Shadehill Recreation Area is an excellent spot for RV camping, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Located in the heart of South Dakota, this park has a rich cultural history that dates back thousands of years. The park is named after the nearby Shadehill Reservoir, which was created in the 1950s as part of a larger irrigation project. One of the most distinctive features of Shadehill Recreation Area is its badlands formations, which were created over millions of years by erosion and other natural processes. These unique landscapes are home to a variety of plant and animal species, making it a popular destination for wildlife watching. 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 Shadehill Recreation Area. Ensure early reservations for camper rentals at Shadehill Recreation Area.
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$135 /Night
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$140 /Night
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When it comes to transportation options private vehicles are the most convenient way to access Shadehill Recreation Area. The park has several entrances including the main entrance off of Highway 212 and a secondary entrance off of County Road 15. Visitors should be aware that there are restrictions on rig sizes with a maximum length of 60 feet and a maximum width of 12 feet. It’s recommended that RV renters check with the park ahead of time to ensure that their vehicle meets these requirements.
When it comes to RV parking at Shadehill Recreation Area there are designated RV parking areas throughout the park. However overnight parking outside of designated campsites is not permitted. It’s recommended to camp with an RV and explore the park using alternative transportation methods.
Public transportation options at Shadehill Recreation Area include shuttle buses and walking paths. These options make it easy to get around the park without relying on a personal vehicle. The shuttle buses run on a regular schedule while the walking paths offer a scenic and eco-friendly way to explore the park.
Shadehill Recreation Area is a popular destination for camping enthusiasts. Here are the top 4 most popular campsites/KOA that require reservations This is the most popular campsite in the area with 99 sites available. It offers stunning views of the lake and is conveniently located near the boat ramp. The site is pet-friendly and can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 60 feet in length. Amenities include showers restrooms and a dump station. The campground is open from May to September. This campground has 54 sites and is located near the dam. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding prairies and is a favorite among hikers and birdwatchers. The site is pet-friendly and can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 40 feet in length. Amenities include showers restrooms and a dump station. The campground is open from May to October. This campground has 48 sites and is located on the eastern shore of the lake. It offers beautiful views of the water and is a popular spot for fishing and swimming. The site is pet-friendly and can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 35 feet in length. Amenities include restrooms and a dump station. The campground is open from May to September. This campground has 32 sites and is located near the marina. It offers easy access to the lake and is a popular spot for boating and water sports. The site is pet-friendly and can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 30 feet in length. Amenities include showers restrooms and a dump station. The campground is open from May to October.Shadehill Campground
Prairie View Campground
Lakeview Campground
Westwind Campground
If you’re looking for first-come-first-served camping options in Shadehill Recreation Area here are 3 campgrounds to consider This campground has 20 sites and is located near the lake. It offers beautiful views of the water and is a popular spot for fishing and swimming. The site is pet-friendly and can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 30 feet in length. The campground is open from May to September. This campground has 15 sites and is located in the wooded area of the park. It offers a peaceful and secluded camping experience and is a favorite among hikers and nature lovers. The site is pet-friendly and can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 25 feet in length. The campground is open from May to September. This campground has 10 sites and is located in the backcountry area of the park. It offers a truly rugged camping experience and is only accessible by foot or horseback. The site is pet-friendly and can accommodate tents only. The campground is open year-round.Cottonwood Campground
Juniper Campground
Primitive Campground
If the campsites inside Shadehill Recreation Area are full there are alternative camping options nearby for RV renters to consider There are several private campgrounds in the area that offer RV sites and amenities such as showers restrooms and laundry facilities. Some popular options include the Lewis and Clark Recreation Area and the West Whitlock Recreation Area. For those looking for a more rugged camping experience backcountry camping is an option. There are several designated backcountry campsites in the Badlands National Park which is located about an hour away from Shadehill Recreation Area. These sites offer a truly unique and secluded camping experience. There are several state parks in the area that offer RV and tent camping including Custer State Park and Sylvan Lake State Park. These parks offer a variety of amenities and activities such as hiking fishing and wildlife viewing.Private Campgrounds
