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.

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.

Baja Area Dispersed - Buffalo Gap National Grassland

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Interior. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that South Dakota camping has to offer. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Interior, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Interior

The Best Camping Near Interior, South Dakota

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.

Boondocking near Interior SD

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 

Fun for a dirt bike

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. 

Plenty of space and trails

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

Beautiful views

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. 

Baja dispersed 

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.

Quiet and easy

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

Wide open east access

I can’t see my previous, but I said I would edit if we stayed (due to mosquitoes) but we did. 

The sky was amazing! And that’s with a hazy day. So if night skies are important to you, and you can tolerate some mosquitoes then try this place out. 

Photos of Baja Area Dispersed - Buffalo Gap National Grassland

Real photos from real campers