Our Oakwood Lakes State Park guide covers practical planning for Oakwood Lakes State Park South Dakota — best time to visit, getting there, and what to do on the ground. We're here to cut through the noise and provide the definitive guide to this eastern South Dakota gem, a place our team consistently recommends for its blend of serene lakes, abundant wildlife, and diverse recreational opportunities.
Why Visit Oakwood Lakes State Park
If you're wondering, "is Oakwood Lakes State Park worth visiting?", our answer is a resounding yes. This park, nestled among eight interconnected glacial lakes, offers a unique prairie-lake experience that stands apart from the state's more rugged western attractions. It's a haven for those seeking a tranquil escape with ample opportunities for outdoor adventure, making it a truly worthwhile destination in South Dakota.
The park's rich history, from its use as a summer camp and gathering spot for American Indians to the pioneering efforts of Samuel Mortimer, adds a layer of cultural depth to its natural beauty. Visitors can explore a log cabin built by Mortimer in 1869, which still stands today, offering a glimpse into the area's past. Beyond history, the park's diverse habitats—including woodlands, wetlands, and grasslands—support a wide array of wildlife, particularly for birdwatching enthusiasts.
For those who appreciate uncrowded natural settings and a focus on water-based recreation, this park delivers. It's a place where you can truly disconnect, whether you're casting a line into the clear waters or simply enjoying the quiet beauty of the prairie. The peaceful atmosphere and scenic views are consistently highlighted by visitors, reinforcing why Oakwood Lakes State Park is worth visiting for a relaxing outdoor getaway.
Who It's Best For
Oakwood Lakes State Park caters to a broad spectrum of travelers, but it particularly shines for families, anglers, and those seeking a peaceful, nature-focused retreat. With its calm, interconnected lakes, it's an ideal spot for beginners and experienced paddlers alike, offering excellent kayaking and canoeing opportunities. The park's well-kept grounds and diverse activities make it a favorite for relaxing weekends and family outings.
Families with children will find plenty to keep little ones entertained, from playgrounds to easy, scenic hiking trails. Anglers will appreciate the chance to catch northern pike, walleye, yellow perch, bullhead, crappie, and largemouth bass from shore, boat, or even through the ice in winter. Birdwatchers will be rewarded by the diverse habitats, which attract a variety of species, including geese, ducks, pelicans, great blue herons, and egrets.
While it's not a destination for rugged, long-distance trekking, the park offers pleasant, light outdoor outings for casual walkers and those looking for a serene environment to reconnect with nature. RV travelers also find it a practical base, with lakeside campgrounds and essential amenities.
Getting There & Parking
Understanding how to get to Oakwood Lakes State Park is straightforward, as it's conveniently located in eastern South Dakota. The park is situated about 7 miles north and 3 miles west of Volga, SD, just off US Highway 14. Alternatively, travelers can use Exit 140 on I-29 for easy access. If you're coming from the nearby town of Bruce, the park entrance is approximately 2 miles west on SD-22, followed by 4 miles south on 484th Avenue.
Upon arrival, a daily park entrance fee applies to all vehicles. As of 2026, the daily entrance fee is $10 for South Dakota residents and $15 for nonresidents. For those planning multiple visits or exploring other state parks, an annual park entrance license is a cost-effective option, priced at $40 for residents and $60 for nonresidents. This license is valid from October 1, 2025, through May 23, 2027, for the 2026 license.
Parking is readily available throughout the park at various activity hubs, picnic areas, and campgrounds. We recommend checking the park's overview map or campground maps for specific parking locations related to your planned activities. There are no specific road restrictions mentioned for standard vehicles, making it accessible for RVs and cars alike.
Top Things to Do
There's a never-ending variety of things to do at Oakwood Lakes State Park, ensuring every visitor finds an activity to enjoy, regardless of the season. The park's primary draw is its chain of eight glacial lakes, providing a fantastic backdrop for water-based recreation.
