Fun, Friendly, and Clean Weekend
The campground host was one of the kindest and funniest I have interacted with. We went on one of the hottest and most windy weekends of the year, so having a friendly smile to start of the weekend was great. Let us know we were in for a good weekend. Got the rundown on all the facilities and trails. Checked in with us to make sure we were good on day 2.
Chloe
7/2/2025
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Nice park, reservations could improve.
Beautiful & unique park! Reservations site worked well, but maybe a little overinvolved. What was missing was the ability to pay the park entrance fee. We had to do that onsite, which was a silly when I'd paid the reservation online. The entrance fee was a surprise and another $15. Also, I would like a satellite overview on the map when selecting spots so you can gauge the site shade, privacy, etc better.
Barb
6/30/2025
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
4.3
Facilities
5.0
Great stay
This was our first visit to palisades sp. We were very impressed with the maintenance of the park. The trails were nicely maintained with mowing and the wood structure (such as stairs or platforms) were solid and not crumbling. The shower house in the Kings campground is the nicest we have seen. The queen campground shower was closed but it seemed they were working on getting it fixed. The pit toilets were also clean and smelled as good as was possible. Our favorite part was a nice swimming area near the bridge.
The staff was very friendly and even visited our site the night before a storm and let us know where we could take shelter if needed.
Happy camper
6/29/2025
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Nice campground
We stayed in the Kings campground. New campground so trees are still small. No shade yet. Campsites are level and spacious. Restroom and shower facilities are clean.
Happy Campers
6/27/2025
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.9
Awful
Park trails are BEAUTIFUL!! But won’t go back again!! From the time we checked in till we left we were literally harassed by the game wardens for doing nothing!! We had 3 spots my nephew just got there was asked about fire wood!! Remind you we know you need certain wood but this was at NOON AND IT WAS 100 DEGREES OUT!! Every hour they came around and checked his pole for his reservation and there was 3 spots and all in my name!! That night we were all at my son’s spot and he came around and we were all watching the races outside it was 10:30 ish he asked if it was the last race and said shut it off and go inside like we were a kid!! We were not loud at all my son had a 1 yr old sleeping a 2 others, my nephew has 3 kids, and my husband and I don’t stay up late!! There was a gentleman knocking on the bathroom doors about 10:30 at night and it happened to my daughter in law. Later that night 1:30 in the morning a sheriff is driving through the park and my son waved he was texting my cousin driving through a hail storm finishing his beer. He stops and talks to him about the bathroom incident and then asks was it you? My son says NO and the sheriff says I am a little late getting here!! On Saturday they messed up on reservation when we checked in so my son all set up had to move one spot over!! And they didn’t even ask the other party if they would just take the other spot! And of all things it was a group of young kids with a tent!! Then that night we are spot and they stop AGAIN while watching races and told us after the main was over we had to shut it off!! IT WASNT LOUD AND NOBODY WAS CLOSE TO US AND COULDNT HEAR IT WITH AIR CONDITIONERS GOING CAUSE IT WAS 100 degrees!!
Lulu
6/26/2025
Overall Experience
3.3
Services
1.3
Facilities
5.0
Beautiful park
Moe-Cog
6/26/2025
Nice RV park
Uncle George
6/25/2025
Satisfied.
Budrae
6/24/2025
Pretty but not favorite
Stayed in a cabin, pretty hiking trails. Disappointed in no WiFi or cell phone signal for keeping eye on weather. Tried to go to kids movie night that was advertised and flyers handed out and no one showed up. Checking in was not a good experience was told key was in lock box, code did not work, staff got it to work, but key was not in lock box.
Landon3737
6/24/2025
Overall Experience
2.3
Services
2.4
Facilities
2.4
Beautiful Park
Michigan Camper
6/22/2025
Great find
This park was a great find. We needed a stop over place to stay on our way west and we booked for one night. The park is beautiful, there were nice trails along the river and in the fields. Gorgeous views of the rocks along the river. The bathrooms had hot showers and were clean.
