Buffalo Gap National Grasslands

Bird watchers will find abundant wildlife at this dispersed camping area within Buffalo Gap National Grasslands. Campers access the site by driving across a limestone buttress dam to reach a small peninsula on the lake. The area accommodates RVs up to 30 feet, though the rough road conditions suggest lighter use than developed campgrounds.

Wind provides natural cooling on hot days, but campers should prepare for exposed conditions with minimal shade. AT&T provides 2-3 bars of cellular service. The grassland environment includes cactus and requires tick precautions for both campers and pets. Watch for sinkholes when selecting your specific camping spot, and consider Sheps Canyon Recreation Area for developed amenities if needed.

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Map & DirectionsBuffalo Gap National Grasslands is located in South Dakota near Buffalo Gap

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

43.16053653213157 N
103.16383137904722 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 6/10/26

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 6/10/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Features

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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.

Drive Time


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Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Buffalo Gap National Grasslands

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4.5

out of 5

2 Reviews

Reviewed May. 17, 2026

Serene Stay

Open campgrounds and spacious camping areas. Quiet, not a lot of other campers, good for rock hunting, some wildlife.

Month of VisitMay
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  • Review photo of Buffalo Gap National Grasslands by Cheyanne P., May 17, 2026
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Reviewed Jun. 2, 2025

Adjacent to Limestone Butt Reservoir

But windy. Cactus around. Lots of birds and no amenities. Judging by the road little used gem. We camped on a little peninsula. Careful there is a 3 foot sink hole beside our van so we tied up the van. Nice in breeze on a 34' Celsius day. Nobody else around. The highway is behind a hill. You drive across the limestone butt dam to access the peninsula. It looks like the most well used spot. There are about 2-3 bars of at&t cellular service. Beware of the ticks. Our dog came back from his walk with at least 20.

Sitedispersed
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Buffalo Gap National Grasslands by David M., June 2, 2025
  • Review photo of Buffalo Gap National Grasslands by David M., June 2, 2025
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the max vehicle length at Buffalo Gap National Grasslands?

Buffalo Gap National Grasslands allows vehicles up to 30 feet.

Is there cell phone reception at Buffalo Gap National Grasslands?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is excellent coverage for AT&T, excellent coverage for T-Mobile, and some coverage for Verizon.