Ulven Park Campground, Clear Lake, SD

For South Dakota locals searching for that perfect outdoor escape, a spot where the sounds of nature replace the daily hustle and bustle, and the convenience of well-maintained facilities meets the charm of a friendly small town, Ulven Park Campground in Clear Lake, South Dakota, truly shines. Often described by delighted campers as a "diamond in the rough," this welcoming campground offers a delightful blend of recreational opportunities and peaceful relaxation, making it an ideal destination for families, couples, and solo adventurers alike.

Ulven Park Campground has garnered a loyal following, and it's easy to see why. Reviews from real customers consistently highlight its exceptional cleanliness, a critical factor for any comfortable camping experience. Imagine spotless restrooms and showers, ensuring a refreshing start or end to your day's adventures. Beyond the cleanliness, campers rave about the overall appeal of the grounds, emphasizing the well-maintained nature of the sites and surrounding areas. This attention to detail creates an inviting atmosphere that makes you feel right at home, even when you're miles away from your own.

What truly sets Ulven Park Campground apart for many is its seamless integration with the natural beauty and recreational offerings of the Clear Lake area. Visitors frequently mention the joy of walking and road biking the trails, providing excellent opportunities for active enjoyment of the outdoors. And for those who discover its charms, it quickly becomes a "go-to place" that they eagerly anticipate returning to "next spring." This strong desire for repeat visits is a testament to the positive and memorable experiences consistently delivered at Ulven Park Campground. Whether you're looking for a tranquil spot to unwind, a base for outdoor adventures, or simply a clean and friendly place to recharge, Ulven Park Campground embodies the very best of South Dakota camping.

Ulven Park Campground is conveniently located at Q84V+M6, Clear Lake, SD 57226, USA. This address places it directly on the eastern shore of Clear Lake, a prominent and picturesque body of water in Deuel County, South Dakota. The campground’s setting within Ulven City Park ensures that it is not only easily accessible but also integrated into a larger recreational area managed by the City of Clear Lake.

For South Dakota residents, the campground's accessibility is a significant advantage. Clear Lake is well-connected via state highways, making Ulven Park Campground a manageable drive from many parts of eastern South Dakota, including Brookings, Watertown, and even Sioux Falls. Its location on the east side of Clear Lake provides campers with direct access to the lake, which is a major draw for water-based activities. The short distance from the town center of Clear Lake means that campers are never far from essential amenities and services, including grocery stores, gas stations, local shops, and eateries, offering a perfect blend of natural retreat and urban convenience.

The layout of the park allows for easy navigation to and from campsites, with good road conditions (gravel) within the campground. The fact that it's a city park contributes to its well-maintained status and overall ease of access. For those looking to explore beyond the campground, its proximity to other regional attractions and the network of local roads makes day trips a breeze. This superb combination of scenic beauty, direct lake access, and convenient proximity to town services makes Ulven Park Campground an exceptionally accessible and appealing choice for South Dakota locals seeking an enjoyable and hassle-free camping experience.

Services Offered:

Electric Hookup Sites: Ulven Park Campground offers a total of 24 campsites suitable for RVs, with 24 sites having electric service. Specifically, there are 10 sites with 20 Amp electric service and 14 sites with water, sewer, and 50/30/20 electrical hookups.
Water Hookups: Water is available at sites, providing convenience for campers.
Sewer Hookups: 14 sites offer sewer hookups for full RV convenience.
Clean Restrooms and Showers: Public reviews consistently highlight the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers, a top priority for camper comfort.
Picnic Tables: Each camping site comes equipped with a picnic table for outdoor dining and gathering.
Fire Pits/Grills: Individual fire pits or grills are provided at each site for campfires and cooking.
Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available in town, south of the City Park.
Unsecured Wireless Internet: Available at both Ulven Park and the nearby Lion's Park (also in Clear Lake), offering some connectivity.
Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome, though they must be on a leash, and campers are required to clean up after them.
Self-Service RV Wash: Available on-site for keeping your vehicle clean.
Staffed RV Service: On-site RV service is available.
Secure RV Storage: Offered for those needing long-term storage solutions.

