Palisades State Park in South Dakota has undergone a significant transformation over the past year, marking a major milestone in a long-planned expansion.
Initiated in 2019 through a collaborative effort between the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department and the South Dakota Parks and Wildlife Foundation, the expansion added 268 acres to the park’s footprint.
The initiative was made possible through a successful fundraising campaign that enabled the land acquisition.
In spring 2024, the park unveiled its expanded amenities, which included 77 new campsites, 71 with electrical hookups, six tent sites, and four cabins.
The development also introduced a new visitors center, an ADA-compliant playground, and a day-use area.
With the new southeast section of the park now featuring the main entrance on the east side, visitors are welcomed by approximately 40 acres of restored grassland that has attracted increased local wildlife activity.
The newly added camping options have significantly increased capacity, nearly tripling the number of available sites to 111.
According to Park Supervisor Luke Dreckman, these enhancements contributed to a 24% increase in park traffic last summer. “There’s certainly more opportunities to come down the road,” Dreckman said, indicating that the park is continuing to grow.
Looking ahead, Palisades State Park plans to introduce more recreational features in 2025. A disc golf course is expected to open later this year, followed by an outdoor archery range, likely to be completed in the fall or the following year.
According to Sioux Falls Simplified, new hiking trails are also in development, further expanding the park’s offerings for both campers and day-use visitors.
The accessibility-focused playground has emerged as a standout feature for families, with Dreckman noting its popularity among guests.
Although the new campsites did not reach full capacity in their first season, Dreckman anticipates higher occupancy this summer as awareness of the expansion grows.
Campsite reservations at Palisades State Park can be made up to 90 days in advance, and early booking is recommended, particularly for the limited number of cabins.
For outdoor hospitality operators and campground managers, the phased development at Palisades State Park offers insight into long-term growth strategies, especially when combining expanded capacity with diversified recreation and accessibility improvements.
The park’s experience highlights the potential for increased visitor engagement through targeted investments in infrastructure and inclusive amenities.