South Dakota State Park Fee Changes go into effect Jan. 1
PIERRE, S.D. – Changes to state park campground classifications, as well as some entrance and facility fees will go into effect Jan. 1.
State Park director Katie Ceroll said the changes reflect the increased demand for and use of the state’s campgrounds and facilities.
The department reviewed campground occupancy rates, which are used to determine the classification of the campgrounds and the per night fees charged. Camping fees for each of the classifications will not change, but fees at several parks will see a modest increase as they are moved into the correct category.
The following campground classifications include:
Basic campgrounds: Campgrounds without modern facilities. $11 nightly per non-electric site; $15 nightly per electric site. Includes 5 campgrounds.
Modern campgrounds: Less than 80% weekend occupancy during the summer; feature restrooms and showers. $13 nightly per non-electric site; $17 nightly per electric site. Includes 7 campgrounds.
Preferred campgrounds: 80-89% weekend occupancy during the summer; feature restrooms and showers. $15 nightly per non-electric site; $19 nightly per electric site. Includes 6 campgrounds.
Prime campgrounds: 90% or higher weekend occupancy during the summer; feature restrooms and showers. $17 nightly per non-electric site; $21 nightly per electric site. Includes 31 campgrounds.
Other fee changes include:
Elimination of the per person daily entrance license. The $6 per vehicle daily entrance license remains unchanged.
Camping cabin fee increase to $45 in all parks except Custer, which will remain $50 per night.
Campsites in French Creek Horse Camp in Custer State Park increase to $31 per night.
Increase in some group lodging fees: Mina Lake and Shadehill to $205 a night; and Lake Thompson, Palisades, Sheps Canyon, and Newton Hills to $280 a night.
Fort Sisseton South Barracks rental will increase to $500.
Lewis and Clark catamaran dry slip summer storage will increase to $325.
The Angostura catamaran dry slip summer storage will increase to $175.
For the most up-to-date information about each state park, visit gfp.sd.gov.