Beautiful park with so much to offer
6/22/2025
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
3.9
Kings campground cabin
Although the Kings campground is new and therefore not a lot of tree cover/shade, it was still a great stay with newer cabin and bath house, clean and well maintained.
FamilyL
6/19/2025
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
3.8
Great camping experience
Kgr
6/19/2025
Clean, great hiking
NS
6/18/2025
Good place
Great spot great cabin but firepit was too close to the neighbors from the cabin and put in a spot on a include that was hard to sit in a chair on. The fire pit should be in the other side of the cabin on flatter ground as there was plenty of room
Campman123456
6/17/2025
Overall Experience
4.0
Services
3.8
Facilities
3.7
Fantastic as always
The bath house is always super clean, the camp host made it a point to come get to know us and recommend things for us to do. It's so well maintained!
Outoftowner
6/17/2025
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Parking permits problems-ticket
Loved our visit but got a ticket for our towed vehicle after spending $60 the day before. I really dislike your separate charge for camping and a day pass policy. In all the state parks I’ve visited in other states this fee is included. When added into cost to visit it makes it very expensive. Really soured my visit until ranger listened to me about the car being towed and covered under the $60 fee.
Monica
6/16/2025
Overall Experience
3.8
Services
4.3
Facilities
3.6
Camping at Palisades State Park
McFisch
6/12/2025
Enjoyed our stay.
Enjoying Life
6/11/2025
One night at Palisades
LVK
6/9/2025
We will be back!
This was our first time camping at Palisades and we plan to come again!
SJ
6/9/2025
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
3.4
Facilities
5.0
Wonderful experience
First time camping in new part 56e. Very clean everyone friendly. Liked large space for 7 year old to play soccer and learn to ride bike.
Connie
6/8/2025
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.9
Speeding
Unsafe to walk around the campground. Especially queens side. Nobody follows speed limits and younger adults rip through going 30+. I stayed for 1 night and about 10pm 3 assumed day use drove 3 trucks around the campsites back and forth being extremely loud and reckless
Tb123456789
6/8/2025
Overall Experience
4.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.6
A great visit to a great place.
Little Kirbster
6/7/2025
Great experience
Scampers
6/6/2025
Loved it
It was absolutely beautiful the bridge is amazing n the fish bit the whole time
Kyleigh krueger
6/6/2025
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Creek access
Did not have easy access to a kayak launch. Non ideal launch spot/site.
CG
6/5/2025
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
5.0
Facilities
3.3
Review
Nature Nerd
6/4/2025
History, Majesty, Hospitality
A truly special state park and we've been to many. We loved being able to see the ancient rock structures in such a picturesque setting. We received a very warm welcome from Camp Host Merle and the office crew when we came in. Facilities and amenities were top-notch. We will be excited to come back and perhaps get a spot in the more "rustic" tree-filled section of the park, but for the last weekend in May - site 20 was perfect. Thanks to all of the hard working staff who help make this place so special.
JDLindman
6/3/2025
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.9
Great camp ground and park
Great trails and camp sites
Bubba
6/2/2025
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
A very nice park and AWESOME employees
Spur of the moment camper
5/30/2025
Great clean park
This was our first time at Palisades state park. It was really nice, clean and the host on our weekend was super knowledgeable! He greeted us after we were all set up. Gave us some great trails to check out and would be easy with our smaller kids.
Schons18
5/29/2025
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Great stay
We reserved ?? spot and glad we did. It was paved and flat. We have a 35" motorhome but could fit larger. Enjoyed our stay.
Jill Gardner
5/29/2025
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
New campground
We were in the King Campground. Nice large spots. The one porta-toilet near us was almost unable to get to because of the mud & dirt. There is no playground in the main camping area. Since this is a new campground camping spring & fall will be the best for awhile until the trees grow. The campground host is awesome!!!
