Home › South Dakota › Vermillion › Clay County Park
Clay County Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 188 Google reviews · Running trail in Vermillion, South Dakota · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Clay County Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Scenic 44-site campground near the Missouri River featuring tent and RV spots, plus a playground.
What runners say about Clay County Park
“I thought it was a little spendy at $42 for two nights ($16 per night for a tent site + $10 out of state fee), But the campground facilities were well stocked and clean.”
“Beautiful little campground that is a hidden gem.”
“The atmosphere was very nice with the shade trees and most people didn't get started moving until almost 10:00 a.”
Cute little place. Perfect for boating, fishing, and kayaking out on the Missouri River. There's areas for tent and rv camping. There's a restroom and a play area for kids at the campground.
Great stop on our trip. Power only with a dump station and water at the entrance. The spot selected for us was a little tight for our 5th wheel to get in. BUT the hosts gave us a pass to drive through an empty site and that was it. Quiet at night, Nice trail to the river and loved the shady tall trees.
Took kids fishing. Didn't catch anything. Has trails to walk along the river. We drove through camp ground. Looked like some had electricity boxes. Very relaxing and clean! Kids keep asking when will we be back? They are ready for camping 🏕
This is a great little campground and park. I thought it was a little spendy at $42 for two nights ($16 per night for a tent site + $10 out of state fee), But the campground facilities were well stocked and clean. The sink had warm water to do dishes; not all campgrounds have that. 4.
Trail conditions & character
“This has level pads, clean restrooms, garbage bins are empty, and the tables(mine)are clean as far as I can see.”
“The atmosphere was very nice with the shade trees and most people didn't get started moving until almost 10:00 a.”
“Beautiful little campground that is a hidden gem.”
“This has level pads, clean restrooms, garbage bins are empty, and the tables(mine)are clean as far as I can see.”
Plan your run at Clay County Park
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitereservations.gooutdoorssouthdakota.com
- Phone+1 605-659-0050
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Vermillion
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
North Alabama Bend Wildlife Area
4.3 ★★★★☆ 3 reviews
Barstow Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 79 reviews
Recreational park featuring a playground, picnic tables, and facilities for baseball, disc golf, and camping.
Cotton Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 89 reviews
Public park with a playground, picnic areas, disc-golf course, dog park, and trails.
Spirit Mound State Historic Prairie
4.7 ★★★★★ 193 reviews
State park noted for a short trail up a hill offering 360-degree views of the flat prairie.
Riverside Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 292 reviews
Riverside park featuring a playground, a ball field, picnic shelters and grassy areas.