3 RV Campgrounds Near Lemmon, SD | RVingLife.com
45.9408° N, 102.1593° W
Quick Overview
Lemmon sits in the northwest corner of South Dakota, right where the state bumps into North Dakota. With several RV campgrounds serving the area, this agricultural community offers a straightforward stop for travelers exploring the northern Great Plains. some free options mean you'll be paying for your stay here, but the facilities cater well to RVers passing through on Highway 12 or exploring the nearby Grand River National Grassland.
The campground scene here is small but functional. You're not going to find massive RV resorts with water parks and golf courses. What you will find are practical facilities that understand what long-haul travelers need: level sites, reliable hookups, and easy highway access. Base Camp RV Park, the newest addition to the area, reflects the region's focus on serving cross-country travelers rather than destination campers.
Lemmon's location makes it a natural stopping point between the Black Hills and Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The town itself maintains several roadside attractions, including the Petrified Wood Park, which gives you something to stretch your legs around after a long driving day. The surrounding grasslands offer wide-open spaces that feel genuinely remote, especially if you venture out toward the Shadehill Reservoir area where fishing and primitive camping opportunities expand your options beyond the in-town facilities.
Top Rated Dump Stations in Lemmon
All Dump Stations Near Lemmon
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Julie J's RV | 0.1 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Base Camp RV Park, Llc | 0.5 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Mirror Lake Park | 23.3 mi | 4.7 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Mott American Legion Park | 30.9 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Sheep Creek Dam | 31.2 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Lions Elgin Parkboard Campgrnd | 35.4 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Enchanted Highway Campground | 38.2 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| RV Park | 43.5 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
Julie J's RV
0.1 miBase Camp RV Park, Llc
0.5 miMirror Lake Park
23.3 miMott American Legion Park
30.9 miSheep Creek Dam
31.2 miLions Elgin Parkboard Campgrnd
35.4 miEnchanted Highway Campground
38.2 miRV Park
43.5 miTraveling to Lemmon by RV
Highway 12 runs east-west through Lemmon, connecting you to I-29 about 150 miles to the east near Aberdeen. If you're coming from the Black Hills, you'll take Highway 85 north from Belle Fourche, then catch Highway 20 east into Lemmon. It's straightforward two-lane highway driving with minimal traffic.
RV restrictions aren't a major concern here. The roads are built for farm equipment, which means your 40-footer won't raise eyebrows. Downtown streets are wide enough for maneuvering, though you'll want to scout parking before attempting tight turns near the historic district. Wind is your bigger consideration on these plains. Spring gusts can push lighter trailers around, so check forecasts and consider your tow vehicle's capabilities.
Overnight parking at truck stops isn't common since Lemmon doesn't have major chain travel centers. A few local businesses tolerate overnight stays, but it's courteous to ask first. The campgrounds here are affordable enough that boondocking isn't necessary unless you're specifically seeking that experience out in the grasslands on public land.
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Dump Station Costs in Lemmon
All several stations in the Lemmon area are paid facilities, with some free options available. That means a portion% are free while a portion% charge a fee. Expect rates between $30-45 per night for full hookups, which aligns with small-town South Dakota pricing.
The paid model here reflects the limited competition and the costs of maintaining facilities in a remote area. You're paying for convenience and location rather than luxury amenities. Monthly rates sometimes appear during winter months when snowbird traffic drops off, but summer sees fairly consistent nightly pricing. No membership discounts apply at these independent operations, so budget accordingly if you're stretching dollars on a cross-country trip.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Lemmon
“Nice quiet and fun for all the family lol I go every year on my bday.”
“Nice level sites. Stayed at 58E, there was a vaulted toilet & water supply to the left of the site. Very nicely maintained campground with pretty views from the lake! This site was not next to the lak...”
“This large reservoir lake has cabins around it, as well as boating and campground facilities. It is fairly shallow in parts but very deep in the middle. There’s shade trees in the campground and other...”
