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Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

Baja Area Dispersed - Buffalo Gap National Grassland

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

Air Quality at this campground may currently be unhealthy for sensitive groups.

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.

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Location

Baja Area Dispersed - Buffalo Gap National Grassland is located in South Dakota

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

43.71128 N
102.10104 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Poor

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.

Contact

General Info


Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 11, 2024

Wide open east access

Large area with plenty of room and awesome night sky. Easily accessed with van

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Baja Area Dispersed - Buffalo Gap National Grassland by c G., July 11, 2024
  • Review photo of Baja Area Dispersed - Buffalo Gap National Grassland by c G., July 11, 2024
  • Review photo of Baja Area Dispersed - Buffalo Gap National Grassland by c G., July 11, 2024
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jun. 2, 2024

Quiet and easy

Easily accessible and quiet. Large enough to find a spot away from anyone. There probably is ATV here sometimes, but none while we were here.

Reviewed Oct. 3, 2023

Baja dispersed

A great place to stay the night while visiting Badlands NP. Super close to the park and Interior, SD. We were able to find a secluded place near the entry to the front gate and we were not disturbed by OHVs entering the Baja area in the morning.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Baja Area Dispersed - Buffalo Gap National Grassland by Geoff M., October 3, 2023
  • Review photo of Baja Area Dispersed - Buffalo Gap National Grassland by Geoff M., October 3, 2023
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  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 15, 2023

Beautiful views

Wide open and beautiful views. Only saw a few other campers but was totally private. Definitely worth the stay!!

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jul. 10, 2023

Plenty of space and trails

Passed a couple campervans on the way in. Ended up getting a great spot with nobody around us and amazing views of the badlands. Only down side is there were A LOT of mosquitoes.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Baja Area Dispersed - Buffalo Gap National Grassland by Don S., July 10, 2023
  • Review photo of Baja Area Dispersed - Buffalo Gap National Grassland by Don S., July 10, 2023
  • Review photo of Baja Area Dispersed - Buffalo Gap National Grassland by Don S., July 10, 2023
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Sep. 23, 2022

Fun for a dirt bike

Really fun on a dirt bike, u can drive around with a car if u want as well, some mellow spots allow non high clearance cars to get around

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Baja Area Dispersed - Buffalo Gap National Grassland by Jackson M., September 23, 2022
  • Review photo of Baja Area Dispersed - Buffalo Gap National Grassland by Jackson M., September 23, 2022
  • Review photo of Baja Area Dispersed - Buffalo Gap National Grassland by Jackson M., September 23, 2022
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jul. 6, 2022

Boondocking near Interior SD

Seemed like a less popular spot then the northern dispersed camping, but it was a really sweet stop after a sick drive thru the Badlands. A really big area, beautiful view of the peaks to the north, and relaxing moo's from the local cows.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Baja Area Dispersed - Buffalo Gap National Grassland by Clayton S., July 6, 2022
  • Review photo of Baja Area Dispersed - Buffalo Gap National Grassland by Clayton S., July 6, 2022
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Baja Area Dispersed - Buffalo Gap National Grassland?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Baja Area Dispersed - Buffalo Gap National Grassland, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Baja Area Dispersed - Buffalo Gap National Grassland have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Baja Area Dispersed - Buffalo Gap National Grassland does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Baja Area Dispersed - Buffalo Gap National Grassland?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is available, and T-Mobile is poor.