Gunderson Park Introduce
Are you searching for "camping near me" that offers a unique and budget-friendly outdoor experience? Look no further than Gunderson Park, located in Centerville, South Dakota. Situated in a convenient location at Centerville, SD 57014, USA, Gunderson Park has garnered positive feedback from visitors, particularly for its availability of free camping. While there isn't a phone number provided in the information, its presence just outside the town of Centerville makes it relatively accessible for local users.
According to recent reviews from fellow campers, Gunderson Park provides a noteworthy option for those seeking a no-cost camping experience. One reviewer highlighted the existence of a mile-long (one way) paved path within the park, which conveniently leads to the local football field. This feature is excellent for walking, jogging, or biking, offering a way to enjoy the outdoors and even connect with local community sports. The presence of numerous mulberry trees around the campground was also mentioned, which could provide some natural shade and perhaps even a seasonal treat for those familiar with mulberries.
In terms of connectivity, one visitor noted that the Verizon cell service at Gunderson Park was "pretty decent," which is often a consideration for travelers wanting to stay connected. This aspect adds to the convenience of this free camping location, allowing visitors to maintain communication or access online resources if needed.
Another camper shared their positive experience of staying at Gunderson Park in mid-October while traveling through the region. They specifically mentioned that the county road leading to the park had been recently repaved, suggesting improved access compared to an earlier review that noted rough road conditions due to construction. This indicates that the local infrastructure around the park is being maintained, which is a definite plus for visitors.
This reviewer also pointed out a small blue sign at the park entrance indicating that camping was officially allowed from Memorial Day to Labor Day. However, they mentioned that despite staying outside of these dates, "nobody gave me any issues." While this suggests a degree of flexibility, it's important for potential campers to be aware of these stated dates and perhaps verify if off-season camping is generally permitted. The reviewer was car camping in their Jeep and found the location to be a "great place for free camping," appreciating its proximity to the "nice small town of Centerville." They even recommended a stop at Zebra King donuts in town, suggesting that the local area has its own attractions worth exploring.
Considering these firsthand accounts, Gunderson Park offers a valuable resource for those looking for "camping near me," especially if free camping is a priority. The environment seems to be characterized by open spaces with mulberry trees and the notable paved path. While specific services and amenities beyond the paved path aren't detailed in these reviews, the primary feature is clearly the availability of a no-cost camping spot in a location that is both accessible and relatively close to a small town. The decent Verizon cell service is an added benefit for many travelers.
It's worth noting that the information provided doesn't specify details about restrooms, water sources, or other typical campground amenities. Given that it's highlighted as "free camping," it's possible that these facilities might be limited or not available. Therefore, potential visitors should be prepared for a more self-sufficient camping experience. The positive remarks about the paved path and the proximity to Centerville suggest that while the focus might be on a more basic camping experience, there are still opportunities for recreation and accessing local conveniences.
In conclusion, for local users seeking "camping near me" that is free of charge, Gunderson Park in Centerville, SD, appears to be a great option. It offers a paved path for recreation, the natural presence of mulberry trees, and reportedly decent Verizon cell service. The recent repaving of the access road is also a positive development. While the official camping season is stated as Memorial Day to Labor Day, at least one visitor experienced off-season camping without issue. However, it would be prudent to verify this if planning a trip outside of those dates. Gunderson Park seems to be a straightforward, no-frills camping location that provides a cost-effective way to enjoy the outdoors near Centerville. If you appreciate free camping and don't require extensive amenities, Gunderson Park could be an ideal choice for your next local camping adventure. Remember to explore the town of Centerville while you're there, perhaps even indulging in some Zebra King donuts!
Gunderson Park Photos










Gunderson Park Location
Gunderson Park
Centerville, SD 57014, USA
Gunderson ParkCenterville
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Gunderson Park Reviews
Great free camping! The county road in is a bit rough as it seems to be under some sort of construction. I liked that the campground had a mile long (one way) paved path that leads to the local football field. Lots of mulberry trees around. The Verizon cell service was pretty decent as well.
Aug 10, 2024 · Erin GWhat a great place for free camping! I stayed here in mid October on my way to and from Western South Dakota. It sits right outside the nice small town of Centerville. The road to the park was just recently repaved. I car camped in my Jeep. There was a small blue sign at the entrance saying camping was only from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Nobody gave me any issues. Took a quick drone shot before I left. Zebra King donuts in town are worth the stop!
Oct 20, 2024 · Ryan WewersGunderson Park is a lovely little park where we like to walk the dog around. There is a boat launch area, however, the drought this year has made the river very low so this year is not the best time to enjoy the river, sadly. I think the park could be improved with a couple trash cans and maybe picnic tables but it is really nice as is. I plan to go camping there at some point as well. It is really nice with very mature trees in the area and a few benches. It looks like some new trees have been planted so in a few years those will be lovely and helpful for shade around the area.
Aug 07, 2022 · Sarah ChernatinskiUPDATECAMPING IS NOW ONLY ALLOWED BETWEEN MEMORIAL DAY THROUGH LABOR DAY. NO WINTER CAMPING IS ALLOWED ANY LONGER.Gunderson Park is a nice little boondocking location just ½ mile from the downtown area of Centerville. They have 2 fire pit locations, but, after speaking with the official at city hall we found out you can camp pretty much anywhere in the park you would like.It is free to camp here, you can stay virtually as long as you wish to according to that same official. There are no hook-ups. No bathroom facilities. No picnic tables. No playground for children. You may fish with a South Dakota license in the lazy rolling Vermillion River that skirts the park on 3 sides. They have a cement boat ramp. I will say when we stayed there the river was so low you would have had great difficulties getting a boat launched. On the west side of the park there are park benches at the beginning (or end of the walk depending on your start location) with a cemented walk way along the road to the park and the Vermillion River. It runs close to a quarter mile long with benches about half way through the walk. The city keeps this park mowed during the summer months. This is an old old park dating back to 1800's. The trees are massive and just as old providing beautiful shade. There are remnants of old stone items remaing in the park, grape vine thingy, a stone fireplace and pillars. Our stay favored us with Bald Eagle sightings. 2 hung around the trees on the other side of the river in full view, it was wonderful.At the city park you can dump your tanks. We didn't need to so we didn't visit this location. At the four way stop sign located at the center of the town, turn west, travel one block and on the south side of the street you will find city hall. There they will tell you how to find the dump site.This seems to be a favorite location for locals to drive through. Sometimes we found traffic through the park on the heavy side but most of the time very quiet. People are small town friendly. Population is around 900 people. Town has a grocery store, convenience store, bank, medical clinic, pharmacy, restaurant, bowling alley, auto parts store, bakery and other businesses. We noticed 4 churches in our drive around the town. At the city park they have a community swimming pool, Frisbee golf, 2 ball diamonds, tennis courts, playground equipment, volleyball courts, 2 picnic house areas and a location for 4 RV campsites with electrical plug ins [2 50 amp and 2 30 amp) for $10.00 a night with limited stay.
Oct 24, 2022 · Bibs OutdoorsBeautiful little park in a quaint small town. Perfect for an overnight in our Class A. Be careful at the gate especially if you’re towing a vehicle. Nothing major just be aware it’s a little tight. Sheriff came to say hello and welcome us! Really cool!
Aug 30, 2023 · Sharetta Walker
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