Funtimes
5/29/2025
Overall Experience
4.0
Services
4.7
Facilities
4.0
Beautiful park
HS2014
5/29/2025
Beautiful park
The GFP has done an awesome job on the new camping addition to this park! The camping spots are big and spread apart so you are not on top of the next campers! Bathroom and showers were clean and well designed. The hiking trails and the additions of firepits and benches along the Split Rock Creek is great. One of the new park shelters has a gas grill that can be used if you have resereved the shelter. The new playgrounds are awesome and more handicapped friendly!
kmbsupply
5/29/2025
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.6
Great place to visit!
mizmary
5/27/2025
Great park
Camping family
5/23/2025
Palisades
Happy Camper
5/22/2025
Overall stunning, with a few draw backs
I loved everything about this place hidden in plain sight. The ONLY drawback is that we didnt have anywhere flat on our site to pitch the tent in the grass and ended up sleeping on a slant and by morning I was asleep in my car. Great spot for day use or a trailer but not so much for a tent.
PickensMe
5/14/2025
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.1
Passing Through!
It was super easy to book, we arrived late after a day of driving and "check in" was easy. We were able to quickly grab our keys from the fron office lock box and head to our cabin to crash. That being said, we will likely be back! It was a lovely area, river was gorgeous, facilities were in great shape. We were able to get up early the next morning, "check out" the same way and hit the road! Very convenient and great for road tripping or would be a great camping get away!
MO Visitors
5/14/2025
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.7
Nice
Campsites are clean, well shaded, easy to back into our spot. We did have a power issue when we first arrived, but we contacted a park official and they sent someone out and fixed the issue. I did like the fact that the showers were free and the water was nice and hot. The only complaint i would have is that the "full hookup" sites are not full hookup. No water or sewer. At least there was a fill and dump station.
Deezducks
5/12/2025
Overall Experience
4.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
3.7
Nice park
Campingmama
4/23/2025
quiet, peaceful campsite
Site 83 has some trees and is mostly level. The fireplace is a good size! The view and tail access is convenient. Also, just a warning, ticks were already out in April and u found one after the visit.
lucy
4/17/2025
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Quaint little park
relaxication
4/16/2025
Nice new campground
Beautiful park. All the staff were friendly and courteous.
Dakota Jim
10/30/2024
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Awesome experience!
Christina
10/30/2024
Fantastic
Wy camp
10/25/2024
camp
We had a group of ten that came out for the evening. Did some walking along the river and made some camp food. Didn't stay the night.
Resh
10/24/2024
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.9
Not what we expected
The tent site was way too small for our Bell Tent and the site was way too uneven. The sites were way to close together. We couldn't even set up the tent or stay. We looked at pictures beforehand and the photos were very deceiving. The park was not set up to easily access anything. Overall, very disappointed, overly crowded, and didn't even stay. I tried to talk to the check in office to cancel the weekend but he couldn't do anything. I had to call the 800 number. Major hassle.
Kh
10/22/2024
Overall Experience
1.0
Services
2.3
Facilities
1.9
LED street lights and impaired camping sites
Hello, Palisades is my favorite park, I have been camping there for twenty years in tents, small campers, and now larger campers. I rock climb and hike, but have not been there in two years because of how hard it is to get reservations. Finally got in a few days ago and was all set for the weekend. However, the park "upgraded" to LED street lights. I was in site 104e in queen campground, and it was daylight around my fire ring because of this LED light spraying everywhere. The campers in 103e had it even worse. People do not go camping to sit in daylight under a street light, they go camping to get away from the city and see the night sky. "Dark Sky" discussions are going on all over the country about how much light cities have and how it negatively affects quality of life. And now, our state parks are seemingly oblivious to the concept that people don't want to camp under street lights. All of the street lights meant to illuminate the roadway should have shields to only illuminate the roadway. This absolutely ruined my night as the street light was brighter than my campfire. Thankfully, I called in and there was a spot available to move to that wasn't lit up like this. I moved the next day. The park service should remember people camp to get away from street lights.
jonbonjovial
10/22/2024
Overall Experience
4.3
Services
4.7
Facilities
3.2
Overall, pretty good
Overall, this was a comfortable place to stay. Our camp host was friendly and the shower/restrooms were new and VERY large. They could have been cleaned more, but I realize it was not prime season, so I am chalking it up to that. There isn't a ton to do at this park but the trail along the creek was pleasant. We were there for 2 weeks due to an obligation to be near Sioux Falls, and it met our needs. The open skies was nice for Starlink; however, it made the park less "cozy." Still that was super helpful for us, since we had to work.
