Hartford Beach State Park

09/02/2026

Looking for something to do this Labor Day weekend? We’ve got you covered!
Join us at Hartford Beach State Park for two fun events: Minnow Races on Saturday and a dog‑friendly guided hike on Sunday. Whether you’re cheering on speedy minnows or exploring the trails with your pup, there’s something for everyone. Come enjoy the outdoors with us this holiday weekend! 🌿🐾🐟

08/26/2026

🦌 Deer archery season is right around the corner, and animal targets are set up on targets 15–28 on our course! 🏹 🎯

08/22/2026

We are deeply disappointed to report that our Day Use Comfort Station is temporarily closed until further notice due to severe, deliberate vandalism that occurred last evening.
All toilets within the comfort station were completely destroyed. Senseless acts of destruction like this are completely unacceptable. Vandalism consumes valuable staff time, drains park resources, and directly impacts every visitor who comes to enjoy our public spaces. Due to this, the facility will remain locked until further notice.
If you were in the day-use area yesterday evening and noticed any suspicious activity, vehicles, or individuals around the comfort station, or have information regarding who may have done this, please reach out to our local Conservation Officer at 605-881-3773.
Thank you for your patience and for helping us keep our park safe, clean, and welcoming for everyone.

08/20/2026

We still have plenty of open campsites this weekend! If you’re looking to enjoy great weather and a peaceful, uncrowded campground, this might be the perfect time to get outside. Reserve at GoOutdoorsSouthDakota.com

08/13/2026

Lots of opportunity to camp this weekend all throughout the state including Hartford Beach! Reserve at GoOutdoorsSouthDakota.com

Did you know that summer gave us a bonus weekend this year? Spend it camping in a South Dakota state park!

With Labor Day falling a little later this year, there’s an extra weekend on the calendar to squeeze in more of the good stuff...campfires, morning coffee outside, trail time, lake days and one more night under the stars.

And there’s still room to make it happen! The campgrounds shown here are just SOME of the South Dakota state parks with campsites available this weekend, August 14-16. Even more campgrounds across the state still have openings.

Check statewide availability and reserve your campsite today: reservations.gooutdoorssouthdakota.com

08/05/2026

⛺ That's right! We still have a few spots open for this gorgeous weekend. Reserve yours now at GoOutdoorsSouthDakota.com!

08/04/2026

Following up on our earlier post about the trail closure, we are happy to announce that we are finished with the bridge replacement on the Prehistoric Village Trail! The old structure is gone, and a brand-new, sturdy bridge is fully installed and ready for traffic! Thanks for your patience for us to replace it and happy hiking! 🥾

07/30/2026

We have weekend campsites available! (including plenty of shaded sites to relax under)

Head over to GoOutdoorsSouthDakota.com to claim your site and make the most of your weekend! 🏕️✨

07/29/2026

⚠️ TRAIL CLOSURE NOTICE: Prehistoric Village Trail ⚠️
Please be aware that the Prehistoric Village Trail is currently CLOSED while we work on replacing the access bridge.

🛠️ We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we make these necessary improvements! We’ll share an update here as soon as construction is complete and the trail is safely reopened.
Stay tuned! 🌲🥾

07/28/2026

🎉🏕️ Congratulations to Brian, our Week 10 Adventure 250 prize winner!
Brian completed his Adventure 250 activities at Hartford Beach State Park, earning an exciting Adventure 250 prize—2 Backpack Beach Chairs. He was presented his prize by Game, Fish and Parks staff and a representative from Wishard Insurance, a proud member agency of our generous prize sponsor, the Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota.
Adventure 250: Make Your History is your opportunity to discover South Dakota State Parks, complete fun outdoor adventures, and earn points toward weekly prize drawings and exciting grand prize packages.
Hartford Beach State Park is the perfect place to spend a day or weekend outdoors. Whether you're camping, boating, fishing on Big Stone Lake, hiking scenic trails, relaxing at the beach, or enjoying a picnic with family and friends, there are countless ways to make your history.
There's still plenty of summer left to join the fun! Visit a South Dakota State Park, complete Adventure 250 activities, submit your adventures, and you could be our next weekly winner.
Start your Adventure 250 journey today at gfp.sd.gov/history2026 .