It should come as no surprise that there are long distances between urban areas in a wide-open state like South Dakota. In this state's case, the largest city, Sioux Falls, is in the southeastern part of the state. The second-largest urban area is Rapid City in the southwestern region, and the third-largest town is Aberdeen to the north near the border of North Dakota.
The most popular RVs rented in South Dakota are travel trailers. These units rent for as little as $80 per night, and most are deliverable to a chosen campsite for an extra fee. Those available get excellent reviews, and you can rent travel trailers of any size that sleep from two to 10 individuals.
The Class C Motorhome is the second favorite RV rental in South Dakota. These units are more expensive than travel trailers, beginning at $205.
Sioux Falls was one of the initial trading posts in the Dakota territories. Its history revolves around the 100-foot waterfall that interrupted navigation up and down the Big Sioux River. A trading post took advantage of the blockage, funneling supplies through a portage site to get past it. Today, the waterfall is located in the town’s center, surrounded by a vast park. Because of its vital location, Sioux Falls became South Dakota’s largest urban area, with over 192,000 residents and millions of visitors. The modern town offers many amenities, including:
300+ Restaurants
100+ Gas Stations
15+ Campgrounds
2 Nearby State Parks
5 Nearby Dump Stations
Rapid City, with a population of 68,000, is the second-largest urban area in South Dakota. The city owes its founding to the discovery of gold in the Black Hills. Entrepreneurs in the town publicized Rapid City as the Gateway to the Black Hills, bringing thousands of gold miners through the city. In the 1920s, Rapid City turned to advertising the stunning scenery and attractions in the area to bring more visitors into town. The resulting buildup of business encouraged the establishment of increased amenities such as:
200+ Restaurants
100+ Gas Stations
30+ Campgrounds
6 Nearby State Parks
5 Nearby Dump Stations
Aberdeen’s initial founding came as a convenient storage location for railroad construction supplies. The town repeatedly flooded with James River overflow. Instead of moving the site, the inhabitants created an artesian flood control system that directed river runoff away from the city’s center. This method served until the James River was dammed northeast of the town, leaving the surrounding area high and dry. The construction of the dams brought many new workers to the region, many of whom chose to stay and build businesses after the dam’s completion. Today Aberdeen boasts a population of over 40,000 and is considered a haven for small business entrepreneurs. Its amenities include:
100+ Restaurants
30+ Gas Stations
6 Campgrounds
2 Nearby State Parks
5 Nearby Dump Stations
There are two national parks in South Dakota, both of which lie near Rapid City in the southwestern section of the state. Badlands National Park lies 50 miles southeast of Rapid City, and the park features a series of abrupt eruptions above the floor of the great plains. The landscape appears alien and is the home of mountain goats, bighorn sheep, cougars, bears, elk, deer, hawks, and bald eagles. Its picturesque spires, eroded over thousands of years, reach for the sky above hikers brave enough to scramble up and down the trails.
The Wind Cave National Park sits within 6 miles of Hot Springs, SD. Hot Springs is only 56 miles south of Rapid City, situated amongst the rolling hills of the great plains. The park protects one of the last remaining herds of buffalo that once ruled the plains, and other animals such as deer, coyotes, wolves, and prairie dogs. Wind Cave, one of the most complex explored cave systems globally, lies beneath the surface. The caves are over 140 miles long, with unusual formations called boxwork.
Located 42 miles northwest of Rapid City, Bear Butte State Park is one of the favored places to spend a few days by South Dakota residents. The park includes a massive igneous rock protrusion called Bear Butte. Hiking to the peak of the rock provides a majestic panorama of the plains to the east and intriguing flatlands of Montana to the west. Bear Butte Lake lies at the foot of Bear Butte and provides a variety of water activities, including swimming, fishing, water skiing, and parasailing.
Located 36 miles south of Sioux Falls on the shores of Lake Lakota and the section of the Big Sioux River that forms South Dakota’s border with Iowa, Newton Hills State Park provides a peek into the history of the plains. Located in the 1,000-acre park are several Native American graveyards, some of which hold Christian connotations. Hiking and biking trails run through the park, leading visitors to the lake and alongside the river. Fishing in Lake Lakota is excellent, and there's a swimming beach with a no-wake ordinance.
At only 157 acres, Palisades State Park is the second-smallest state park in South Dakota. However, despite its size, it's one of the most popular locations for weekend visits. Split Rock Creek runs through the park, and a boat ramp allows access to the creek for boats, kayaks, and canoes. Anglers can try their luck from the banks or in a watercraft. Four hiking trails led visitors up and down the creek and to outstanding views from atop Split Rock.
Tower Campground is located inside Sioux Falls within easy walking distance of downtown. Of the 50 RV sites available for temporary campers, 32 have gravel pads, and 18 are paved. Guests are escorted to their site to ensure proper placement, connection to the full-hookup service, the cable TV system, and the WiFi. The campground features planned outdoor activities, including visits to the downtown area, volleyball, and horseshoe tournaments.
Rapid City RV Park and Campground sits in the Black Hills on the south side of Rapid City. Many of the 72 full-hookup sites provide magnificent views of the countryside. With 47 of the sites allowing pull-though approaches that are 30 feet wide and 60 feet long, the park accommodates almost any rig on the road today. Situated on the shores of Canyon Lake, the park offers easy access to lake swimming, fishing, and water sports. Features like a heated swimming pool, an exercise room, and a game room attract thousands of guests each year.
One of the most intriguing places to stay in South Dakota is the Wylie Park Campground and Storybook Land. Sitting in Aberdeen on the shores of Wylie Lake, this campground features access to Storybook Land, a favorite of kids throughout South Dakota. With 67 full-hookup sites available for guests, the activities at this campground go beyond the amusement park to include fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, mini-golf, and planned activities outside the campground.
It's a good idea to know the locations of dump stations along the way to ensure your RV is clean. One of the most-used public dump stations in South Dakota is in Sioux Falls at the Camping World of Sioux Falls. It's available for use from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Speak to the service department before attempting to use the station. Try this site to find other dump stations you can use while on the road in South Dakota.
The Heartland Country Corn Maze in Sioux Falls - This event features live music, food trucks, and an 11-acre maze in a cornfield in the shape of a lion. Whether attempting the maze in sunlight or after sunset, this is a great family experience with hidden treats located throughout the maze.
The Mount Rushmore Evening Lighting Ceremony - Visiting during this event lets you see the monument in the light of strobes, spotlights, and lasers as they light up the sky above, below, and in the faces of the landmark. Music, treats, food trucks, and performers join the fun as the nation’s history comes into focus.
The Star Party at the Kuhnert Arboretum in Aberdeen - Gather with other amateur astronomers to view the night sky as experts frame the event with information about stars, galaxies, and the universe.
South Dakota’s list of landmarks, includes Mount Rushmore, one of the most iconic monuments in the United States. It features the faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelts, four of the most celebrated Presidents in United States history.
Crazy Horse Memorial is another rock carving celebrating the life of Lakota Sioux warrior Crazy Horse, who was instrumental in defeating George Armstrong Custer at the Little Big Horn. The carving is unfinished, but visitors can make out the face, horse, and torso of Crazy Horse.
Jewel Cave National Monument is home to the third-longest set of caverns worldwide. With over 200 miles of passages and rooms, the caves sparkle when lit by lights of many colors. The National Park Service provides tours of the monument above and below the ground.
On average expect to pay $178 per night in South Dakota.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in South Dakota?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in South Dakota from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in South Dakota?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
Do you need a special license to drive an RV in South Dakota?No. You don’t need a special license or CDL to drive an RV in South Dakota.