Water Sports & Fishing
The lakes are ideal for boating, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. A swimming beach offers a convenient and often cleaner spot for swimming. Equipment for canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding is available for rent, making it easy to get out on the water even if you don't bring your own gear. Fishing is a highly popular activity here, with opportunities to catch northern pike, walleye, yellow perch, bullhead, crappie, and largemouth bass. You can cast a line from the shore, a boat, or the fishing pier on Lake Tetonkaha.
Oakwood Lakes State Park Hiking Trails
For those who prefer to explore on foot, Oakwood Lakes State Park offers nearly 5 miles of trails divided among five scenic routes. These trails are generally short, well-kept, and suitable for families or casual walkers, providing a relaxed prairie-and-lake setting. The Tetonkaha Trail is a 0.8-mile grass loop that leads to Scout Island, offering excellent lake views and interpretive information. Another popular option is the Mortimer's Shoreline Trail, a 1-mile gravel path that follows the shoreline from the Welcome Center to the historic Samuel Mortimer cabin. The Lake View Trail (1.4-mile grass) and Prairie Trail (1.4-mile grassy) also provide scenic vistas and opportunities for birdwatching. Some of these Oakwood Lakes State Park hiking trails also allow bikes, horses, and become cross-country skiing routes in the winter.
Wildlife Viewing & Birdwatching
The park's diverse ecosystems make it an excellent location for observing wildlife. Birdwatching is particularly rewarding, with numerous species like geese, ducks, pelicans, great blue herons, and egrets frequenting the lakes and wetlands. We recommend bringing binoculars to fully appreciate the avian residents.
Disc Golf & Other Recreation
Oakwood Lakes State Park features a 9-hole disc golf course, known as the Oakleaf Challenge, which is a half-mile long. Scorecards and maps are available near Picnic Shelter #2, and discs can even be checked out from the park entrance booth. Additionally, the park provides facilities for basketball, soccer, and volleyball, with equipment available for checkout at the Welcome Center. Lawn games like horseshoes are also popular.
Winter Activities
Even in winter, the park remains active. When snow covers the landscape, the hiking trails transform into excellent routes for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Ice fishing is another popular pastime on the frozen lakes.
Historical Exploration
Beyond the Samuel Mortimer cabin, the park holds historical significance with Indigenous burial mounds dating from A.D. 300 to A.D. 1400, reflecting the area's long history as a gathering site for native peoples. Exhibits at the park's visitor center contextualize some of the archaeological relics found in the area.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Oakwood Lakes State Park largely depends on your preferred activities, as the park offers year-round enjoyment. Generally, our team recommends late spring through early fall for the most comprehensive experience.
During late spring to early fall, the lakes are warm enough for swimming, boating, and other water sports. This period also sees the campground fully open and all facilities operational. July and early August bring the warmest lake temperatures, which is perfect for swimming, but be aware that these months also attract the largest weekend crowds, so planning and reservations are essential.
For fishing and wildlife viewing, early mornings and evenings during the warmer months are particularly rewarding. The fall offers vibrant foliage and excellent birdwatching opportunities as migratory birds pass through.
Winter transforms the park into a snowy wonderland, ideal for ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. While many water systems and flush toilets may be closed between October 1 and April 30, vault toilets typically remain open, and the serenity of a winter visit can be truly magical. Events like the "First Day Hike" on January 1, 2026, and "Winter Night Hike" on February 13, 2026, highlight the park's winter offerings.
Where to Stay Nearby
When planning your trip to Oakwood Lakes State Park, you'll find a range of options for Oakwood Lakes State Park lodging, from on-site camping to hotels and unique rentals in nearby towns. The park itself offers a variety of camping experiences, making it easy to stay immersed in nature.
