Roy Lake State Park South Dakota (SD) RV Rentals

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Introduction

Roy Lake State Park is an excellent destination for RV camping enthusiasts. The park’s rich history and cultural significance make it a unique spot to explore. Originally inhabited by the Dakota and Ojibwe tribes, the park’s lands were later used for logging and farming before being designated as a state park in 1966.

The park’s most distinctive feature is its beautiful lake, which was formed by glacial activity during the last Ice Age. This natural occurrence created a stunning body of water that is perfect for fishing, swimming, and boating.

RVThereYet is an RV rental company, offering a diverse fleet of motorhomes, including Class A, Class B, and Class C Rentals, Travel, Trailers, and Motorhomes for unforgettable adventures in scenic RV parks and campsites in Roy Lake State Park. Ensure early reservations for camper rentals at Roy Lake State Park.

RV Rentals in Roy Lake State Park

Transportation

Getting to Roy Lake State Park is easy with several transportation options available. Visitors can access the park by car RV or motorcycle. The park has two entrances one on the east side and one on the west side and both offer easy access to the park’s amenities. RV renters should be aware of the park’s size restrictions which limit rigs to a maximum length of 60 feet.

Roy Lake State Park offers limited parking options for RVs. While there are designated RV parking areas throughout the park overnight parking outside of designated campsites is not permitted. It’s recommended to camp with an RV and utilize alternative transportation methods to explore the park.

Roy Lake State Park provides public transportation options such as shuttle buses and walking paths to help visitors navigate the park. These eco-friendly transportation methods allow for a more enjoyable and sustainable park experience.

Top Campsites in Roy Lake State Park

The most popular campsites near Roy Lake State Park that require reservations are

Glacial Lakes Campground

This campground is located just a few miles from Roy Lake and offers 65 campsites. It’s open from May to October and is pet-friendly. It has amenities such as showers laundry facilities and a playground. The campground can accommodate RVs up to 60 feet in length.

Lake Thompson Campground

Located on the shores of Lake Thompson this campground is a favorite among families. It has 91 campsites and is open from May to October. It’s pet-friendly and offers amenities such as a swimming beach boat ramp and fish cleaning station. RVs up to 45 feet are permitted.

Prairie View Campground

This campground is located in the nearby Lake Poinsett Recreation Area. It has 97 campsites and is open from May to October. It’s pet-friendly and offers amenities such as a swimming beach boat ramp and hiking trails. RVs up to 45 feet are permitted.

Sportsman’s Park Campground

Located in the town of Lake City this campground is a great option if you want to be close to amenities. It has 33 campsites and is open from May to October. It’s pet-friendly and offers amenities such as showers laundry facilities and a playground. RVs up to 40 feet are permitted.

If you’re looking for first-come first-served camping options in Roy Lake State Park you have a few choices

Nature Loop Campground

This campground has 25 sites and is open from May to October. It’s pet-friendly and offers vault toilets and a water hydrant. RVs up to 30 feet are permitted.

Prairie Campground

This campground has 10 sites and is open from May to October. It’s pet-friendly and offers vault toilets and a water hydrant. RVs up to 30 feet are permitted.

Lakeside Campground

This campground has 20 sites and is open from May to October. It’s pet-friendly and offers vault toilets and a water hydrant. RVs up to 30 feet are permitted.

If you’re looking for alternative camping options near Roy Lake State Park you have a few choices

Private Campgrounds

There are several private campgrounds in the area that offer amenities such as full hookups showers and laundry facilities. Some popular options include the Lakeview Campground and the Lake Albert Campground.

Backcountry Camping

If you’re looking for a more rustic camping experience you can try backcountry camping in the nearby Glacial Lakes State Park. You’ll need to obtain a permit from the park office but you’ll have access to some of the most scenic camping spots in the area.

The most popular recreational activity at Roy Lake State Park is fishing. With over 1100 acres of clear sparkling water the lake is teeming with fish such as walleye northern pike and yellow perch. Fishing enthusiasts can rent a boat or cast a line from the shore. The best spots for fishing are near the dam and the fishing pier located on the north side of the lake.

Coming in second is hiking. The park boasts over 6 miles of scenic trails that wind through the forest and along the lake shore. Hikers can explore the park’s diverse ecosystems including prairies wetlands and woodlands. The trails range from easy to moderate making them accessible for people of all skill levels. The most popular trail is the Lake Shore Trail which offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscape.

Biking is another popular activity at Roy Lake State Park. The park has several miles of paved bike trails that are perfect for a leisurely ride. Bikers can pedal through the park’s scenic beauty taking in the sights and sounds of nature. The most popular biking trail is the Oak Grove Trail which winds through a mature oak forest and provides a shady escape from the summer heat.

Swimming is also a favorite pastime at Roy Lake State Park. The park has a sandy beach that is perfect for sunbathing and swimming. The beach is located on the south side of the lake and is equipped with changing facilities and a concession stand. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months.

Finally bird watching is a popular activity at Roy Lake State Park. The park is home to over 200 species of birds including bald eagles great blue herons and loons. Bird watchers can observe these magnificent creatures from the observation deck located near the park’s visitor center.