Backcountry Camping
State Parks
Shadehill Recreation Area is a haven for outdoorsy RV campers who love to engage in activities that connect them with nature. Here are some popular recreational activities landmarks and famous activities that attract RV campers to this beautiful area Shadehill Reservoir is a prime spot for fishing enthusiasts with a variety of fish species such as walleye bass and northern pike. The reservoir is located at the heart of the recreation area and can be easily accessed from the campgrounds. The best time to fish is early morning or late evening when the fish are most active. The Shadehill Trail System offers 15 miles of trails for hiking and biking. The trails wind through the scenic landscape offering breathtaking views of the reservoir and surrounding hills. Hikers can explore the trails at their own pace taking in the natural beauty of the area. The Shadehill Trail System is also popular for mountain biking. The trails offer varying degrees of difficulty from easy to challenging making it suitable for riders of all skill levels. Bikers can enjoy the thrill of riding through the rugged terrain while taking in the stunning views. The Shadehill Reservoir is a great spot for boating and water sports. RV campers can bring their own boats or rent one from the marina. Activities such as water skiing wakeboarding and tubing are popular among campers. Shadehill Recreation Area is home to a variety of wildlife including deer antelope and birds. RV campers can take a leisurely drive through the area or hike the trails to spot these animals in their natural habitat.Fishing
Hiking
Biking
Boating
Wildlife viewing
For RV campers who aren’t so into typical outdoorsy activities Shadehill Recreation Area also offers alternative activities that are just as enjoyable. Here are some popular sightseeing nature watching and Instagram-worthy photo opportunity spots in the area The Shadehill Overlook offers stunning views of the reservoir and surrounding hills. RV campers can drive to the overlook and take in the breathtaking scenery. The Shadehill Wildlife Area is a great spot for birdwatching. RV campers can observe a variety of bird species including bald eagles in their natural habitat. The Shadehill Dam and the historic Shadehill Schoolhouse are popular photo spots for RV campers. The dam offers a unique perspective of the reservoir while the schoolhouse is a charming reminder of the area’s history. Shadehill Recreation Area is located in a rural area with minimal light pollution making it an ideal spot for stargazing. RV campers can set up their campsites and enjoy the night sky. For those who enjoy a treasure hunt Shadehill Recreation Area offers several geocaching opportunities. RV campers can use their GPS devices to search for hidden caches throughout the area.Sightseeing
Nature watching
Instagram-worthy photo opportunity spots
Stargazing
Geocaching
In the springtime Shadehill Recreation Area offers a variety of recreational activities for RV campers. One popular spot is the Shadehill Reservoir where visitors can enjoy fishing for walleye northern pike and smallmouth bass. The nearby picnic areas provide a scenic location for a family lunch. Additionally the Shadehill Trail System offers hiking and biking trails that wind through the beautiful South Dakota landscape. History buffs will appreciate the nearby Lemmon Petrified Park where they can explore petrified wood formations and learn about the area’s prehistoric past. Lastly the annual Shadehill Spring Festival is a must-visit event featuring live music food vendors and activities for all ages.
As the weather heats up summer brings even more opportunities for outdoor fun at Shadehill Recreation Area. Swimming and boating are popular activities at the Shadehill Reservoir where visitors can rent kayaks paddleboards and motorboats. For those who prefer to stay on land the Shadehill Trail System offers beautiful hiking and biking trails with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The nearby Grand River National Grassland is home to a variety of wildlife including prairie dogs antelope and deer. Plus the annual Shadehill Summer Concert Series features live music performances by local and national acts.
Fall is a beautiful time to visit Shadehill Recreation Area and there are plenty of activities to keep RV campers busy. One popular activity is hiking the trails and taking in the stunning fall foliage. The Shadehill Trail in particular offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Another must-see is the Shadehill Reservoir which is a great spot for fishing and boating. For history buffs the Shadehill Dam is a fascinating landmark that offers a glimpse into the area’s past. The annual Fall Festival is also a big draw featuring live music food vendors and local crafts. And of course no trip to Shadehill would be complete without a visit to the nearby Badlands National Park which offers awe-inspiring views of rugged cliffs and canyons.
Winter transforms Shadehill Recreation Area into a winter wonderland with plenty of activities to enjoy. One of the most popular is ice fishing on the Shadehill Reservoir. Anglers can expect to catch a variety of fish including walleye perch and crappie. For those looking to hit the slopes the nearby Black Hills National Forest offers excellent cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails. Another must-do is a visit to the nearby town of Wall where visitors can explore the famous Wall Drug Store and learn about the area’s history at the Wounded Knee Museum. And of course no winter trip to Shadehill would be complete without a visit to the nearby Badlands National Park where visitors can take in the breathtaking views of the snow-covered landscape.