Lake Vermillion Recreation Area
Explore a vast lake with 365 islands, offering boat-access adventures, unique glamping, and rich grassland ecosystems.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildlife is active and beautiful.
Lake Vermillion Recreation Area
Best Time
Wildlife is active and beautiful.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a vast lake with 365 islands, offering boat-access adventures, unique glamping, and rich grassland ecosystems.
"Discover the beauty of 365 islands and vibrant grassland trails at this serene lake destination."
Boat Access is Key
Many spots are boat-access only. Plan accordingly for your island adventures!
Pack for Island Living
Be prepared to manage your own garbage as island locations may not have regular pick-up.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
365 Islands
Lake Vermilion
Explore a different island every day of the year! Each offers unique scenery and potential for discovery.
Grassland Trails
Lake Vermilion Recreation Area Campground
Discover diverse flora and fauna on these beautifully maintained, short grassland trails.
Boat-Access Only Glamping
Rough-N-It Campsite
Experience unique glamping with comfortable amenities and stunning lake views, supporting veterans.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Island Life & Boat Access
State Park Fees
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Boat Access is Key
Many spots are boat-access only. Plan accordingly for your island adventures! +1
Pack for Island Living
Be prepared to manage your own garbage as island locations may not have regular pick-up.
Explore the Grasslands
Don't miss the mowed grassland trails for incredible plant and animal diversity.
Check State Park Fees
Non-residents may need to pay an additional state park fee. Consider an annual pass.
Tips
from all over the internet
Boat Access is Key
Many spots are boat-access only. Plan accordingly for your island adventures! +1
Pack for Island Living
Be prepared to manage your own garbage as island locations may not have regular pick-up.
Explore the Grasslands
Don't miss the mowed grassland trails for incredible plant and animal diversity.
Check State Park Fees
Non-residents may need to pay an additional state park fee. Consider an annual pass.
Sweatshirt Shopping
Grab a Lake Vermilion sweatshirt to commemorate your visit! Aronsons is a popular spot.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Lake Vermilion for its stunning natural beauty, particularly the vast lake dotted with 365 islands and the unique grassland trails teeming with wildlife. The peaceful atmosphere and well-maintained facilities contribute to a positive experience, though some note that certain campsites may not be ideal for larger RVs and non-resident fees apply.
"This place's claim to fame is the lake clearly, but there is another gem in the Lake Vermilion area, and it's the mowed trails that circle the campground. Do yourself a favor and walk through these amazing grassland trails, they are absolutely beautiful. There is so much life and diversity in the plants and animals of these grassland, it is hard to take it all in. I walked through a short section of trees and was surprised by the noise in the treetops, it was about 15 raptors taking off simultaneously, it was amazing. They are not very strenuous walks, and there is about 1.5-2 miles in all, but totally worth taking 30 min to see this incredible grassland mini-biome."
Paul Dacus
"We followed our GPS getting off I-29 at exit 79 in Sioux Falls and going straight west on hwy 42 for about 20 miles to the sign for the right turn to go up to the recreation area. It would have been just as easy to catch I-90 west as well. At the main/west campground, we followed the sign for the East Campground and turned left at the white recreation sign right at the bottom of the hill. Passing the boat ramp, we saw the pull-along sites (49-62), which are small and close to the road accurately described in forums as not big-rig friendly. The fresh water fill spigot is in a large pull-out on the right, past the boat launch and just before the 10 mph sign. We continued to the end loop and backed into site 43 (50/30/20 AMP), which was easy thanks to its corner location. As soon as we had settled in, the very friendly camp host come over to check us in. We had already paid the $30 a night plus $10 nonresident reservation fees, to find out starting this year we needed to pay a non-resident $15 a night state park fee or $60 for a year pass. We were able to purchase, choosing a yearly, online and the host gave us a temp sticker for our window. Our site was spacious enough for our 40 5th wheel and F450. The electric hookup is at the back; we needed about 30 of cord. All sites here are electric only and nicely spaced apart. Site 43 offered a beautiful lake view, which we enjoyed during our peaceful four-night stay in early May. Verizon had 3 bars, T-Mobile had 2, and our T-Mobile house internet clocked 207 Mbps down / 3.49 Mbps up. Satellite reception should be fine in most sites except site 45, which is heavily shaded. There's both a shower house and vaulted toilets in the east area. Spring was coming alive with gobbling turkeys and cackling pheasants; we even got a show from a strutting tom turkey. Overall, a quiet and scenic stay with great wildlife viewing and lake views."
Mick Williams
"Perfect spot to stop late at night, we tent camped at a very nice spot. Gorg lake, cows mooing and pheasants calling in the morning. Only rated 4 stars because of the pervasive musty smell. 🐄 Very quiet, and clean bathrooms."
Kate Anders
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can access the area via I-29 (exit 79 for Hwy 42) or I-90 West. Follow signs for the recreation area. Some accommodations are boat-access only, so plan your water transport.
While the lake itself is vast, the recreation area and many campgrounds are accessible by car. However, some unique lodging options are boat-access only.
You'll need to arrange for a boat rental or have your own vessel to reach these secluded spots.
Yes, small towns like Dimmock and Canistota are nearby, offering local flavor and some amenities.
Lake Vermillion Recreation Area is about a 20-mile drive west on Hwy 42 from Sioux Falls.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, non-residents typically need to pay a state park fee. You can purchase a daily pass or an annual pass for better value if you plan multiple visits.
Camping fees vary, but expect to pay around $30 per night plus additional non-resident reservation and state park fees.
Yes, reservations are recommended, especially during peak season. You can often pay fees online.
The recreation area is generally open year-round, but specific facilities like campgrounds and visitor centers may have seasonal hours. It's best to check the official website.
Annual passes are available for non-residents, offering a cost-effective option if you plan to visit multiple state parks throughout the year.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Activities include hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The grassland trails are a unique highlight.
Yes, there are well-maintained mowed trails, particularly in the campground area, offering beautiful views of grasslands and diverse ecosystems.
Lake Vermillion is known for its fishing opportunities, attracting anglers looking for various species.
Expect to see diverse birdlife, including raptors and pheasants, as well as turkeys and other grassland inhabitants.
While not explicitly mentioned, boat rentals are often available through local marinas or outfitters if you plan to explore the lake extensively.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are restaurants on the lake, with one TikTok mentioning a specific restaurant as the 'best restaurant on the lake.'
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks, especially if camping or staying in boat-access only accommodations.
Nearby small towns may have limited grocery options. It's advisable to stock up on supplies before arriving.
While not specific to Lake Vermillion, nearby towns like Freeman are known for Schmeckfest and chislic.
Campgrounds typically do not have dining facilities. It's best to be self-sufficient or plan visits to nearby eateries.
📸 📸 Photography
The lake views, 365 islands, and the unique grassland trails offer stunning photographic opportunities.
Absolutely! The diverse wildlife, from strutting turkeys to raptors, provides excellent subjects for nature photography.
Generally, photography is allowed, but always be respectful of private property and wildlife.
Sunrise and sunset often provide the most dramatic lighting for landscape and wildlife photography.
Yes, capturing the unique island lifestyle and boat-access properties can make for compelling photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎣 Anglers and Nature Enthusiasts
🏕️ Campers and RVers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Lake Vermilion's Islands
When considering island stays, be aware of the logistics involved. Some island locations are boat-access only, meaning you'll need to ferry your supplies, including garbage, via boat.
The Unique Ecosystem of the Grassland Trails
A particularly striking experience shared by a visitor involved walking through a short section of trees and being startled by the simultaneous takeoff of about 15 raptors from the treetops.
Camping and Accommodation Insights
For those seeking a more unique stay, the boat-access only accommodations, like the glamping sites, offer a distinct experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit