🌤 Weather at Sica Hollow State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18–67 °F | 58–82 °F | 23–72 °F | 3–27 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Roy Lake, 10 mi away, elevation 1,810 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Thick hardwood forests, rustic bridges across streams, and wildflower prairies surround Sica Hollow State Park 30 miles east of Britton in Northeastern South Dakota. This historic area features bridle trails, an equestrian friendly campground, picnic areas, nature trails, and opportunities for bird watching and stargazing.
This unique area was named Sica (meaning bad or evil) by the Dakota tribe. It earned this name because of mysterious occurrences throughout the area and the red colored streams. The iron-tinted water appears as blood. Today visitors to this South Dakota state park enjoy walking along the Trail of the Spirits to get a closer look at this strange phenomenon.
Nearby roy lake state park, only 15 miles east of Sica Hollow, features a lakeside resort and campground where guests may swim, boat, fish, hike, camp, picnic, and more.
Activities
Looking for a unique getaway? Well, look no further than Sica Hollow State Park. This interesting park offers a mysterious flair to the traditional outdoor activities found within most state parks.
Here you may experience a spooky hike (or ride) through the woodlands, have lunch in one of the scenic picnic areas, search for one of the many geocaches hidden inside the park, and learn more about the history and legends of the area.
And if you plan to visit during the winter, you will also have the added opportunity to snowshoe.
Here are some of the activities that you can do during your visit to Sica Hollow State Park:
Hiking at Sica Hollow State Park
Take a walk along one of the spookiest trails in the country during your visit to Sica Hollow State Park. The Trail of the Spirits, a self-guided nature trail, leads through the woodlands and out to a brook that’s said to contain water the color of blood. This unique trail is said to seem eerily silent except for the occasional sound of drums or chanting.
This interesting park also offers guided ‘Moon Hikes’ for summer visitors. During these night time excursions guests learn more about the area’s history, flora, and fauna, as well as the stars in the sky.
Horseback Riding at Sica Hollow State Park
For visitors traveling with their own horses, there are 8 miles of equestrian trails that wind throughout the woodlands surrounding Sica Hollow State Park. The park also has primitive horse friendly campsites.
Birding at Sica Hollow State Park
Sica Hollow State Park lies along the Glacial Lakes & Prairies Birding Trail, an area that details 38 prime bird watching sites within the lakes and wetlands region of the state. The park’s deciduous woodlands, steep hillsides, and open meadows are ideal for viewing a variety of warblers, flycatchers, vireos, woodpeckers, as well as Scarlet Tanagers, Yellow-billed Cuckoos, and Purple Finches.
Nature and Wildlife at Sica Hollow State Park
“Mountains of the Prairie,” that’s how Henry Wadsworth Longfellow described the serene area surrounding Sica Hollow State Park. This area of woodlands, hills, and prairies is also home to a variety of wildlife including birds, deer, squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, prairie dogs, rabbits, and opossum.
Pets
Pets are allowed inside Sica Hollow State Park as long as they are supervised, leashed, and cleaned up after. Camping at Sica Hollow State Park
Planning to visit the area with your horse? Sica Hollow State Park features a primitive camping area with 8 non-electric equestrian campsites that are available year round and located near the multi-use trails. Vault toilets, picnic areas, and a water pump are also available for registered guests.
Camping
For additional overnight accommodations, check out the nearby lakeside resort and campground inside Roy Lake State Park. This comfortable park has 98 campsites, 3 camping cabins, 8 modern cabins, and 5 suites, all nestled within the surrounding woodlands, many with beautiful views of the lake.
The rustic camping cabins have one large room with bunk beds, electricity, heat, and air conditioning. Each of the modern cabins and suites have 1 or 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, fully equipped kitchen, electricity, heat, and air conditioning.
All campsites and camping cabins have a picnic table and fire ring and are conveniently located near flush toilets, showers, and drinking water. The park also features trails, a beach, and opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing.
Park Location
Sica Hollow State Park
44950 Park Road
Sisseton, SD 57260
Phone: 605.448.5701
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Sica Hollow State Park:
Explore More South Dakota State Parks
Sica Hollow State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in South Dakota. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in South Dakota guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
More parks in South Dakota: Roy Lake State Park and Fort Sisseton Historic State Park. See the full South Dakota state parks guide.
⛺ Camping at Sica Hollow State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 14 sites — 14 campsites, non-electrical, $16/night. Separate horse camp available at $18/night (site count not published). Vault toilets, drinking water, picnic tables. |
|---|---|
| Pets | Statewide SD GFP rule applies: April 1-Sept. 30 pets must be under immediate control on a leash no longer than 10 ft; Oct. 1-March 31 leash not mandatory but pet must be under immediate control. Pets (except service animals) prohibited on swimming beaches and in park buildings. |
| Reservations | Book online at reservations.gooutdoorssouthdakota.com (campsd.com) or call 1.800.710.2267. Reservation window opens 90 days before arrival. Horse camp reservations/information through the park manager at 605.448.5701. South Dakota park entry license required per vehicle: residents $10/day or $40/year, nonresidents $15/day or $60/year. |
| Special sites | Hiking and horse trails. Fall is the peak season for foliage viewing (oak, aspen, maple, elm). |
| Season notes | Open year-round; vault toilets available year-round. Fall is the most popular season for foliage. |
Camping questions about Sica Hollow State Park
Can you camp at Sica Hollow State Park?
Yes. Sica Hollow State Park has 14 campsites. 14 campsites, non-electrical, $16/night. Separate horse camp available at $18/night (site count not published). Vault toilets, drinking water, picnic tables.
How do you reserve a campsite at Sica Hollow State Park?
Book online at reservations.gooutdoorssouthdakota.com (campsd.com) or call 1.800.710.2267. Reservation window opens 90 days before arrival. Horse camp reservations/information through the park manager at 605.448.5701. South Dakota park entry license required per vehicle: residents $10/day or $40/year, nonresidents $15/day or $60/year.
Are pets allowed at the Sica Hollow State Park campground?
Statewide SD GFP rule applies: April 1-Sept. 30 pets must be under immediate control on a leash no longer than 10 ft; Oct. 1-March 31 leash not mandatory but pet must be under immediate control. Pets (except service animals) prohibited on swimming beaches and in park buildings.
Source: gfp.sd.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Sica Hollow State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in South Dakota state parks and recreation areas, including campgrounds and most trails, but not in park buildings or on designated swim beaches.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- April 1 - September 30: leash no longer than 10 ft required at all times; October 1 - March 31: leash optional but pets must be under immediate control
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets (except service animals) are not allowed on designated swimming beaches
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Dogs and cats allowed in pet-designated lodges, cabins and suites (roughly 40 parks/recreation areas have designated pet-friendly cabins) with payment of a pet accommodation fee
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use or camping pet fee; a pet accommodation fee is charged for pet-designated lodging
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets prohibited in all park buildings and on the Summit Trail at Bear Butte State Park
Are dogs allowed at Sica Hollow State Park?
Pets are allowed in South Dakota state parks and recreation areas, including campgrounds and most trails, but not in park buildings or on designated swim beaches. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via gfp.sd.gov. More: South Dakota state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Sica Hollow State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
