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Dispersed Camping

Fort Pierre National Grassland Dispersed Camping

4 Reviews

Fort Pierre National Grassland Dispersed Camping, near Pierre, South Dakota, offers a unique experience for those looking to escape into nature. This area is all about the great outdoors, with no fees and a chance to camp off the beaten path, making it a favorite for those who enjoy a more rugged adventure.

The landscape is open and inviting, surrounded by beautiful farmland and a perimeter of trees that provide a bit of privacy. Visitors have noted the stunning sunsets and the peaceful atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a long day. One camper mentioned, “The site is beautiful and peaceful,” highlighting the charm of this natural setting.

While amenities are minimal—no drinking water, electric hookups, or trash services—there's a clean pit toilet available. Campers are reminded to pack in what they need and pack out their trash, ensuring the area stays pristine for future visitors. Fishing opportunities are nearby, with options to cast a line from the shore or use a boat ramp.

For those who enjoy solitude, this location is a great choice. Just be prepared for the elements, as the dirt roads can get tricky if it rains. As one reviewer put it, “The road in is a good ‘dirt’ farm road,” but it’s best to check conditions before heading out. Whether you're looking to relax or explore, Fort Pierre National Grassland has a lot to offer for the adventurous spirit.

Description

USDA Forest Service

There are no developed campgrounds at the grassland. Visitors may hike into areas without road access to pitch tents or camp in a campers parked up to 30 feet off any designated road on the Grassland. Make sure to view the Motor Vehicle Use Map to check where you can go.

All camping visitors are prohibited from using charcoal grills, having open camp fires, smoking outside of their vehicles, and operating engines without a spark arresting device installed. Commercial petroleum fueled stoves and lanterns are permitted.

NO services available, pack it out.

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Location

Fort Pierre National Grassland Dispersed Camping is located in South Dakota

Directions

From Pierre, SD travel on US Highway 83 South for about 24 miles. The Fort Pierre National Grassland is located in Central South Dakota. Visitors taking Interstate 90 may access the Grassland by taking Exit 212, then heading north to Pierre on Hwy 83. The Grassland is split nearly in half by Hwy 83, with two thirds being on the east and one third being on the west of the highway.

Coordinates

44.15860088 N
100.2938 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

WiFi
Good
Verizon
Unknown
AT&T
Unknown
T-Mobile
Unknown

Site Types

Dispersed

Features

For Campers

Toilets
Alcohol

For Vehicles

Pull-Through Sites

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.

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Contact

General Info

Patrick N.

Guide

Reviewed May. 13, 2022

Yes you can boondock here

If you read Jessica's review with the GPS coordinates above, those will take you to the Richland Reservoir site. There is a listing for that separate. The coordinates on the end of this listing take you to a field. You can camp off most roads no further than 30ft in a vehicle, RV or trailer. Be aware that there is private land in here too. Best to stop in the ranger station in Pierre to the north and ask. They are very helpful.

SiteRichland Reservoir

Month of VisitMay

N I.

Legend

Reviewed Sep. 30, 2021

Down on the farm

No fees No water No open fires No cell Pack it in Pack it out

A beautiful peaceful campground. It looks more like a small pasture that has not been mowed. I would use a tick spray, not sure about chiggers. We spray to be safe. Possible snakes in the tall grass. This site can handle anything that is willing to travel on the road. The road in is a good “dirt” farm road. As long as it hasn’t rained in a few days and does not rain while you are camped the way in and out will be good. If it has rained or does rain this road will become nasty. Traffic on the road is by farm truck or tractors without an issue of getting out. If it has or does rain the road will become very slick rutted. Sunsets are amazing. Farm land surrounds the grassland. The site is bit enough to handle just about anything that is willing to travel a dirt road. There is a perimeter of tress and bushes that enclose the area. We backed up to the perimeter and set camp. The pit toilet is new and would be at home in any campground. Super clean and stocked with toilet paper and hand sanitizer. There is also a boat ramp or you can fish from the shore. The Augustana University has established a Milkweed Project Garden which looks promising. No cell service. No shopping. Bring your supplies with you.

Pack it in Pack it out

LNT

Better than when you found it.

Stay safe- Happy travels

Month of VisitSeptember

(16) View All

Will B.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 17, 2020

Doesn't Exist

Maybe it existed once. There is a field of sunflowers on one side and a fenced in grassland on the other. I don't think anybody would appreciate someone hopping the fence or sleeping in the sunflowers. I would not come back here.

Lucille W.

Ranger

Reviewed Apr. 10, 2020

Very Open

I stayed here during a long cross country road trip. You basically go off the highway and drive in on some gravel roads and apparently can camp anywhere as long as you are 100 m away from any roads or trails! No amenities. I was alone and was nervous to camp alone. But I slept fine (besides some wind) and woke early and got back on the road.