“Beautiful lake and campgrounds! Sites had electric available, and restrooms were newer and clean with spacious showers available. Would recommend if anyone is planning on fishing or hunting in the are...”
Best Time to Visit Lemmon by RV
Winter
December-February
5-25°F
Crowds: Low
Campgrounds may close or offer limited services during harsh winter months when temperatures regularly drop below zero and snow accumulation makes access difficult.
Spring
March-May
35-65°F
Crowds: Medium
Wind becomes a significant factor with sustained gusts over 30 mph common, making awning use risky and driving larger rigs more challenging on exposed highways.
Summer
June-August
60-88°F
Crowds: Medium
Peak travel season brings the most consistent campground availability and services, though afternoon thunderstorms can roll across the plains with little warning requiring secure setups.
Fall
September-November
30-60°F
Crowds: Low
Hunting season increases local traffic but campground crowds thin out significantly, offering quieter stays with crisp weather ideal for exploring grasslands before winter arrives.
Explore the Lemmon Area
Fill your fresh water tank before arriving. Municipal water is fine, but campground water pressure can be inconsistent during peak agricultural season when local demand spikes. The nearest full-service RV repair is back in Belle Fourche or up in Bowman, North Dakota, so handle any maintenance issues before reaching this area.
Grocery options are limited to a small local market. Stock up on essentials in larger towns if you're planning to stay more than a night or two. Cell service is spotty outside town limits, particularly as you head toward the grasslands. Verizon performs best, but don't count on streaming video anywhere beyond the campground WiFi.
If you're interested in fishing, Shadehill Reservoir sits about 30 miles southeast and offers less crowded conditions than bigger South Dakota lakes. The drive out there shows you what working ranch country really looks like. Local hardware stores carry basic camping supplies and propane, but specialized RV parts require a trip to regional centers.
National Parks Nearby
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Read more →Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Lemmon
Can I find free RV camping near Lemmon?
No free campgrounds operate within Lemmon itself. All established facilities charge fees. However, dispersed camping is possible on Bureau of Land Management areas and national grasslands outside town, though these sites lack hookups and require self-contained rigs with proper waste management capabilities.
What's the newest RV park in Lemmon?
Base Camp RV Park, LLC is the newest facility serving the area. It caters primarily to travelers needing overnight stops rather than extended vacation stays, offering practical amenities focused on what cross-country RVers actually need for a comfortable night between longer destinations.
Are there RV size restrictions in Lemmon campgrounds?
Most facilities accommodate rigs up to 45 feet without issues. The flat terrain and agricultural infrastructure mean roads and campgrounds are built for large vehicles. Always call ahead for specific site dimensions, especially if you're pulling a long fifth-wheel or have significant slide-outs.
What's the cell phone coverage like at Lemmon RV parks?
In-town coverage is adequate for calls and basic data on major carriers, with Verizon performing best. Once you leave town limits toward recreation areas, signal drops significantly. Download maps and entertainment before arriving if you plan to explore the surrounding grasslands or reservoir areas.
When do Lemmon campgrounds typically open for the season?
Most facilities operate May through October, with some offering year-round access but limited winter services. Harsh northern plains winters make full-service operations impractical during coldest months. Call ahead if traveling outside peak summer season to confirm availability and hookup status.
Is Lemmon a good overnight stop between national parks?
Yes, it works well as a midpoint between the Black Hills and Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. The location breaks up what would otherwise be a long single-day drive, offering affordable camping without the tourist-area pricing found near major attractions on either end.
What is the highest-rated dump station in Lemmon?
The highest-rated station is Shadehill Recreation Area with a rating of 4.7/5 stars.
All Dump Stations Near Lemmon (8)
RV ParkJulie J's RV
RV ParkBase Camp RV Park, Llc
RV ParkMott American Legion Park
RV ParkMirror Lake Park
RV ParkSheep Creek Dam
RV Park