Pioneer Campground

The Great Outdoors

Just a short drive away from the campsites at Pioneer Campground is Lake Vermillion State Recreation Area in Canistota. Lake Vermillion exists due to the impounding of the Vermillion River. The SRA here provides ample recreational opportunities for those who want to enjoy this human-made lake. Whether you would rather appreciate the beauty of the water from the trails or experience it firsthand, there are plenty of ways to do so. The SRA is a popular destination for anglers, both local and visiting. The SRA also has a boat ramp available for those who want to explore the waterways via canoe, kayak, or motorized boat. You can even rent a paddleboard for a new way to explore.Those looking for something a little more urban can head to Falls Park in Sioux Falls. While this may not be the most adventurous excursion, it is a great way to see a unique feature of South Dakota. This is where the Big Sioux River meets a quick drop, creating several powerful waterfalls. You can take a stroll along the paved nature trails, head up to the observation tower, or even go out on the local bike trail, which starts in the park.To get a sense of the ruggedness of South Dakota, take the Montrose motorhome rental to Palisades State Park in Garretson. Here, you will get to see some of the unusual quartzite formations that make South Dakota truly unique. You can set out on the trails that follow the river and delight in the sights of the cliff faces and bizarre formations. If you have rock climbing skills, you can scale the cliff faces and experience the towering Palisades for yourself. Those who would rather stay a little closer to the ground can also set out in a canoe or kayak and ride along the stream and see the quartzite formations up close.

Explore the Area

When renting an RV in the region, lovers of roadside oddities will enjoy a trip to the Porter Sculpture Park. Just south of Montrose, the walkable sculpture park features larger-than-life sculptures of animals, people, and mythical beasts. All of the sculptures were created by one man, local blacksmith and artist Wayne Porter. You are invited to touch the art, take photographs, and even climb on some of the sculptures. With more than 50 figures found within the park, there is plenty of wonder and inspiration to be attained.Near the heart of Sioux Falls is the exciting Sherman Park. Whether you want to challenge your friends to a pick-up softball game on one of the nine diamonds, take a stroll through the garden, or go ice-skating, there is something for everybody. In addition, Sherman Park is home to both the Great Plains Zoo and the Delbridge Museum. At the Great Plains Zoo, you can see giants like the grizzly bear, bison, snow leopard, and giraffe. At the Delbridge Museum of Natural History, you will get to learn more about some of the world’s animals thanks to a large taxidermy collection of more than 150 creatures.Also located within the city limits of Sioux Falls is Sertoma Park. Here, you can enjoy a picnic at the park, let the kids run wild on the playground, or even go for a nature walk. Not only that, you can enjoy the Butterfly House & Aquarium. You can wander through the tropical garden of the butterfly house and get close to these beautiful insects. At the aquarium, you’ll see fish from all over the world.Today, there are nine tribal governments within the state of South Dakota, so it is no surprise that these cultures have contributed to the local cuisines. In fact, one local culinary treat gets its start from these native populations: frybread. Known as the “state bread” of South Dakota, fry bread is bread dough that has been fried rather than baked.