Ruby
10/21/2024
Overall Experience
4.3
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.8
It was BEAUTIFUL!
I loved our weekend stay at the park! It was beautiful, peaceful, fun, clean, quiet. When we would step outside our camper (king campground) we could hear the birds, the water, the occasional pheasant. Our camp ground host was AMAZING! Once we parked and started setting the camper up he came by to introduce himself let us know of the trails around and places to see / do! Also brought us firewood to our campsite!
I do recommend going to the Devils Gulch park in Garretson, it was breath taking! So many different trails and spots to see! We were also able to get to 99% of places with our small dog!
There is also a dollar general just a 5-10 minute drive away incase you realize you forgot something or need some snacks! Easy and convenient!
Our campsite also had free wifi that we never had to worry about! The only "downside" at that campground was the neddles on the hill going to the rest room. When walking our dog we just had to keep an eye out. Nothing horrible though.
Bst.23
10/17/2024
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.8
wonderful
happy camper 1981
10/16/2024
Wonderful Weekend
This was our first time camping at Palisades- loved it - will definitely be back. The campground was clean, spots were level, plenty of room and nice fire pits.
Campingis4us
10/16/2024
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
3.4
Facilities
3.9
Our favorite place.
JC
10/16/2024
Nice New Campground
Palisades State Park King Campground is very nice partly due to how new it is. The bathroom/shower facilities were very clean. The tent sites have a lot of space for multiple tents and room to play yard games. Only complaint is that the bathrooms are a decent walk from the tent sites, although it does look like they plan to add an additional bathroom closer to the tent sites. We'd stay here again for sure!
Alex
10/16/2024
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
4.7
Facilities
5.0
Beautiful hidden gem.
Just another camper.
10/11/2024
Lovely park
Beautiful, beautiful park. Nice trails. Will return.
Miss Mimi
10/10/2024
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.3
Sir
Pads were not level.
camper
10/10/2024
Overall Experience
4.3
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.3
Great stay
Duck
10/9/2024
Excellent stay
Palisades is beautiful. Clean park with super friendly staff. The views and the natural features are incredible. We will definitely visit this park again.
Betty Boop
10/9/2024
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.9
Palisades Experience
Since the new entrance opened those camping in the old area have to travel nearly two miles for firewood at the main entrance. We did see a young man in a golf cart with firewood coming around. The problem was he drove the cart like a race car driver, nearly impossible to flag him down. I would suggest posted times in which the fire wagon will make its rounds. Huge pain.
Campers 4 life
10/9/2024
Overall Experience
4.8
Services
4.6
Facilities
4.0
Palisades is a piece if paradise
The site was clean and quiet and we appreciated the space if rhe sites.
Hiking and fishing ?? were fyb as well.
Beth Chamberlain
10/9/2024
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Had a fantastic time
Momtrck
10/8/2024
Great park - not so great directions
This state park and camping area is beautiful and the camping (tiny RV) was excellent. Clean campsites, level asphalt pads, well kept. Decent and clean restroom/shower. Great staff! The hiking paths could be a tiny better marked.
My major complaint is that the signs off the freeway (coming from the east) take you on a wild goose-chase including miles on gravel roads, only to come across a sign that basically says you went the wrong way. Signage needs to be corrected, and you need to enter the address in Google maps and not just the park name. Tortured my van/travel trailer and ended up completely covered in dirt for the remainder of our trip (to Black Hills) and back. Could have been avoided. It appears you need to exit the freeway on Highway 11 (482nd Ave) to stay on the hard road.
EZ
10/4/2024
Overall Experience
4.5
Services
4.3
Facilities
3.2
Amazing!
GusGus
10/3/2024
Sunny
We enjoyed out time away from home, End of Sept. was good considering we had no trees, but evenings were perfect!! Wide open Spaces!! Bathroom facility was perfect for handicap!!!! (family bathroom)
Cinderella
10/2/2024
Overall Experience
4.5
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Great cabins!
Amazing camping cabins with perfect deck to enjoy the stars
WisconsinPaddler
10/2/2024
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
SD Park
icebaby43
10/1/2024
Excellent camping experience
Ed Z
9/30/2024
Beautiful
Saintsnsinners00
9/29/2024
Enjoyed stay
Very quiet campground in late season. Quiet. Nice short hiking trail along river. Bathroom was a little dingy. Difficult to find using Google maps which brought me to a closed road. Need better signage!
Go west
9/29/2024
Overall Experience
3.8
Facilities
3.5
Nice campground
My wife and I have stayed on the Queens side of the campground on two occasions. Each time we have enjoyed our stay. The campground is quiet, clean, shaded with old large trees. The campsites are level, with maybe some slight leveling needed, depending on the site. We will stay there again.
Jerry S
9/27/2024
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.9
Wide Open
Infrastructure is all new on the new campground. Problem is no trees available for shade - all wide open. Visited the old campground - very nice mature vegetation.
chefone
9/26/2024
Overall Experience
4.3
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.9
Nice Place
Wade
9/25/2024
Your website is impossible to use.
The site is so difficult to use it figures it’s a government entity. And there’s no reason you need my email address just fix your website
9/25/2024
Beautiful! Nice and clean, restrooms and shower… Camphosts were great!
Llamarr
9/24/2024
First Visit to Palisades
Bergie
9/23/2024
Happy Camping at Palisades
Happy Camper
9/23/2024
Palisades stay
Eagle 1 SD
9/19/2024
Fantastic
Palisades had been one of our most favorite parks to go to. The new King area is nice and will be great in the future once all the trees get bigger and provide shade.
Happy camper74
9/19/2024
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Nicely shaded area.
Ckn camper
9/19/2024
Recharge getaway
Quietandrelax
9/18/2024
Fantastic
The camp host (Merle) is so friendly and helpful. He stops and visits with us everytime we camp in this park. He is a keeper!!!
Molly
9/18/2024
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Palisades State Park tenting only area review
This was such an enjoyable weekend. The area we stayed is new, this is the first year in existence. The park was clean well laid out and a joy to camp at. The facilities were well-lit, attractive to the eye and comfortable to stay, eat and sleep at.
Thank you SD-GFP.
Hoeyboy
9/14/2024
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
4.9
Hanging out in south dakota for the summer.
Ive been traveling the sate of sd checking out the state parks. After moving here from wisconsin you can definitely tell the money made at state parks goes right back into the parks.. I didnt get to all of them but the ones i went to are meticulously maintained. Big sites ,updated electric and friendly people! And as a perk the app seems to be working! Looking forward to seeing them all!
Me and Bubba
9/12/2024
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Campsite 79
Beware of campsite #79, lots of acorns and it is on a hill. There is also a train close by that goes multiple times throughout the night. Other than that the park was beautiful!
DW
9/12/2024
Overall Experience
4.0
Services
3.3
Facilities
2.8
Youth group area campout
Our Scout group stayed in the Palisades youth group area for the weekend. We stayed in the newly constructed youth group area in King campground. It was perfect for pur outing with plenty of room for our 10 tents. The nicely build fire pit and new aluminum picnic tables provided us with plenty of room for cooking and activities. The Scouts enjoyed a beautiful hike on one of the many hiking trails in the park. We also set up some telescopes in the roomy parking area to work on an Astronomy merit badge. Everything was perfect with our stay in the park.
James Troop 731
9/11/2024
Overall Experience
5.0
Services
5.0
Facilities
5.0
Palisaids State Park expansion
The Queen secrion is the older side of the park with mature shade trees.
Palisaids State Park expansion
9/11/2024
Overall Experience
4.3
Services
3.5
Facilities
3.6