Trip number five found us visiting the Dakota Sunsets RV Park and Campground in Salem, South Dakota. Equidistant from Sioux Falls and Mitchell, Dakota Sunsets lies within the prairies of the eastern part of the state. We originally elected to stay for a week, but due to circumstances, elected to extend our stay by a couple more days.
Grounds: This park has an easy access off Interstate 90 on US Highway 81, near 255 Road. Although a billboard exists, signage at the park is somewhat blocked by a tree when driving north, meaning you might miss the park the first time through. Never fear, the town of Salem lies just north, with a couple fuel stations making it easy to turn around. Farming fields surround the property, with a clear view of the plain as far as the eye can see.
Sites: Fifty-two sites adorn this park, mostly for RVs but some tent availability, with an assortment of back-in and pull-through sites having full and limited hook-ups. Park your rig on the very level dirt and miniature stone pads, with plenty of room to extend your awning around the tree and personal fire pit area. The sites are well marked with an easy to understand map, along with access warnings for one of the pull-through rows. If you tow, some diagonal parking may be needed to fit your additional vehicle, but it can fit rather decently.
Staff: Hoping that we do not ruin anyone's "street cred", the husband and wife owners of the park are some of the nicest people ever. They are the only workers with their house on the grounds, and the park being small and easy-going enough to handle. They are always welcoming to the human and canine visitors, even giving graham cracker pieces to the pups.
Amenities: Extras the park has to offer are minimal, but sufficient for the visitors finding their own entertainment. Many guests will walk the road loops to visit with the very friendly other patrons. A small playground exists for children, along with a large open grass area in the back to exercise, meditate, or view the sunset. Find peace on the small stone maze as you make your way to the center of the work. A pool was under demolition during our visit, intending to be replaced with a gated dog park. The bathhouses were very clean and well-maintained. Showers are coin-operated, so many RV visitors will choose to use what comes with their rig. A small, reasonably priced laundromat exists on the premises, as well as the opportunity to purchase basic camping consumables. Borrow a DVD or book during your stay if that's your cup of tea.
Atmosphere: When you come to this place, you truly feel like you're at home. You'll want to take a couple walks around the park each day to say hi. Not too many children visit, so that entertainment will need to be done as a family. Everything is easy going; even if you want to sit outside your RV to enjoy the world around you, it's a very relaxing time. Even after just a few days, you'll want to stay forever.
Out of a possible 10, Dakota Sunsets has become the first of our stays to receive the elusive 10 rating. The price was very reasonable, and it justs fits the lifestyle of the full-time RVer. You're just close enough to a small town for everyday needs, and the larger city of Sioux Falls is a reasonable distance away. This park is on the short list of places to return, and the next time your internal compass takes you to eastern South Dakota, this is the place to go.
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