Palisades State Park Campground

Palisades State Park is one of the most unique areas in South Dakota. Split Rock Creek, which flows through the park, is lined with Sioux quartzite formations varying from shelves several feet above the water to 50-foot vertical cliffs. Scenic overlooks and rushing water make Palisades an appealing getaway. The park is popular among campers, photographers, sightseers, picnickers, rock climbers and hikers. A perfect site for weddings, reunions and meeting is the lodge at Palisades State Park, open year-round. It has four bedrooms that sleep up to 12 people and also offers a full kitchen, dining area and relaxation room. The back deck has a great view of the creek and Sioux quartzite rock formations. You can reserve the lodge, a campsite or camping cabin by using the online system. Camp sites come with or without electricity, and the one-room cabins sleep four. Furnishings include a set of bunk beds, a double bed, table and benches, with a picnic table, porch and fire grate outside. For millions of years, Split Rock Creek cut deep gorges through Palisades State Park. Geologists estimate the Sioux quartzite spires are 1.2 billion years old. Five hiking trails twist and turn through these beautiful Sioux quartzite formations and prairie areas. The cliffs and formations at Palisades are used by rock climbers to practice their scaling and rappelling techniques.