including the Tetonkaha Trail around Scout Island, which is a great short hike, and the longer Oakwood Prairie Trail. These paths are perfect for walking, biking, and observing wildlife.
Historical and Interpretive Sites: The area is steeped in local history, once being a gathering spot for American Indians (called Tetonkaha) and later home to settler Samuel Mortimer's log cabin, which is a key point of interest along the trails.
Playground and Recreational Checkouts: A playground is located within the campground to entertain younger visitors. Additionally, the park office offers checkouts for equipment like frisbees for the disc golf course, lawn games, and even fishing poles.
RV Site Considerations: Due to the natural terrain, some RV users should be prepared, as a reviewer noted, that "Few sites are level and require enough jacking to lift motorhome tires off the ground to get level." It is advisable to view site photos and bring leveling blocks.

Contact Information

For bookings, park information, or specific questions about site conditions at Oakwood Lakes State Park Campground 1, please use the following contact details:

Address: 20247 Oakwood Dr, Bruce, SD 57220, USA

Phone (Park Office): (605) 627-5441

Reservations (SD State Parks): 1-800-710-2267 (CAMP) or online through www.campsd.com.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Oakwood Lakes State Park Campground 1 is exceptionally suitable for locals because it represents the best of easily accessible, quality South Dakota State Park camping. For residents of Brookings and the surrounding areas, this campground offers a quick and affordable escape to a major body of water and a full range of outdoor activities without the commitment of a long drive. The park is often quieter than more distant, highly-publicized parks, offering a more peaceful experience while still being close enough to town for any emergency supply runs.

The campground’s strong reputation for being an "Extremely nice campground" with clean, private facilities—a true rarity in many state parks—makes it a dependable choice for families. Despite the minor challenge of leveling on some RV sites, the reward is a beautiful spot with "Many mature trees for shade" and proximity to the vast recreational offerings of the eight interconnected lakes. Choosing Campground 1 is choosing a convenient, high-quality, and deeply appreciated local resource that has been attracting South Dakotans for generations.