Are you the owner for this park? Make it a featured listing and be seen in the top search results!
Palisades
Overview
Palisades State Park is a hidden geological gem in Southeast South Dakota. Unlike the rolling prairies nearby, this park features stunning Sioux Quartzite formations that rise dramatically above the water. Visitors are treated to a landscape defined by 50-foot vertical cliffs and deep chasms carved by Split Rock Creek over millions of years. It offers a scenic, tranquil retreat for travelers seeking natural beauty and unique terrain.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just south of Garretson and a short drive from Sioux Falls, the park is nestled in a lush valley. The primary focal point is Split Rock Creek, which winds through the center of the pink-hued rock walls. The surrounding area is characterized by fertile farmland and quiet country roads, providing a peaceful environment far removed from highway noise and city bustle, yet accessible for most mid-sized rigs.
Amenities & Park Features
The park offers 34 designated campsites, including several sites equipped with 30-amp and 50-amp electrical hookups. RVers will find level gravel pads, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site. While the park maintains a rustic, nature-first feel, it provides essential comforts like modern restrooms and showers, a dump station, and fresh water access. The sites are generally well-shaded by mature trees, offering privacy and relief during the summer months.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore several miles of hiking trails that offer panoramic overlooks of the quartzite spires. The park is a popular destination for rock climbing and bouldering due to the sturdy and challenging nature of the quartzite walls. Just a few minutes away, visitors can visit Devil’s Gulch, famous for the legendary jump made by outlaw Jesse James. The city of Sioux Falls is also nearby for additional dining and shopping.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for nature photographers and hikers who appreciate unique landscapes and dramatic lighting. Because the campground is smaller and more intimate, it is perfect for those who prefer quiet evenings over a resort-style atmosphere. It is a fantastic choice for active travelers looking to combine rock climbing or paddling with a relaxing stay in one of South Dakota’s most visually striking state parks.
Amenities
- Tenting
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Rentals
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
KEVEN KLEIN
This is truly is one of the great treasures of Eastern South Dakota. As you scope the prairie landscape you will come along some amazing rock cliffs of Pipestone granite with the Spit Rock creek running below. If you are into rock climbing or a swim in the creek or just a quiet picnic with the family then Palisades State Park is the place for you. Sence you are in the area check out Sioux Falls and Falls Park which has the same Pipestone Granite as the Big Sioux River runs through it forming the Falls. South of Sioux Falls is Yankton South Dakota which was the Dakota Territorial Capital from 1860 to 1889 when South Dakota became a state. Yankton has much history to offer along with breathtaking views of the Mirrouri River. Thanks for visiting Palisades State Park and the great state of South Dakota and come again.
Emma Norwood
We found this little gem while wandering around. We accidentally booked a hotel 4 hours away from our original destination. Upon wandering Google we discovered this park. So much to look at and it is absolutely on our list for camping spots next year. We are from out of state but will be putting reservations in for here. So many places to hike, both advanced and beginner. Lots of amazing views and photo ops.
Josh Bradburn
Wow, this is probably the most beautiful place I’ve seen so far in the Midwest, within four hours of Lincoln. I would recommend this to anyone. It has gorgeous waterside walks and impressive, unexpectedly rosy pink rock formations, some of which are upwards of 3 to 4 stories tall. I brought my climbing gear, and this is my first experience with quartzite rock, which I was surprised by how slippery it was, as well as being sharp, so I didn’t end up, throwing any top ropes up, but just scrambled around, which I would only recommend if you feel confident around heights, and understand the risks. Climbing, logistics-wise, this location is really for Trad climbing, as bolts for sport climbing aren’t allowed in the park. We didn’t see a single rope climber there while we were there, despite perfect weather, but we could see chalk marks on some areas. For the next time, I plan to spend more time checking out the walking trails downstream from the bridge on the parking lot side, and this would also be a stunning and safe place to do some paddleboarding. All in all, I would definitely return, and check out the full trails parallel to the river for the adorable overlooks downstream from the bridge on both sides of the river (the trail that stretches upstream from the bridge is also pretty but a little bit more rugged). It also made for a great picnic area with tables and trash cans. 10 out of 10 would return.
B A
Palisades State Park is definitely the best thing to visit for outdoors adventures in the Eastern part of South Dakota. The geological rock features here are so massive and impressive. You can hike down to the river edge and get some really good views from there. There is also multiple lookout points. The park also has a nice campground and a Frisbee golf course. A day pass is $15, but is good for other state parks on the same day.
Angie M
Beautiful park. Loved all the random trails that took you to some beautiful scenery. We came for senior photos and it did not disappoint! Facilities were pretty clean for a campsite. Roads and fields were clean, park ranger was very helpful. We came for pictures but I would definitely come back to camp and visit again!