State Parks Near Brookings, South Dakota
12 state park units lie within 50 miles of Brookings, including 2 parks across the line in Minnesota. The closest is Oakwood Lakes State Park, about 14 mi northwest of town. 2 parks are within 25 miles, close enough for an evening visit.
- Closest park
- Oakwood Lakes State Park14 mi northwest
- Within 25 miles
- 2of 12 within 50 mi
- With camping
- 1210 with cabins
- Dog-friendly
- 0pets allowed
State parks near Brookings, nearest first
Straight-line distance from central Brookings; driving distance is usually longer.
Oakwood Lakes State Park
Popular activities here are cross-country skiing, golf, horseback riding, winter sports, and disc golf. On the water side, there is a swimming beach, a boat ramp, a fishing pier, and boat or kayak rentals.
Hours, fees and rules for Oakwood Lakes State Park →Lake Poinsett Recreation Area
The park supports cross-country skiing, golf, horseback riding, winter sports, and disc golf. Water access includes a swimming beach and a boat ramp.
Hours, fees and rules for Lake Poinsett Recreation Area →Walker's Point Recreation Area
The park supports surfing, stargazing, winter sports, canoeing and kayaking, and hunting in season. Water access includes a swimming beach, a boat ramp, and a fishing pier.
Hours, fees and rules for Walker's Point Recreation Area →Lake Herman State Park
Things to do include surfing, stargazing, cross-country skiing, golf, and horseback riding. Water access includes a swimming beach, a boat ramp, a fishing pier, and boat or kayak rentals.
Hours, fees and rules for Lake Herman State Park →Lake Thompson Recreation Area
Visitors come for horseback riding, canoeing and kayaking, boating, swimming, and biking. Water access includes a swimming beach and a boat ramp.
Hours, fees and rules for Lake Thompson Recreation Area →Lake Cochrane Recreation Area
Things to do include horseback riding, canoeing and kayaking, hunting in season, boating, and swimming. Water access includes a swimming beach, a boat ramp, and a fishing pier.
Hours, fees and rules for Lake Cochrane Recreation Area →Split Rock Creek State Park
Popular activities here are horseback riding, historic sites, swimming, boating, and fishing. Facilities for water recreation include a swimming beach and a fishing pier.
Hours, fees and rules for Split Rock Creek State Park →Camden State Park
Visitors come for horseback riding, historic sites, canoeing and kayaking, swimming, and boating. The official site lists about 15 miles of trails. Facilities for water recreation include a swimming beach and a fishing pier.
Hours, fees and rules for Camden State Park →Pelican Lake Recreation Area
The park supports cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, horseback riding, winter sports, and archery. The official site lists about 5.5 miles of trails.
Hours, fees and rules for Pelican Lake Recreation Area →Palisades State Park
Visitors come for rock climbing, stargazing, historic sites, canoeing and kayaking, and hunting in season. For overnight stays there are 111 campsites (RV sites with electric hookups, tent sites, and showers).
Hours, fees and rules for Palisades State Park →Lake Carthage Lakeside Use Area
Popular activities here are stargazing, winter sports, canoeing and kayaking, hunting in season, and boating. On the water side, there is a swimming beach, a boat ramp, and a fishing pier.
Hours, fees and rules for Lake Carthage Lakeside Use Area →Sandy Shore Recreation Area
Popular activities here are canoeing and kayaking, boating, swimming, biking, and wildlife watching. Facilities for water recreation include a swimming beach, a boat ramp, and boat or kayak rentals.
Hours, fees and rules for Sandy Shore Recreation Area →
Best picks by activity
Camping near Brookings
- Oakwood Lakes State Park 14 mi northwest · 139 campsites
- Lake Poinsett Recreation Area 22 mi northwest · 112 campsites
- Walker's Point Recreation Area 27 mi southwest · 42 campsites
- Lake Herman State Park 28 mi southwest · 72 campsites
- Lake Thompson Recreation Area 32 mi west · 103 campsites
+ 7 more in the list above
Cabins and lodging near Brookings
- Oakwood Lakes State Park 14 mi northwest · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Lake Poinsett Recreation Area 22 mi northwest · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Walker's Point Recreation Area 27 mi southwest · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Lake Herman State Park 28 mi southwest · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Lake Thompson Recreation Area 32 mi west · Cabins or other roofed stays
+ 5 more in the list above
Swimming near Brookings
- Oakwood Lakes State Park 14 mi northwest · Beach, pool or swim area
- Lake Poinsett Recreation Area 22 mi northwest · Beach, pool or swim area
- Walker's Point Recreation Area 27 mi southwest · Beach, pool or swim area
- Lake Herman State Park 28 mi southwest · Beach, pool or swim area
- Lake Thompson Recreation Area 32 mi west · Beach, pool or swim area
+ 6 more in the list above
Hiking near Brookings
- Oakwood Lakes State Park 14 mi northwest · Hiking trails listed
- Lake Poinsett Recreation Area 22 mi northwest · Hiking trails listed
- Walker's Point Recreation Area 27 mi southwest · Hiking trails listed
- Lake Herman State Park 28 mi southwest · Hiking trails listed
- Lake Thompson Recreation Area 32 mi west · Hiking trails listed
+ 5 more in the list above
Fishing near Brookings
- Oakwood Lakes State Park 14 mi northwest · Fishing listed
- Lake Poinsett Recreation Area 22 mi northwest · Fishing listed
- Walker's Point Recreation Area 27 mi southwest · Fishing listed
- Lake Herman State Park 28 mi southwest · Fishing listed
- Lake Thompson Recreation Area 32 mi west · Fishing listed
+ 7 more in the list above
Questions about state parks near Brookings
What is the closest state park to Brookings?
Oakwood Lakes State Park is the closest, about 14 miles northwest of Brookings in a straight line. Next are Lake Poinsett Recreation Area and Walker's Point Recreation Area.
How many state parks are near Brookings?
12 state park units are within 50 miles, and 2 within 25 miles. That includes parks, recreation areas, historic sites and natural areas run by the state.
Which state parks near Brookings have camping?
12 parks list camping, the nearest being Oakwood Lakes State Park, Lake Poinsett Recreation Area and Walker's Point Recreation Area. Check each park page for site types, hookups and how to reserve.
Are dogs allowed at state parks near Brookings?
None of the parks listed here say dogs are allowed. Check each park page before bringing a pet.
Are there free state parks near Brookings?
None of the nearby parks list free entry; most charge a daily vehicle fee or accept an annual pass. Fees are on each park page.
State parks near other cities
- Near Watertown, SD46 mi northwest
- Near Marshall, MN50 mi east
- Near Sioux Falls, SD53 mi south
- Near Huron, SD70 mi west
- Near Mitchell, SD74 mi southwest
- Near Worthington, MN75 mi southeast
Or see all South Dakota state parks, Minnesota state parks or every city we cover.
Built from official park data and updated as parks change; this list was last rebuilt Oct 30, 2026. Features shown are those the official source lists. Filter these parks on the map.