On-Site Oakwood Lakes State Park Lodging
Oakwood Lakes State Park provides excellent camping facilities with two main campgrounds (Campground 1 and Campground 2) and a dedicated Horse Camp. As of 2026, electrical campsites are $30 per night, non-electrical sites are $16 per night, and horse camp sites are $23 per night. The park also offers cozy camping cabins for $60 per night, providing a more comfortable "glamping" experience. Reservations for these popular Oakwood Lakes State Park lodging options are highly recommended, especially during peak season, and can be made online via CampSD or by calling 1.800.710.2267.
Campsites often feature fire rings and picnic tables, with modern bathrooms and hot showers available in the main campgrounds. Pets are permitted in the campgrounds. An important note for campers: due to the presence of the Emerald Ash Borer in Brookings County, you cannot bring your own firewood into the park unless it is certified bug-free. Firewood can be purchased at the park.
Hotels and Motels
For those preferring traditional hotel accommodations, the city of Brookings, approximately 20 miles from the park, offers the most choices. Options like My Place Hotel-Brookings, SD, provide pet-friendly lodging with amenities such as kitchen areas in rooms, free Wi-Fi, and 24-hour laundry, catering to both short and extended stays. Brookings is also home to South Dakota State University and offers additional attractions like the Children's Museum of South Dakota and McCrory Gardens.
Unique Stays & Rentals
Beyond standard hotels, you can find unique lodging experiences in the vicinity. For larger groups or events, the OWL Lodge in Bruce, close to Oakwood Lakes State Park, offers rentals that include a lodge (sleeping 30), an outpost (sleeping 8), and seven campsites for a flat rate during peak season. Vacation rentals, including lakefront cabins with private docks and patios, are also available around Lake Poinsett, which is in the broader Oakwood Lakes area.
Other nearby campgrounds and parks, such as Sexauer Park Campground in Brookings (about 14 miles away) and Clear Lake City Park, offer additional camping options with various amenities.
Sample 2-Day Itinerary
To help you make the most of your visit to Oakwood Lakes State Park, our team has crafted a sample 2-day itinerary, balancing relaxation with active exploration.
Day 1: Lakeside Exploration & History
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Arrival & Water Activities. Arrive at Oakwood Lakes State Park, check into your campsite or cabin, and get settled. Head straight to the swimming beach for a refreshing dip or rent a canoe or kayak to explore the calm waters of Lake Tetonkaha. The interconnected lakes offer a peaceful paddling experience, ideal for all skill levels.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Picnic by the Lake. Enjoy a packed lunch at one of the park's many picnic areas, offering scenic views of the water.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Historical Hike & Wildlife. Embark on the Mortimer's Shoreline Trail, a 1-mile gravel path that leads to the historic Samuel Mortimer cabin. Along the way, keep an eye out for diverse birdlife. Afterwards, explore the visitor center to learn more about the park's natural and cultural history, including its significance to American Indian tribes.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Fishing or Disc Golf. Cast a line from the fishing pier on Lake Tetonkaha, or try your hand at the 9-hole disc golf course.
- Evening: Campfire & Stargazing. Prepare a campfire meal at your campsite. As night falls, enjoy the clear prairie skies, perfect for stargazing away from city lights.
Day 2: Trails, Towns & Departure
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Hiking & Nature Photography. Start your day with a hike on the Tetonkaha Trail, a 0.8-mile loop around Scout Island, offering excellent lake views. For a longer trek, combine it with the Lake View Trail or Prairie Trail, which also provide opportunities to observe waterfowl and other wildlife.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Local Flavor in Bruce. Head to the nearby town of Bruce for lunch. While a small town, it offers a taste of local life. If your visit coincides with late July, you might even catch the Annual Bruce Honey Days festival.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Nearby Exploration or Relaxed Recreation. Depending on your interests and departure schedule, you could revisit a favorite spot in the park, try another water activity, or explore attractions in the larger nearby city of Brookings, such as the Children's Museum of South Dakota or McCrory Gardens.
- Late Afternoon: Departure. Pack up and depart, carrying memories of your peaceful South Dakota lake experience.
Last updated: 2026-07-15 by the Roam States team.