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Stokes-Thomas Lake City Park & Campground
Overview
Stokes-Thomas Lake City Park & Campground offers a refreshing outdoor experience situated directly on the eastern shores of Lake Kampeska in Watertown. This municipal facility provides a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern convenience, making it a staple for South Dakota travelers. Visitors are greeted by well-manicured grounds and a welcoming atmosphere that reflects the local community spirit. Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway or a scenic stopover during a cross-country trip, this park serves as a serene home base with stunning lakeside views.
Location & Surroundings
Located in the heart of the Glacial Lakes region, the park is positioned perfectly for those who enjoy water-based recreation. The surrounding landscape is characterized by the expansive waters of Lake Kampeska, which covers over 5,000 acres. Just a short drive from downtown Watertown, SD, guests can enjoy a secluded natural environment without sacrificing proximity to local shopping and dining. The park is integrated into a larger network of recreational trails that wind along the shoreline, providing ample space for exploration and quiet reflection.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground is equipped to handle a variety of RV sizes, offering sites with full hookups including water, sewer, and 50-amp electricity. Campers have access to clean, modern bathhouses and convenient laundry facilities. For those traveling with children, the park features a large modern playground and plenty of open green space for outdoor games. A dedicated boat launch and a swimming beach are within walking distance, ensuring that every guest can make the most of the lakefront setting. The park also provides a dump station for added convenience.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Beyond the campground, Watertown offers several unique cultural and family-friendly destinations. The Bramble Park Zoo is a local favorite, featuring a diverse collection of animals and educational exhibits. Art enthusiasts should not miss the Redlin Art Center, which showcases the famous works of wildlife artist Terry Redlin. For active travelers, the extensive biking and walking paths offer a scenic route around the lake. Fishing is also a primary draw, with the lake being well-known for its healthy populations of walleye and northern pike.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize water access and a community-oriented environment. It appeals to RVers who prefer the reliability of a municipal park over more secluded, rustic sites. Boaters and anglers will find the amenities particularly useful, while budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the high value provided by the city-managed facilities. It is a fantastic choice for those wanting to experience the authentic charm of South Dakota’s lake country in a comfortable, accessible setting.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Katy Clayton
We loved playing here for the day! The only reason I deducted a star was for the amount of bees! You can't eat anything outside or 20 bees will be on you. In fact, we couldn't even sit anywhere.. as soon as you do, swarms find you. Aside from that, the water was fun to wade in, the park was lovely, playset..amazing. I did have to keep my littles off the slide because of how massive it was (and no top for safety). Overall, if you're passing through and need a place to stretch your legs, grab a run, or let the kids get their wiggles out.. top notch!
Mike S
Very nice clean canpground..BYOC (bring your own camper) or rent a cabin (did not try personally).
Cheri Tuckett
Awesome park! We say for a very long time just looking at the lake and having great conversation. We'll be back soon with friends/ family!
Rick Smart
Great place for RV's- large level sites, clean restrooms. Very nice park- lots of activities. For the most part, quiet- exception is the nights there is racing at the nearby racetrack.
David Sanders
The campground is lovely, with RV sites in two sections. Most of the sites are back-in, electric/water only, with gravel pads, but there are a few pull-through sites with full hookups. This is more of a city park with lots of RV campsites, so there is a nice lakefront with a concrete walk and a pebble beach, sand volleyball courts, basketball courts, a large playground, and lots of green space. At the other end of the park is a veteran's memorial with a real Cobra helicopter on a display pedestal, and a large set of engraved memorial walls as well as a couple of sculptures. We would definitely stay here again if in the area. Big rig friendly. Site #20. Nice lakeside site with 50/30/20 and water, no sewer. What appears to be road millings as the pad. Site was level side-to-side, but was 1.2 degrees low in back. On each side of the site is a rental cabin. There is ample space on both sides of the site.