Ingalls Homestead Campground
Campground
Write a Review 20812 Homestead Road De Smet, SD 57231 800-776-3594 Official WebsiteGPS: 44.3667, -97.5412
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Overview of Ingalls Homestead Campground
Last Price Paid: $30
Reported by Chrispy on 6/27/2022
Longest RV Reported: 40 feet (Toy Hauler Fifth Wheel)
Reported by 100 Acre Wood on 7/26/2020
Number of Sites 4
Open Seasonally Yes
Elevation 1,706 ft / 519 m
Tent Camping Yes
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To ask questions of the owner or manager please contact the campground directly. 800-776-3594
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Reviews of Ingalls Homestead Campground 10 people have reviewed this location.
Cell Phone Coverage
Confirmed by 2 Users
Last reported 7/26/2020
Confirmed by 3 Users
Last reported 9/30/2021
Confirmed by 3 Users
Last reported 6/27/2022
“A beautiful spot with some complications ”
Reviewed 6/27/2022
| Nightly rate: | $30 |
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| Days stayed: | 3 |
| Site Number: | 2 |
Overall Rating
We stayed here for 3 nights in our 36’ 5vr. The first night we dry camped at the far end of the parking lot and the other two nights we were in one of 4 RV spots. The spots share a power and water pedestal, with only one 50 and one 30 option, so you won’t know in advance what type of power you will have. You also share water, but they ... more
We stayed here for 3 nights in our 36’ 5vr. The first night we dry camped at the far end of the parking lot and the other two nights we were in one of 4 RV spots. The spots share a power and water pedestal, with only one 50 and one 30 option, so you won’t know in advance what type of power you will have. You also share water, but they already have a Y valve installed for you.
There is a bathhouse with showers by the “wagon cabins” where some people stay that don’t rv or tent, but while very clean, it had a smell that kept us to our own shower and we will figure out the dumping.
There is a dump site about halfway down the parking lot (it was the end of the parking lot before they extended) and it is labeled Grey Water Only. I asked about a black water dump and was told to use that, they were told to put that sign up since they do not have a water spigot at the dump. As a previous reviewer mentioned, it is not level. It is also blocked most of the time by cars parking to visit the Homestead. There is a dump in town that the Homestead told me about for a fee.
All of those slight frustrations aside, this place is wonderful. The people are so kind and have a lot of activities for you to participate in for the entire day. It is late June and there are baby animals EVERYWHERE. My teens are having a great time playing with animals, trying out old styled toys, lassoing a fake calf, etc. The views are beautiful and I love sitting with my coffee and watching the fields spread out in front of me.
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T-Mobile 5G
Chrispy would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Flies, dust, no dump station ”
Reviewed 9/30/2021
| Nightly rate: | $30 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 1 |
| Site Number: | 2 |
Overall Rating
I would not stay here again. But I would day trip to see the Ingalls Homestead. 1) Shared power pole with next site and so only 30a available. 2) no dump station, the dump is grey water only, and awkwardly placed on a downhill slope so the tanks can’t actually drain. 3) serious fly infestation in late September. (They have horse... more
I would not stay here again. But I would day trip to see the Ingalls Homestead.
1) Shared power pole with next site and so only 30a available.
2) no dump station, the dump is grey water only, and awkwardly placed on a downhill slope so the tanks can’t actually drain.
3) serious fly infestation in late September. (They have horses here.)
4) Access is down a long washboard dirt road with no dust control.
5) no showers and bathroom only open while gift shop is open 9-5.
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AT&T 4G
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Beautiful, historical site. ”
Reviewed 9/10/2021
| Nightly rate: | $30 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 1 |
| Site Number: | 3 |
| RV Length: | 22' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
Spectacular sunset and peaceful morning. Wonderful historical visit but not sure is was worth the $7.50 fee to walk around the old buildings. I thought it was and would have paid for it in advance but it was an add on fee we weren’t aware of. Beware, dump site is only gray water and if you go into the town of De Smet to use it at the g... more
Spectacular sunset and peaceful morning. Wonderful historical visit but not sure is was worth the $7.50 fee to walk around the old buildings. I thought it was and would have paid for it in advance but it was an add on fee we weren’t aware of. Beware, dump site is only gray water and if you go into the town of De Smet to use it at the gas station, it is a $10 fee. It is a long drive off 90 to get here but it was on my bucket list so worth it.
