Union Grove State Park in Beresford, South Dakota is a perfect destination for a fall color tour, a birdwatching trip, a weekend on horseback, or general camping activities. Sitting on the banks of Brule Creek, it features several kinds of trees that are known for their beautiful color changes. With several types of camping sites, it’s great for staying a few days to enjoy nature’s show at any time of year.
Those with RVs or trailers will find it easy to get power; there are hookups ranging from 20-50 amps. Back-in and pull-through sites accommodate many types of trailers, and there are specially-made RV spots as well. If you’re tenting it, rest easy – there are campsites for tents, too.
Sanitation is modern, with flush toilets and showers accessible. Drinking water is also available. Vault toilets are there as well.
Methods of getting around the park go beyond simply using your feet. There is a horse camp and corrals, so horseback riding is an expected method of travel on the multi-use trails. Of course, if you want to hike, you’re free to do so. Wheelchair access is also provided in some areas, so everyone can get around the park and enjoy its beauty. There is a hiking-only trail for those who don’t want to have to watch for horses and mountain bikes.
In the fall, the park is ablaze with color from the wide variety of native trees. It’s the perfect time to take a vacation to Union Grove State Park. If you can’t make it until the winter, don’t fret: cross-country skiing is another big attraction at this natural playground. Summer is the park’s other big time; bird-watchers will enjoy looking at species ranging from cardinals to wild turkeys, and plant-lovers will be able to see a huge range of botanical diversity.
Between October 1st and May 1st, hunting is allowed in designated areas of the park during the proper hunting seasons. Within the camping and picnic areas, all firearms and bows must remain in their cases.
When it’s time to have dinner, there are several options for cooking. You can use your camper’s amenities, or enjoy a meal cooked over a real campfire. Fire rings, pits, and grills make it easy to set up a fire in your preferred way. They even have firewood, so you don’t have to bother taking any along. If it rains, a sheltered picnic area lets you enjoy eating outdoors without getting soaking wet.
You never have to worry that your kids will be bored if you take them along to Union Grove State Park. There is a playground ready to keep them entertained when they’ve had enough hiking and horseback riding. Bringing your mountain bikes along will allow kids to enjoy one of their other favorite activities: bicycling. Being able to ride a bike on something other than pavement will thrill most city- and town-dwelling children while allowing them to exercise in a more exciting way than they’re used to.
No matter what type of outdoor activities you love, chances are good that you’ll be able to enjoy them at Union Grove State Park. Pull up in your RV or pitch your tent and be prepared for a great outdoor weekend when you camp at this excellent South Dakota getaway spot.
Union Grove State Park is located at 30828 471st Avenue, Beresford, SD 57004. To get there go 11 miles south of Beresford on highway I-29. Take Exit 38 from the highway to the park. For general information, call 605-987-2263, and to make reservations, phone 800-710-2267. The park’s official web page is at http://gfp.sd.gov/state-parks/directory/union-grove/, which is part of South Dakota’s Game, Fish, and Parks site.