Palisades State Park

Fees

Daily: $8 per vehicle
Annual: $36 first vehicle | $18 for second vehicle | $80 transferable license
Campsites: - electrical: $26 per night
Campsites: - non-electrical: Tent-Only: $15 per night
Cabins:: $55 per night
Lodge: $280 per night

Make Reservations

Make reservation online or call 1.800.710.2267.
Amenities
  • Campground
  • Camping cabins
  • Drinking water
  • Electric campsites
  • Fishing pole checkout
  • Flush toilets/showers
  • Game checkout
  • Lodge
  • Picnic Shelter
  • Playground
  • Vault toilets

ADA/Accessible

Camping Cabins
  • Camping Site
  • Lodge
  • Picnic Shelter
  • Showers
  • Activities
    • Birdwatching
    • Camping
    • Canoeing/Kayaking
    • Fishing
    • Hiking
    • Historical interest
    • Rock Climbing
    • Snowshoeing
    • Volleyball

    Address

    Palisades State Park
    25491 485th Avenue
    Garretson, SD 57030
    605.594.3824
    Email: PalisadesPark@state.sd.us
    Home » Palisades State Park

    Palisades State Park, located in southeastern South Dakota in the town of Garretson, is the second smallest state park in South Dakota. At 157 acres in area, the park is quite small compared to the vastness of other state parks in South Dakota. Although compact in size, this park packs a powerful visual punch, and the history of the area—complete with larger-than-life legends and tales—more than compensates for its small size.

    The Coteau des Prairies, a flatiron-shaped plateau formed by glacial movement, is home to Palisades State Park. Known for its unique terrain and breathtaking views, Palisades State Park is a mecca for rock climbers, hikers, and campers.

    Split Rock Creek, flanked by 1.2 billion-year-old, fifty-foot high quartzite rock cliffs and spires, offers some of the best rock climbing in South Dakota. Hiking trails snake through the quartzite formations and overlook the rushing waters of Split Rock Creek below. Canoe enthusiasts and kayakers enjoy stunning views of the towering quartzite spires as they paddle through Split Rock Creek.

    Palisades State Park is one of the few places in the nation that contains catlinite. This mineral, also called pipestone, is found in the matrix of quartzite and is used by Native Americans for making peace pipes, or “calumets”. Several pipestone quarry sites can be found within the park.

    Palisade State Park is where Jesse James made his infamous “Outlaw Leap.” According to legend, Jesse James robbed a bank in Northfield, Minnesota, and then hid out in a cave in Split Rock Creek. When Jesse thought he could flee the area, he was surprised to find a posse of lawmen close at his heels. A chase ensued, ending at the precipice of nearby Devil’s Gulch Peak. Here, Jesse supposedly spurred his horse on, and leapt across the canyon to Palisades State Park. Today, a footbridge crosses the canyon of this legendary leap.

    Park Specs

    Open: Year-round. Between Oct. 1 and April 30, showers, flush toilets and other water systems may be closed. Please contact the park directly for current status. Vault toilets usually remain open.

    Park Size: 34 campsites, 6 cabins (each sleeps 4 people) and a group lodge

    Directions:

    10 miles north of I-90, Brandon Exit 406

    Nearest Town: Garretson

    South Dakota State Parks

    Walkers Point Recreation Area

    Walkers Point Recreation Area

    Good Earth State Park

    Good Earth State Park

    Swan Creek Recreation Area

    Swan Creek Recreation Area

    Randall Creek Recreation Area

    Randall Creek Recreation Area

    Farm Island Recreation Area

    Farm Island Recreation Area

    Newton Hills State Park

    Newton Hills State Park

    Big Stone Island Nature Area

    Big Stone Island Nature Area

    George S. Mickelson Trail

    George S. Mickelson Trail

    Roy Lake State Park

    Roy Lake State Park

    Angostura Recreation Area

    Angostura Recreation Area

    Lake Poinsett Recreation Area

    Lake Poinsett Recreation Area

    Fort Sisseton Historic State Park

    Fort Sisseton Historic State Park

    Bear Butte State Park

    Bear Butte State Park

    Union Grove State Park

    Union Grove State Park

    Chief White Crane Recreation Area

    Chief White Crane Recreation Area

    Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve

    Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve

    Lake Thompson Recreation Area

    Lake Thompson Recreation Area

    Fisher Grove State Park

    Fisher Grove State Park