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T-Mobile 4G
Lory would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Incredible place”
Reviewed 10/3/2020
| Nightly rate: | $30 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 2 |
| Site Number: | 1 |
Overall Rating
I stayed here two days in one of their RV sites and it was so completely worth it. Every part of this place feels lovingly tended and the folks who operate it are very kind. There’s plenty to do and explore (and read! The gift shop has a great diversity of books), and just being on the property felt special. Lots of sweet animals and i... more
I stayed here two days in one of their RV sites and it was so completely worth it. Every part of this place feels lovingly tended and the folks who operate it are very kind. There’s plenty to do and explore (and read! The gift shop has a great diversity of books), and just being on the property felt special. Lots of sweet animals and interesting plants. This is a special place and easily one of my favorite stays — ever!
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T-Mobile 4G
whitney would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Has Boondocking option ”
Reviewed 7/26/2020
| Nightly rate: | $10 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 1 |
| RV Length: | 40' (Toy Hauler Fifth Wheel) |
Overall Rating
Their RV sites were booked full but we were able to park in the parking lot for $10 a night. The kids loved the ability to enjoy the activities both days by just walking up the hill. The owners are super nice and very welcoming.
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Verizon 4G
100 Acre Wood would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Amazing experience even if you aren't a Laura Ingalls Wilder fan”
Reviewed 7/8/2020
| Nightly rate: | $30 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 2 |
| Site Number: | 1 |
| RV Length: | 32' (Class A) |
Overall Rating
Visiting the Ingalls Homestead was a must-do for the summer trip we planned for our granddaughter. Fortunately, they were open even with Covid-19. It surpassed our expectations in every way. There are 4 RV sites with water and electric. Ours had 50 amp. The sites are on a hill by the shop/visitor center and overlook the homestea... more
Visiting the Ingalls Homestead was a must-do for the summer trip we planned for our granddaughter. Fortunately, they were open even with Covid-19. It surpassed our expectations in every way.
There are 4 RV sites with water and electric. Ours had 50 amp. The sites are on a hill by the shop/visitor center and overlook the homestead property and surrounding farmlands. It is a stunning setting. The sites are level, gravel, and have a picnic table and firepit. There are bunkhouses and adorable covered wagons if you are not RVing.
Admission to the grounds is an additional $15/person for the whole length of your stay. The grounds contain a dugout, shanty, a couple barns, garage, church, schoolhouse, etc that aren't original to the property, but very similar to what would have been there.
Part of the allure of staying there is that you can walk through the grounds day or night. The grounds are immaculately clean. The 2 barns had 2 litters of kittens that were so fun to play with. One barn contained 2 week old bull calves that our granddaughter got to help bottle feed. The owners bring horses from their pasture next to the homestead every day for a covered wagon ride, pony cart ride, miniature horse ride, or large horse ride. There were also baby mules and a baby Percheron.
The animals were a huge draw for our granddaughter, but seeing the types of houses Laura Ingalls lived in, getting water from a well and using a washboard and wringer to "do laundry", try out a pump organ and treadle sewing machine, and trying out various wagons and stagecoaches filled her time, also. During day visitor hours, you can make rope and a corncob doll also.
We lucked out and the family next to us had a daughter that became friends with our granddaughter. It was wonderful for them to be able to run to the barn by themselves to see the kittens, etc. The friend cried when she left and our granddaughter said it was almost as good as Disneyland for her.
The owners are on site always keeping things pristine and are so friendly and gracious and teach the children about the homestead.
I cannot recommend it highly enough, especially if you have children and want them to see what life was like on the prairie.
Follow the signs along the road for the Homestead rather than what the Garmin says. It led us past the homestead and on a fairly long dirt road with some pretty huge ruts in it. The signs on the road require you to go a very short distance on a dirt/gravel road, but it is in MUCH better condition.
We had Verizon service that seemed to be ok, but to be honest, we barely used it because we were too busy having fun.
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Verizon 4G
tacksonthedeck would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Stunning beauty and peacefulness ”
Reviewed 6/11/2020
| Nightly rate: | $10 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 1 |
| Site Number: | Lot |
Overall Rating
There are few places more beautiful to camp than on the original Ingalls Homestead. They have only 4 sites available, but here’s a secret...they let you dry-camp in the parking lot for only $10 That’s not printed anywhere on their website, they told us this on the phone And we were the only ones down on the lot near the grass with ou... more
There are few places more beautiful to camp than on the original Ingalls Homestead. They have only 4 sites available, but here’s a secret...they let you dry-camp in the parking lot for only $10
That’s not printed anywhere on their website, they told us this on the phone And we were the only ones down on the lot near the grass with our own picnic table and fire pit, far away from the other RVs. Once the tourists are gone and the sun begins to set, the stars come out and the fireflies put on a show.