Features / Highlights:

"Diamond in the Rough": A recurring sentiment from campers, indicating it's a wonderfully surprising and enjoyable find.
Exceptional Cleanliness: Consistently praised for very clean campgrounds, restrooms, and showers, rated 10/10/10 by Good Sam for facilities, restrooms, and visual appeal.
Direct Clear Lake Access: Located on the eastern shore of Clear Lake, providing opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing right from the park.
Walking and Road Biking Trails: Features pleasant trails for walking and road biking, as highlighted by customer reviews, perfect for active recreation. A half-mile hiking trail is located within the park.
Peaceful Atmosphere: Offers a quiet and serene environment, ideal for relaxation and enjoying the natural surroundings.
Variety of Hookups: Provides options for both electric-only and full hookup sites, catering to different RV and camping needs.
Shaded Sites: Some sites offer shade, providing relief during warmer days.
Disc Golf Course: A 9-hole disc golf course is available in Ulven Park, adding another recreational activity.
Picnic Shelter: A communal picnic shelter is available, which can be reserved for group gatherings (contact City Office).
Wildlife Viewing: The natural setting of Clear Lake and the park offers opportunities to observe local wildlife.

Promotions or Special Offers:

As a city-run campground, Ulven Park Campground primarily offers transparent, daily pricing rather than complex promotional schemes. The listed rates are quite competitive:

$30 per day for water, sewer, and electrical hookup sites.
$25 per day for water and electrical hookup sites.
$20 per day for designated tent sites.

While specific discounts are not widely advertised, the Clear Lake City Office (who manages the park) can be contacted for inquiries about potential extended stay rates, which might offer savings for longer visits. Given that it operates on a first-come, first-serve basis with no reservations taken, there are no seasonal booking promotions. Campers are encouraged to reach out directly to the Clear Lake City Office for the most current pricing information and any potential updates regarding rates or policies, as rates can be subject to change by city administration.

Contact Information:

Address: Ulven Park Campground (within Ulven City Park), Clear Lake, SD 57226, USA

General inquiries & City Office:

Phone: (605) 874-2121

Fax: (605) 874-2002

Email: clcity@itctel.com

City Office Business Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM

For shelter reservations, contact the City Office at (605) 874-2121.

For South Dakota locals, Ulven Park Campground in Clear Lake is an exceptionally suitable and appealing choice for their next camping adventure. Its designation as a "diamond in the rough" by satisfied campers speaks volumes about the unexpected quality and delightful experience it provides. The consistent praise for its cleanliness, from restrooms and showers to the overall grounds, means that local families and individuals can enjoy a comfortable and hygienic stay without compromise. This attention to detail reflects the pride taken by the City of Clear Lake in offering a top-notch recreational facility to both residents and visitors.

The campground’s location is another significant advantage for South Dakotans. Situated directly on Clear Lake, it offers immediate access to a variety of water activities, making it perfect for those who enjoy fishing, boating, or simply relaxing by the shore. The availability of well-maintained walking and road biking trails within the park adds an active dimension, allowing locals to seamlessly integrate their outdoor exercise routines into their camping trips. Whether you're looking for a peaceful weekend retreat, a base for exploring the northeastern part of the state, or a convenient and affordable stop on a longer journey, Ulven Park Campground delivers on all fronts.

Moreover, the mix of electric-only and full hookup sites caters to diverse camping needs, ensuring that whether you have a large RV or a simple tent, there's a comfortable spot for you. The small-town charm of Clear Lake itself, with its nearby amenities and welcoming atmosphere, further enhances the appeal, providing a genuine sense of community. Ulven Park Campground truly offers a fantastic opportunity for South Dakotans to reconnect with nature, enjoy well-kept facilities, and create cherished memories right in their home state, cementing its status as a highly recommended local camping destination.