Road access defines the Pine Ridge Dispersed Camping experience. Forest Service Road 714-A extends 1.5 miles above Chadron State Park as a single-lane dirt route that accommodates RVs and trailers but requires careful navigation. Campers must drive through the state park to reach the forest service land, though the park gate remains unlocked overnight.
Most potential camping spots along the road display "No Motor Vehicles" signs, leaving only a couple of small pullouts suitable for vehicles. Marc G. notes there's "a well-hidden drainage ditch dug on each side of the road" that limits site options. The road ends at a trailhead where larger rigs can park if the pullouts are occupied. Tent campers can walk to the rim for expanded views across the plains below.
Cell service reaches three bars on Verizon networks, with the tower visible five miles south. Daytime traffic passes regularly as hikers access the trailhead, and cars continue through early morning and evening hours. The elevation sits 700 feet above the surrounding plains, providing open sightlines toward the horizon. Fresh water, dump stations, and supplies are available at the adjacent state park.
This setup works best for self-contained campers comfortable with roadside positioning and minimal privacy. The free camping appeals to overnight travelers, though the limited vehicle-accessible sites fill during peak periods.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPine Ridge Dispersed Camping is located in Nebraska near Chadron
Coordinates
42.71536806 N
103.03753427 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage
Verizon5GExcellent Coverage- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 5/14/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 5/14/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Pine Ridge Dispersed Camping needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 34 min from Rapid City, SD
- 2 hrs 47 min from Casper, WY
- 2 hrs 55 min from Cheyenne, WY
- 3 hrs 44 min from Greeley, CO
