Are you the owner for this storage? Make it a featured listing and be seen in the top search results!
Sandy Shore Recreation Area
Overview
Sandy Shore Recreation Area provides a serene getaway on the southwestern shores of Lake Kampeska in Watertown, South Dakota. As its name suggests, this park is widely celebrated for its expansive sandy beach area, offering clear waters and a refreshing atmosphere during the warm summer months. It is a well-maintained state park that balances the natural beauty of the South Dakota plains with modern convenience for traveling RVers looking for a peaceful lakeside retreat.
Location & Surroundings
Located just five miles west of downtown Watertown, the park sits within the beautiful and historically rich Glacial Lakes region. The surroundings are characterized by wide-open prairie landscapes and the vast, shimmering expanse of the lake itself. Visitors will find that the scenic lakefront views provide a peaceful backdrop for evening sunsets, while the proximity to town ensures that essential supplies and local services are always within a short driving distance.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground features well-spaced sites equipped with paved pads and electric hookups. RV travelers appreciate the well-maintained facilities available throughout the park grounds, which include:
- Modern dump station and potable water access
- Clean bathhouses with private warm showers
- Individual fire rings and heavy-duty picnic tables
- A convenient boat ramp and fishing dock
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Beyond the lake activities, guests can explore the famous Terry Redlin Art Center, which showcases stunning Americana-style paintings just a short drive away. Families often enjoy visiting the nearby Bramble Park Zoo, which is home to diverse animal exhibits and interactive educational programs. The city of Watertown also offers unique local shopping, craft breweries, and several high-quality dining options to round out a multi-day camping stay.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for family campers seeking a safe, water-focused environment where children can easily swim and play in the sand. It is also a top choice for boating and fishing enthusiasts who want quick, easy access to the water for a day of recreation. If you prefer a quiet, well-organized state park experience over a loud commercial resort, Sandy Shore offers the perfect atmosphere for your next South Dakota road trip.
Amenities
- Tenting
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Flory Valley
The geese have left the beach heavy with their droppings. The seagulls also were leaving their droppings and feathers. We had two cars and paid $30 for a disgusting beach. Very sad as it was a clean sandy beach years ago.
Hailey
Beautiful, well kept beach! Very pretty. Dogs are only allowed on a part of the shore
Devan Smith
We camped 2 nights in tent site 2E. Plenty of space and nice flat ground. We weren't sure if the fire pit would have a grate over it for cooking. It did so that was nice! There were electrical outlets too if you need to plug something in. The lake was awesome and clean. Everyone else camping was very quiet and polite. The bathrooms and showers were very clean and not crowded. It looks like they had a couple kayaks and paddle boards for rent. The one con would be the bug presence, especially at night, but obviously being outside by a lake there's not much you can do about that.
Ann Mueller
Beautifully very well maintained park. So peaceful and gorgeous waterfront. Lake water was super clear.
Evelyn Samora
Very clean campground and restrooms / showers were nice and plenty of hot water beautiful view