Union Grove State Park

🌤 Weather at Union Grove State Park by season

Spring	Summer	Fall	Winter
23–70 °F	58–84 °F	23–75 °F	7–32 °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 Centerville 6 SE, 10 mi away, elevation 1,276 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.

Union Grove State Park lies nestled within the woodlands near Brule Creek in southeastern South Dakota, not far from Beresford. This picturesque area is also just 47 miles south of Sioux Falls. The park’s trails, which wind throughout the surrounding woodlands and along the creek, attract hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, and cross-country skiers. Guests also enjoy camping, birdwatching, and picnicking within this peaceful South Dakota state park.

Activities

Plan your adventure inside Union Grove State Park. Here you will have fun exploring the trails (by foot, bike, or horse), spending a few peaceful nights under the stars, relaxing in one of the park’s scenic picnic areas, or discovering one of the many hidden geocaches. The park also features a playground and covered picnic areas for larger gatherings. For guests planning to visit the park during the winter: you may also enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Here are some of the activities that you can do during your visit to Union Grove State Park:

Hiking at Union Grove State Park

Explore the woodlands of pines and cedars, and walk through the native mixed grass prairie and along Brule Creek. Get a closer look at some of the native flora and fauna and a few exotic trees and shrubs that were planted here during the 1930s. This serene area in and around Union Grove State Park is open for exploring (just be cautious during hunting season). Although the park features 2 designated trails for guests to explore during their visit, only one is primarily for hikers. The Brule Bottom Hiking Trail, a moderate 1.2 mile trail with a few hills, is also ideal for snowshoeing during the winter. The park’s second trail, the Mosey Meadow Multi-Use Trail, is not only open for hikers but also for horseback riders and mountain bikes. In the winter this moderate 4.3 mile trail is also available for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Trail guides are available inside the park, in a dispenser box at the trailhead.

Horseback Riding at Union Grove State Park

Union Grove State Park allows guests with horses to access the 4.3 mile Mosey Meadow multi-use trail. This moderate trail starts near the equestrian camping area and winds through the woodlands and along the creek. All out-of-state visitors with horses are required to show proof of a negative Coggins test as well as a clean health certificate.

Hunting at Union Grove State Park

For those who enjoy hunting: with a valid South Dakota hunting license you may hunt deer, turkey, and pheasant during specified hunting seasons (generally between October 1 and April 30). Be aware that bows and uncased firearms are not permitted within the campground or picnic areas.

Birding at Union Grove State Park

Discover the birds of southeastern South Dakota during your visit to Union Grove State Park. Here you may see cardinals, orioles, grosbeak, warblers, blackbirds, blue jays, pheasants, wild turkeys, sparrows, chickadees, finches, wrens, hawks, and vireos, among the pines, cedars, shrubs and prairie, and along Brule Creek. Grab your binoculars and a bird checklist and try to visit between March and September (the best bird watching months.)

Nature and Wildlife at Union Grove State Park

Get ready to see deer, raccoons, squirrels, chipmunks, beavers, groundhogs, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and more inside this serene southeastern South Dakota state park. This area contains a deciduous woodland that includes pines and cedars, and a native mixed grass prairie. The park also features some exotic shrubs and plants that were introduced here during the 1930s.

Pets

Pets are allowed at Union Grove State Park but must be supervised, leashed, and cleaned up after.

Camping

Interested in spending a peaceful night inside the park? You’re in luck, Union Grove State Park has electric and tent-only campsites and a separate equestrian camping area all nestled within the surrounding woodlands. From May 1 to September 30 all campers have convenient access to flush toilets, showers, and drinking water. Water may be turned off inside the park between Oct 1 and April 30. Vault toilets are still available during that time.

Park Location

Union Grove State Park 30828 471st Avenue Beresford, SD 57004 Phone: 800.710.2267 Park Website Reservations

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Union Grove State Park:

Explore More South Dakota State Parks

Union Grove 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 nearby: Newton Hills State Park is within about an hour’s drive, while Lake Alvin Recreation Area lies within about an hour’s drive.

⛺ Camping at Union Grove State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins

Campsites	25 sites — 25 campsites, including 4 horse campsites; electrical sites $30/night, non-electrical (tent-only) sites $16/night. Dump station, flush toilets and showers (may close Oct. 1-April 30); vault toilets remain open year-round.
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 or call 1.800.710.2267. Reservation window opens 90 days before arrival. South Dakota park entry license required per vehicle: residents $10/day or $40/year, nonresidents $15/day or $60/year.
Special sites	Horse camp serves as a base for weekend riding. Quiet, well-shaded campsites. Group shelter, playgrounds, TRACK Trail. ADA-accessible flush toilets and showers.
Season notes	Open year-round. Between Oct. 1 and April 30, showers, flush toilets and other water systems may be closed; vault toilets remain open year-round.

Camping questions about Union Grove State Park

Can you camp at Union Grove State Park?

Yes. Union Grove State Park has 25 campsites. 25 campsites, including 4 horse campsites; electrical sites $30/night, non-electrical (tent-only) sites $16/night. Dump station, flush toilets and showers (may close Oct. 1-April 30); vault toilets remain open year-round.

How do you reserve a campsite at Union Grove State Park?

Book online at reservations.gooutdoorssouthdakota.com or call 1.800.710.2267. Reservation window opens 90 days before arrival. 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 Union Grove 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 Union Grove 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 Union Grove 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