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Fort Pierre National Grassland Dispersed Camping

4 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Spread across open grassland roughly 15 miles south of Pierre, Fort Pierre National Grassland Dispersed Camping operates on a pack-in, pack-out basis with no fees and no developed sites. The terrain runs flat and open, with farmland pressing in on the surrounding edges and a perimeter of trees and shrubs marking the camping area. Campers set up wherever conditions allow, though stopping within 30 feet of a road in a vehicle or trailer is the standard practice here.

Road conditions are the most important factor to research before arriving. The dirt access road holds up well in dry weather and handles farm trucks and tractors without issue, but rain changes that calculus quickly. Wet conditions turn the road slick and rutted, making entry and exit genuinely difficult. No cell service reaches the area, so planning ahead matters. There is also private land mixed into the surrounding grassland, and a stop at the ranger station in Pierre before heading out is worth the time to clarify boundaries.

One pit toilet is on-site, and N I. notes it is "super clean and stocked with toilet paper and hand sanitizer." A boat ramp and shoreline fishing access round out the practical features. No water is available, and open fires are not permitted, so campers need to arrive self-sufficient. For a more developed setup nearby, Richland Dam and Recreation Area sits about 5.7 miles to the west.

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Map & DirectionsFort Pierre National Grassland Dispersed Camping is located in South Dakota near Pierre

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

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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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

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
    Good Coverage

Access

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

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

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.

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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Fort Pierre National Grassland Dispersed Camping

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3.0

out of 5

4 Reviews

This dispersed camping area offers a no-frills experience with mixed accessibility - some found peaceful grassland sites while others struggled to locate suitable camping spots. Visitors should expect zero amenities and challenging road conditions in wet weather.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
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
  • Review photo of Fort Pierre National Grassland Dispersed Camping by Patrick N., May 13, 2022
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
  • Review photo of Fort Pierre National Grassland Dispersed Camping by N I., September 30, 2021
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  • Review photo of Fort Pierre National Grassland Dispersed Camping by N I., September 30, 2021
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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.

  • Review photo of Fort Pierre National Grassland Dispersed Camping by Will B., August 17, 2020
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.

  • Review photo of Fort Pierre National Grassland Dispersed Camping by Lucille W., April 10, 2020
  • Review photo of Fort Pierre National Grassland Dispersed Camping by Lucille W., April 10, 2020
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Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find camping in Fort Pierre National Grassland?

Dispersed camping is allowed throughout Fort Pierre National Grassland, generally within 30 feet of most roads in a vehicle, RV, or trailer. You'll need to navigate gravel roads into the grassland to find suitable spots. Some visitors have found camping near Richland Reservoir, which has its own separate listing. The grassland resembles unmowed pasture with tall grasses. When selecting a site, look for level ground away from sensitive areas. Be aware that some locations listed online may no longer be suitable for camping.

Are there any special regulations or permits needed for camping at Fort Pierre National Grassland?

No permits or fees are required for dispersed camping at Fort Pierre National Grassland. However, several regulations apply: you must camp at least 100 meters from roads or trails, open fires are prohibited throughout the grassland, and you must follow Leave No Trace principles by packing out all waste. Vehicles and camping equipment must stay within 30 feet of established roads. Contact the Fort Pierre National Grassland office for the most current regulations, as rules may change seasonally, especially during fire danger periods.

What amenities are available at Fort Pierre National Grassland camping areas?

Fort Pierre National Grassland Dispersed Camping offers a true primitive camping experience with virtually no amenities. There are no water sources, restroom facilities, trash services, or established fire rings. This is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out destination where campers must bring everything they need, including water. Open fires are not permitted on the grassland. Cell phone coverage is limited or non-existent in many areas, so plan accordingly with offline maps and emergency preparations.

What activities can I do while camping at Fort Pierre National Grassland?

Fort Pierre National Grassland offers excellent wildlife viewing and bird watching opportunities, particularly for those interested in prairie species. The expansive grassland landscape provides peaceful solitude and stargazing in a natural setting. Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the native prairie ecosystem and open skies. Hiking through the grassland is possible, though be prepared for tall grasses and use tick spray as a precaution. The area supports hunting during appropriate seasons. Remember that the terrain includes unmowed pasture-like areas with potential for encounters with prairie wildlife including snakes, so appropriate footwear and awareness are recommended.

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