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For those RV campers who prefer less strenuous activities Roy Lake State Park has plenty to offer. Here are the top five alternative recreational activities

Sightseeing

The park’s scenic beauty is a major draw for visitors. RV campers can take a leisurely drive through the park stopping at the many overlooks to take in the stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscape.

Nature Watching

The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife including deer beavers and foxes. Nature watchers can observe these animals in their natural habitat from the comfort of their RV.

Instagram-Worthy Photo Opportunities

The park offers many picturesque spots for photography enthusiasts. The most popular photo opportunity is the sunset over the lake which can be captured from the fishing pier.

Picnicking

The park has many picnic areas complete with tables and grills that are perfect for a relaxing meal in the great outdoors.

Visitor Center

The park’s visitor center is a great place to learn about the park’s history ecology and wildlife. The center also offers interactive exhibits and a gift shop.

Season-specific experiences in Roy Lake State Park

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When the snow melts and the temperatures rise Roy Lake State Park comes alive with vibrant colors and a flurry of activity. For RV campers spring is an ideal time to visit and take advantage of the many recreational activities the park has to offer.

One popular spring activity is fishing. Roy Lake is teeming with walleye northern pike and perch making it the perfect spot for anglers of all skill levels. The park’s fish cleaning station and boat ramp make it easy to get out on the water and reel in a big catch.

For those who prefer to stay on land the park’s many hiking trails offer a chance to stretch your legs and take in the beauty of the surrounding wilderness. The Spring Prairie Trail is a popular option winding through rolling hills and offering stunning views of the lake.

History buffs will enjoy a visit to the Roy Lake State Park Visitor Center where they can learn about the area’s rich history and culture. The center features exhibits on the park’s natural and cultural history as well as a gift shop stocked with local products.

Another must-see landmark in the park is the historic CCC Dam. Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps the dam is a testament to the hard work and ingenuity of the era.

Finally no visit to Roy Lake State Park would be complete without a stop at the Roy Lake Marina. The marina offers boat rentals as well as a convenience store and snack bar. It’s the perfect place to grab a bite to eat and relax after a long day of exploring the park.

As the temperatures continue to rise the summer months bring even more opportunities for fun and adventure at Roy Lake State Park.

One of the most popular summer activities is swimming. Roy Lake’s sandy beach is the perfect spot to soak up the sun and take a refreshing dip in the water. The beach is also a great place to relax and enjoy a picnic lunch.

For those who prefer a more active vacation the park’s many water sports offer a chance to get your adrenaline pumping. From water skiing and wakeboarding to paddleboarding and kayaking there’s something for everyone.

The park’s hiking trails are also popular in the summer offering a chance to escape the heat and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding wilderness. The Old Oak Trail is a favorite among visitors winding through a mature oak forest and offering stunning views of the lake.

History buffs will enjoy a visit to the nearby Fort Sisseton State Park where they can learn about the area’s military history. The park features a restored 1864 military fort complete with period-style buildings and exhibits.

Finally no visit to Roy Lake State Park would be complete without a stop at the Roy Lake Resort. The resort offers cabin rentals as well as a restaurant and bar. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a long day of exploring the park.

Fall is an amazing time to visit Roy Lake State Park especially for RV campers. The vibrant fall foliage and crisp air create a perfect backdrop for outdoor activities. One popular fall activity is hiking the park’s trails which offer stunning views of the changing leaves. The Carlson Trail located near the campground is a favorite among visitors for its moderate difficulty and beautiful scenery.

Another must-see landmark in the park during the fall is the historic Roy Lake Lodge. Built in the 1930s the lodge offers a glimpse into the park’s past and is a great place to relax and enjoy a meal. Speaking of meals the park’s annual Fall Festival is a can’t-miss event for RV campers. Held in late September the festival features live music food vendors and fun activities for the whole family.

If you’re looking for a more adventurous fall activity try your hand at fishing on Roy Lake. The lake is home to a variety of fish including walleye northern pike and bass. The fall is the perfect time to cast a line as the cooler temperatures make the fish more active.

Lastly no visit to Roy Lake State Park in the fall would be complete without a stop at the park’s observation tower. Located near the campground the tower offers panoramic views of the surrounding forests and lake. It’s the perfect place to take in the beauty of the fall season.

Winter is a magical time at Roy Lake State Park and RV campers will find plenty of activities to keep them busy. One popular winter activity is snowshoeing which allows visitors to explore the park’s trails in a whole new way. The park rents snowshoes so you don’t need to bring your own.

If you’re looking for a more thrilling winter activity try ice fishing on Roy Lake. The lake is stocked with fish and the frozen surface provides a unique fishing experience. Just be sure to check with park officials to ensure the ice is safe before venturing out.

For a taste of history visit the Roy Lake State Park Interpretive Center. The center features exhibits on the park’s natural and cultural history and is a great place to learn about the area’s wildlife and Native American heritage.

Another must-see winter landmark is the park’s ice-covered waterfalls. The falls are located near the campground and are a breathtaking sight to behold in the winter.

Finally no winter visit to Roy Lake State Park would be complete without a cozy night spent in front of the campfire. The park’s campground offers fire pits and firewood so you can stay warm and toast marshmallows under the stars.

CODE: RVTHEREYET at checkout
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CODE: RVTHEREYET at checkout
(Limited to Spring promotion only)
10% OFF RV Rental*