This area is divided into two areas located in southern South Dakota. One area is south and northeast of Hot Springs and the other is south and west of Wall. There are few developed recreation sites, but plenty of space for all kinds of recreational opportunities.

Buffalo Gap National Grassland

The Wall is a part of Buffalo Gap National Grasslands. It is near The Badlands National Park and is dispersed camping. 

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.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nebraska/recarea/?recid=30333

Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping

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

Woodland Ranch

The Wall Boondocking Dispersed

Searching for a dispersed camping spot in South Dakota? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Search nearby dispersed campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.

South Dakota

The Best Dispersed Camping in South Dakota

If you're looking for a place to dispersed camp near Badlands National Park, look no further. The Dyrt provides you with a diverse selection of places to camp, from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Badlands National Park's most popular destinations.

Badlands National Park

The Best Dispersed Camping Near Badlands National Park, South Dakota

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Sioux Falls. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Sioux Falls, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Sioux Falls, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Sioux Falls

The Best Camping Near Sioux Falls, South Dakota

East of the Black Hills, South Dakota has a lot to offer. Near Rapid City, SD, and not too far from Mount Rushmore, you can take in the historic monument before heading off to camp and explore. Nearby Black Hills National Forest, Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park have plenty of adventures to offer. Spend the day exploring trails or rock climbing. It’s hard to beat exploring the Black Hills on horseback and there are several campgrounds that accommodate equestrians. Whether you stay in a tent or a spacious, multi-level cabin, Rapid City has some of the best camping spots in the area. There are also RV campsite options with half and full hookups.

Rapid City

The Best Camping Near Rapid City, South Dakota

Aberdeen is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Aberdeen campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Aberdeen, SD. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Aberdeen

The Best Camping Near Aberdeen, South Dakota

Brookings is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Brookings is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Brookings camping trip.

Brookings

The Best Camping Near Brookings, South Dakota

Are you in need of a campground near Watertown, SD? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Watertown campgrounds just for you. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Watertown. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Watertown

The Best Camping Near Watertown, South Dakota

Looking for the best campgrounds near Mitchell, SD? 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. Find the best campgrounds near Mitchell, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Mitchell

The Best Camping Near Mitchell, South Dakota

Looking for the best campgrounds near Yankton, SD? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Yankton is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your South Dakota camping adventure.

Yankton

The Best Camping Near Yankton, South Dakota

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Pierre. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Pierre, SD. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Pierre

The Best Pierre, SD Camping | South Dakota Campgrounds

Looking for the best campgrounds near Huron, SD? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Huron. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Huron

The Best Camping Near Huron, South Dakota

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Vermillion, SD is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Vermillion. Discover great camping spots near Vermillion, reviewed by campers like you.

Vermillion

The Best Camping Near Vermillion, South Dakota

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Custer National Forest, SD is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Custer National Forest. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Custer National Forest

The Best Camping Near Custer National Forest, South Dakota

Like all of South Dakota, Badlands National Park enjoys sunny summers and harsh winters. While you can go at any time, this park, like most, is crowded during the summer. While getting campsites in peak season isn’t impossible, it isn’t always easy.

With only one reservable campground, getting a camping spot in Badlands is tricky. That being said, with large amounts of federal land surrounding it, free camping is abundant. However, RV campers will appreciate the availability of sites in the park that can accommodate them. Buffalo Gap National Grassland offers the best camping near Badlands National Park if you can’t snag a camp spot. For campers and roadtrippers alike, a stop (or stay) in Wall, SD, is a must.

Are you in need of a campground near Badlands National Park, SD? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Badlands National Park, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Discover great camping spots near Badlands National Park, reviewed by campers like you.

The Best Camping Near Badlands National Park, South Dakota

With views of the Black Hills, open prairies, and pine forests, some of the best camping spots are in Wind Cave National Park. Near Hot Springs, SD, campers can stock up on camping supplies before pitching their tents. Campgrounds around the South Dakota park accommodate RV drivers, and also offer cabins and yurts as additional sleeping options. Backpack through the park watching birds perch calmly on the backs of bison. Elk and pronghorn antelopes also roam the prairies and forests. Campsites by the cave are a prime opportunity to discover the underground marvels that include the famous Wind Cave, and the subterranean chambers known as the Post Office and Elk’s Room.

Wind Cave National Park

The Best Camping Near Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Black Hills National Forest, SD has a lot to offer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Black Hills National Forest and user-submitted reviews.

Black Hills National Forest

The Best Camping Near Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota

Searching for the best camping near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, SD? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. Find the best campgrounds near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

The Best Camping Near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, South Dakota

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Jamestown Reservoir. Jamestown Reservoir is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Jamestown Reservoir

The Best Camping Near Jamestown Reservoir, South Dakota

Pipestem Lake, SD is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Pipestem Lake is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Pipestem Lake, SD. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Pipestem Lake

The Best Camping Near Pipestem Lake, South Dakota

Conestoga Lake is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. 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. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Conestoga Lake and user-submitted reviews.

The Best Dispersed Camping in Badlands National Park

Top Campgrounds in Badlands National Park (5)

1.

Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping

2.

Buffalo Gap National Grassland

3.

Baja Area Dispersed - Buffalo Gap National Grassland

4.

The Wall Boondocking Dispersed

5.

Woodland Ranch

Dispersed Campgrounds in Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Badlands National Park

114 Reviews of 5 Badlands National Park Campgrounds