Free Camping Collection
Dispersed Camping
Baja Area Dispersed - Buffalo Gap National Grassland
Baja Area Dispersed, near Interior, South Dakota, is a fantastic spot for those who appreciate wide-open spaces and stunning night skies. This location offers a large area where you can easily find a secluded spot to pitch your tent, making it perfect for a peaceful getaway.
Visitors rave about the beautiful views and the tranquility of the area. One camper noted, “Large area with plenty of room and awesome night sky,” while another mentioned the privacy, saying they only saw a few other campers. The lack of amenities like toilets and drinking water means you’ll need to come prepared, but many find the trade-off worth it for the serene environment.
If you're looking to explore, this area is conveniently close to Badlands National Park, making it an ideal base for your adventures. You can enjoy activities like hiking and dirt biking, with some reviewers highlighting the fun they had riding around on their dirt bikes. Just be ready for some mosquitoes, as they can be a bit pesky during the warmer months.
Whether you're a solo traveler or camping with friends, Baja Area Dispersed offers a laid-back atmosphere where you can unwind and soak in the natural beauty of South Dakota.
Description
USDA Forest Service
Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands
There is only one small developed recreation area on the Buffalo Gap National Grassland. The National Grassland Visitor Center is located in Wall, South Dakota. This site provides the history behind the system of the National Grasslands located across the West.
While there is only one developed campground, there are plenty of open spaces to camp. Bring your horse, your bicycle or your OHV and spend some quiet time in the wide open spaces of the Grassland.
Overnight camping in developed sites is on a first-come, first-served basis. Campfires are allowed unless restrictions are posted. Red Cloud Campground site features 13 sites with picnic tables and fire grates, and a vault toilet. From Chadron, NE travel eight miles south of on U.S. Highway 385 to the campground.
Backcountry, dispersed or primitive camping (no facilities) is allowed anywhere on the National Forest.
Practicing Leave No Trace principles ensures that the next person to visit will have the same sense of discovery as those who came before.
The seven principles are:
Plan ahead and prepare, Camp and travel on durable surfaces, Dispose of waste properly, Leave what you find, Minimize campfire impacts, Respect wildlife, Be considerate of other visitors.
Location
Baja Area Dispersed - Buffalo Gap National Grassland is located in South Dakota
Coordinates
43.71128 N
102.10104 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonGood
- AT&TGood
- T-MobileAvailable
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- 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 Baja Area Dispersed - Buffalo Gap National Grassland needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 59 min from Rapid City
- 4 hrs 34 min from Casper
- 4 hrs 55 min from Cheyenne
- 5 hrs 21 min from Bismarck