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AT&T 4G
Yrrabsille would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Best experience of our trip!”
Reviewed 8/30/2019
| Nightly rate: | $30 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 1 |
| Site Number: | 3 |
| RV Length: | 30' (Class C) |
Overall Rating
We went on a 9 day little house on the prairie tour from Mansfield, MO to Walnut Grove. The Ingalls homestead was by far our favorite stop. We had one night booked but decided to stay another night and would have stayed more if we had time. This place is a gem. Property is absolutely beautiful. Open sky with more stars than I have ever... more
We went on a 9 day little house on the prairie tour from Mansfield, MO to Walnut Grove. The Ingalls homestead was by far our favorite stop. We had one night booked but decided to stay another night and would have stayed more if we had time. This place is a gem. Property is absolutely beautiful. Open sky with more stars than I have ever see . There is so much to do here my kids didn’t want to leave. There is a horse and a pony that you can ride. Kids can learn to do laundry the old fashioned way. They also made a button toy, rope and corn cob dolls. There is a horse carriage ride that brings you to the school where a teacher re-enacts school from back in the day. Even my grandpa enjoyed it as they had old farming equipment and machines. They are super friendly and suggested we borrow their golf cart for my grandpa so we could see all of the property. By far the best place we have stayed!
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AT&T 4G
Mel would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Historic Camping Right on the Prairie”
Reviewed 5/4/2019
| Nightly rate: | $30 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 2 |
Overall Rating
If you are a fan of the "Little House on the Prairie" book series, you've got to stay at the Ingalls Homestead! This is the original property where the Ingalls family lived from 1880 to 1888, just over one mile outside of De Smet, South Dakota. The homestead has 4 RV spots (all back-in sites with water/electric and a dump station) ... more
If you are a fan of the "Little House on the Prairie" book series, you've got to stay at the Ingalls Homestead! This is the original property where the Ingalls family lived from 1880 to 1888, just over one mile outside of De Smet, South Dakota.
The homestead has 4 RV spots (all back-in sites with water/electric and a dump station) that are mere feet away from the historical buildings on the property. After taking the homestead tour, be sure and see the historical buildings in De Smet and the town cemetery. We saw it all in less than a day and then enjoyed the peaceful views of the prairie from our RV spot at the homestead that night.
Learn more at https://www.ingallshomestead.com.
Reed & Liz would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Prairie Views and Lots of Kittens”
Reviewed 9/4/2017
| Nightly rate: | $30 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 2 |
| Site Number: | 4 |
| RV Length: | 32' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
We just finished a two month trip that included Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon, but my kids will probably tell you that the Ingalls Homestead was their favorite stop. the Ingalls Homestead is a living history site on the property where Laura Ingalls Wilder's family homesteaded; they have 4 RV sites here (along with covered wagons and... more
We just finished a two month trip that included Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon, but my kids will probably tell you that the Ingalls Homestead was their favorite stop. the Ingalls Homestead is a living history site on the property where Laura Ingalls Wilder's family homesteaded; they have 4 RV sites here (along with covered wagons and a bunkhouse for rent and tent camping), and after closing time the people staying overnight have the whole place to themselves. My kids spent the evenings riding bikes around and visiting all the baby animals (a calf, two foals, chicks, and two litters of kittens). Only negative is that the sites are right next to a grassy slope which can make backing in a little harrowing. If you have a longer trailer, I suggest requesting site 1 or 2 so that you have more room to maneuver before the hill starts. Sites themselves are pretty basic, w/e, fairly well spaced, with picnic tables and fire rings....and beautiful views of the surrounding prairie and farmland. You have to drive a little ways down a dirt road to get to the homestead, but it was flat and straight and well maintained. Very close to downtown De Smet and other Little House sites to tour. Well worth the detour if you're traveling on I90.
BoxyColonial would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
7 reviews
noted 6/11/2020
There are only 4 sites, but if they’re booked up, they let you stay in the lower lot for $10 (dry camping)
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25 reviews
RV Camping at the Ingalls Homestead in De Smet, South Dakota: So Many Kittens!
This is going to be a really great post, because I have so many kitten pictures: De Smet wasn’t really on the way from Sioux Falls to the Badlands, but it wasn’t that far out of the way, so when I lear...
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Amenities
Hookups
- 50 Amp
- 30 Amp
- 20 Amp
- water
- dry camping
- Partial Hookups
Connectivity
- wifi: yes
Site Amenities
- big rig
- fire ring
- picnic table
Facilities
- dump station
- restrooms: flush
- showers
- trash
- water available
Pets
- pets
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