South Dakota State Jackrabbits Tailgating

As there is no place to stay overnight on the campus in Brookings, RVers and campers will need to look nearby to find a place to stay. That means that the location will need to be close enough that on game day you can drive the RV into place early and then enjoy all the tailgating festivities before the game. It is also worth knowing that RVs cannot leave the campus parking lots until one hour after the conclusion of a game and traffic has died down.

Looking for a Brookings RV park close to Jackrabbits Stadium? Sexauer Park Campground is less than three miles from campus. RVers are often directed here by the school for overnight camping before or after games. This park has 18 paved pads for RVs and campers and a large grassy area for tent campers. The price has been around $25 per night over the last few seasons for RVs.

For those willing to stay a little further afield, look to Oakwood Lakes State Park for an area with tons of outdoorsy activities to explore during your RV trek to South Dakota. Less than 20 miles away, this state park sits central to several generous lakes in the region.

The best way around campus and the stadium is on foot. Everything you will need for the game, including parking and tailgating, happens right next to Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium on what is a very small (relatively) campus. The stadium is well signposted and easy to navigate no matter if you are in the general admission, club seating, or hospitality section.

In South Dakota, you may be ready to watch football no matter what the weather. It is likely to be cold, so be sure to dress warmly and with layers, especially if the game you are going to occurs in the second half of football season. Wear a couple of pairs of socks if possible and remember to select clothing that is the yellow and blue of the Jackrabbits.

Tailgating requires you to bring your own gear and be ready to set up for the hours of fun to be had before the game kicks off. Having camping chairs and other items in yellow and blue will immediately have you falling in the favor of the locals. Avoid the green and yellow of North Dakota State and the black and red of the University of South Dakota if you want to make a good first impression.

Having a first-aid kit in the RV is imperative when traveling through small communities on your way to Brookings. Glass bottles are prohibited from official tailgating areas, as is hard liquor, but beer and wine have been allowed in the past. Sunscreen is a must in the summer when the sun is shining even if the rays don't feel as hot as in other locations.

Getting the grill out and showing what you can do is one of the joys of tailgating. The beauty of an RV is that the prep work can be done in advance, so be sure to have any sides or marinated meat ready to go on the day. Burgers and hot dogs are tailgating staples for a reason, but don't be shocked in this hunting region to see all different kinds of meats being sizzled up pregame.

Restaurant options in Brookings are the kind fans might expect to find in a small college town in the Northern Plains. Most of what you will find is American food including burgers, steaks, etc. with some pizza, Asian delights, and BBQ thrown into the local mix. What you can find in some of these spots are South Dakotan specialties, or specialties from other parts of the world with a South Dakota twist, such as bierocks, kolache, and pheasant.

Vendors at Dana J. Dykhouse stadium all take cash and credit cards, so if you find yourself hungry or thirsty during the game, both of those options are available. The new stadium was built with fans in mind, so you will find enhanced food options along with your traditional concession stand and vendor fare. Club seats and hospitality have access to an even wider choice of food and drink.