Palisades State Park
Discover South Dakota's stunning pink quartzite cliffs, offering hiking, climbing, and camping along Split Rock Creek.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Palisades State Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover South Dakota's stunning pink quartzite cliffs, offering hiking, climbing, and camping along Split Rock Creek.
"Palisades State Park is definitely the best thing to visit for outdoors adventures in the Eastern part of South Dakota."
🎯 Day Pass Convenience
A $15 day pass grants access to Palisades and other SD state parks for the day. 🎟️
👟 Comfortable Hiking Shoes
Trails can be uneven; wear sturdy shoes for exploring the cliffs and creek areas. :athletic_shoe:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 1,818 reviews
Type
State Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pink Quartzite Cliffs
Split Rock Creek
Billion-year-old pink quartzite cliffs rise dramatically along Split Rock Creek, offering breathtaking views.
Scenic Hiking Trails
Various trails throughout the park
Explore diverse trails winding through prairie meadows and leading to stunning overlooks of the creek.
Split Rock Creek
Split Rock Creek
Enjoy kayaking, fishing, or simply relaxing by the water that carves through the park's unique geology.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Pink Quartzite Views
Navigating to the Main Attractions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Day Pass Convenience
A $15 day pass grants access to Palisades and other SD state parks for the day. 🎟️
👟 Comfortable Hiking Shoes
Trails can be uneven; wear sturdy shoes for exploring the cliffs and creek areas. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Golden Hour Photography
The pink quartzite glows during sunrise and sunset, perfect for stunning photos. :camerawithflash:
🎣 Fishing Opportunities
Northerns can be found below the spillway at Split Rock Park. :fishing_pole:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Day Pass Convenience
A $15 day pass grants access to Palisades and other SD state parks for the day. 🎟️
👟 Comfortable Hiking Shoes
Trails can be uneven; wear sturdy shoes for exploring the cliffs and creek areas. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Golden Hour Photography
The pink quartzite glows during sunrise and sunset, perfect for stunning photos. :camerawithflash:
🎣 Fishing Opportunities
Northerns can be found below the spillway at Split Rock Park. :fishing_pole:
🚗 Navigate to the Back
Drive to the park's rear for the best views of the iconic red rock cliffs. :world_map:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Palisades State Park's stunning pink quartzite cliffs and scenic beauty, calling it a must-visit for outdoor adventures in eastern South Dakota. The park offers great hiking, climbing, and camping, though some note that finding the main attractions requires a bit of navigation. Overall, it's highly recommended for its natural wonders and recreational opportunities.
"Palisades State Park is definitely the best thing to visit for outdoors adventures in the Eastern part of South Dakota. The geological rock features here are so massive and impressive. You can hike down to the river edge and get some really good views from there. There is also multiple lookout points. The park also has a nice campground and a Frisbee golf course. A day pass is $15, but is good for other state parks on the same day."
B A
"Beautiful park. Loved all the random trails that took you to some beautiful scenery. We came for senior photos and it did not disappoint! Facilities were pretty clean for a campsite. Roads and fields were clean, park ranger was very helpful. We came for pictures but I would definitely come back to camp and visit again!"
Angie M
"I have to admit I was very confused when I first pulled into the park, it is rolling Prairie Hills closely surrounded by houses and farms, and I couldn’t figure out where all the beautiful pictures of red rock cliffs on the river were from. The front section is apparently all new with day use and camping options, which seemed very clean and attractive. The signage doesn’t really tell you how to get to the main attraction, but you go to the very back of the park and there are a couple of overlooks and some trails where you can go see the rocks faces on the river. The wildflower Prairie Meadows were also very beautiful. $10 to get in for a day use and they have a self serve kiosk as soon as you come in."
Christina Boucher
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Palisades State Park is located approximately 25 miles from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It's a straightforward drive, making it an ideal day trip destination. Many visitors use GPS, but be aware that the main attractions are at the back of the park. +1
Public transport options to Palisades State Park are very limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle. Consider carpooling if you are traveling with others.
To reach the most scenic spots, drive to the very back of the park. The new day-use and camping areas are at the front, but the iconic red rock cliffs are further in. Look for signs directing you towards the overlooks.
The park roads are generally well-maintained and can accommodate RVs. The campground also offers various site types. However, always drive cautiously and be mindful of other visitors.
Yes, Palisades State Park is close to Sioux Falls, offering a range of amenities. It's also a convenient stop for those traveling to or from the Black Hills region.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A day-use pass is required for entry. The fee is typically around $10-$15 and is valid for the day at Palisades and other South Dakota state parks. You can often pay at a self-serve kiosk upon arrival.
For day use, advance booking is generally not required. You can pay the entrance fee upon arrival at the self-serve kiosk. However, for camping, reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season.
Palisades State Park is typically open year-round from dawn to dusk for day use. Camping facilities have specific check-in and check-out times. It's always a good idea to check the official South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website for the most current hours.
While specific discounts aren't widely advertised, the day pass is often valid for multiple state parks in South Dakota on the same day, offering good value if you plan to visit more than one.
Yes, if you have a valid South Dakota State Parks Pass, it will cover your entrance fees for day use at Palisades State Park.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park offers various trails, from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. Trails leading to the Split Rock Creek overlooks are highly recommended for their scenic beauty. The Sentinel Trail is mentioned as a good option. 
Yes, Palisades State Park is known for its striking pink quartzite cliffs, making it a popular spot for rock climbing and bouldering. Experienced climbers will find challenging routes here.
Families can enjoy hiking, picnicking, fishing, and exploring the creek. There's also a playground for younger children, and the campground offers a great base for family adventures.
Split Rock Creek is suitable for kayaking and canoeing, offering a unique perspective of the park's geological formations. Bring your own equipment or check for local rental options.
Visitors can often spot various bird species. The prairie meadows are also home to wildflowers, adding to the natural beauty. Keep an eye out for local fauna during your hikes.
🎫 🏕️ Camping & Facilities
The park offers a campground with both electric and non-electric sites. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season. Facilities are generally clean and well-maintained.
Yes, there are picnic areas within the park, perfect for day-use visitors or campers. Some areas may have shelters available for gatherings.
Campgrounds typically include restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings. Wood is often available for purchase on-site, making campfire moments more enjoyable.
Yes, there is a playground for kids, making it a family-friendly destination.
Campfires are permitted at designated fire rings within the campground. Be sure to follow all park regulations regarding campfires, especially during dry conditions.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The pink quartzite cliffs along Split Rock Creek are the main photographic draw. Overlooks provide excellent vantage points. The prairie meadows with wildflowers also offer beautiful shots.
Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for the pink quartzite cliffs. Midday can be harsh, but still offers good opportunities for capturing the scale of the formations.
Trails that lead down to the creek bed provide unique angles of the cliffs. The overlooks at the back of the park are also essential stops for capturing panoramic views.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive cliff faces and landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details or wildlife. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions.
Absolutely! The park's stunning natural beauty and unique rock formations make it a popular and highly recommended location for senior photos, engagement shoots, and other portrait photography.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit