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Best Dispersed Camping near Badlands National Park

205 Reviews

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.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Badlands National Park (14)

    1. Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping

    137 Reviews
    Wall, SD
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 279-2125

    "Amazing sunrise, easy to find, beautiful views, only ones there, minutes from Badlands National Park entrance and FREE!!"

    "This is a great location for camping. They recently built up this campsite with gravel and wood logs for more defined sites. There is about 20 sites here and most can fit long RVs."

    2. The Wall Boondocking Dispersed

    36 Reviews
    Wall, SD
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 279-2126

    "Fantastic views No facilities but worth checking it out for a night while in Badlands Unlimited space Sage Creek also free camping with 22 sites No big RVs We travel in a Ford Transit 19"

    "We enjoyed two nights at the Badlands Boondocking Area. We stayed at the northernmost area of the camping and enjoyed the view down the entirety of the wall."

    3. Buffalo Gap National Grassland

    19 Reviews
    Wall, SD
    8 miles

    "Take a right at the tv towers and drive in to the rim of the wall. Free disbursed camping a mile north of the entrance to the Badlands National Park."

    "Dry camped at Buffalo Gap National Grassland just south of Wall South Dakota off of 240. Plenty of space with flat ground for tent or RV. Spectacular view and right by I90 for easy access."

    4. Badlands Boondocking Area

    6 Reviews
    Wall, SD
    6 miles

    "Wall Dispersed Camping near Badlands National Park is a great spot for anyone looking to boondock with awesome views and a peaceful atmosphere."

    "Beautiful BLM 14 day camping just outside Badlands National Park. I saw a herd of bison coming in. Good Verizon cell phone signal."

    5. Badlands Boondocks

    7 Reviews
    Wall, SD
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 233-2800

    "The Forest service is managing the area so people cannot park right at the edge of the cliff like in times past. It is safer for people & prevents more erosion from the top of the cliff."

    "Easy access camp out of park about 1/2 mile right on the rim 8 miles from Wall S.D very windy but views awesome"

    6. Baja Area Dispersed - Buffalo Gap National Grassland

    7 Reviews
    Interior, SD
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 432-0300

    "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"

    "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."

    7. Badlands Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Wall, SD
    7 miles

    "We camped on the public lands just outside of Badlands National Park and it was amazing. The camping is dispersed and free, with no amenities, but the scenery more than makes up for it."

    "It is a rather decent dirt road that runs along the cliffs edge of the badlands. Its on USFS land and allows for boondocking. There are wooden posts with a tent symbol on them to designate campsites."

    8. Buffalo Gap National Grasslands

    2 Reviews
    Wall, SD
    7 miles

    "Well marked where to camp, smooth dirt roads, great views. No problem going in with 35 ft gas Motorhome towing a car."

    9. Pinnacles Camping Area

    1 Review
    Wall, SD
    7 miles

    "No water access but road is maintained (gravel) with potholes when it rains."

    10. Sage Creek Basin Camp

    2 Reviews
    Wall, SD
    9 miles

    "This location is Sage Creek Basin Overlook and trailhead. It is beautiful up here at higher elevation. 4g and 5g cell service is available here on Tmobile. There are no toilets."

    "Really recommend if you enjoy camping a little more off grid but still having others to hangout with"

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Badlands National Park

205 Reviews of 14 Badlands National Park Campgrounds

Guide to Badlands National Park

Experience the beauty of the Badlands National Park while enjoying the freedom of dispersed camping. This area offers stunning landscapes, incredible views, and a chance to connect with nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Badlands National Park in South Dakota

  • Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping is conveniently located just outside the park, providing easy access to breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere.
  • The Wall Boondocking Dispersed area allows for a variety of camping setups, accommodating both tents and RVs, making it a versatile choice for all campers.
  • Be prepared for windy conditions, especially at sites like The Wall Boondocking, where the open prairie can amplify gusts, so securing your gear is essential.

Enjoy stunning sunrises and sunsets while free camping near Badlands National Park

  • Many campers rave about the spectacular sunrises and sunsets at Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping, where the views over the Badlands are simply unmatched.
  • The Wall Boondocking Dispersed offers a unique vantage point for watching the sun dip below the horizon, creating a picturesque backdrop for your camping experience.
  • Sage Creek Basin Camp is another great spot for catching the early morning light, with its expansive views that make waking up early worthwhile.

Dispersed campers should check out the Baja Area for a quieter experience

  • The Baja Area Dispersed site is known for its tranquility, allowing campers to find secluded spots away from the crowds while still being close to the park.
  • This area offers wide-open spaces and beautiful night skies, perfect for stargazing after a day of exploring the Badlands.
  • Campers at Baja Area have noted the ease of access and the opportunity to enjoy nature without the noise of nearby roads or facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there free camping available in Badlands National Park?

Yes, free camping is available just outside Badlands National Park boundaries. Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping offers completely free sites with no permits required. The area has recently been improved with gravel and wood logs creating more defined sites, with about 20 spots that can accommodate various-sized RVs. Another excellent free option is Badlands Boondocking Area, which features peaceful surroundings and spectacular views of both rugged rock formations and grasslands. While these areas have no amenities like water, toilets, or hookups, they provide convenient access to the park and are legal for stays up to 14 days.

Where can I find dispersed camping near Badlands National Park?

Excellent dispersed camping can be found at Buffalo Gap National Grassland, located just outside the northern entrance of Badlands National Park. The area is about 5.5 miles south of Wall, SD on Highway 240 - look for the turnoff near the TV towers. Another great option is Badlands Dispersed Camping, which offers jaw-dropping views from the edge of the Badlands. Both areas provide plenty of space to spread out, with no designated sites or amenities. The roads can be rough in spots, but most vehicles can access the areas with careful driving. These locations put you just minutes from park entrances while offering the freedom of dispersed camping.

Where is BLM land located near Badlands National Park for camping?

The primary BLM-managed land near Badlands National Park is found in the Baja Area Dispersed - Buffalo Gap National Grassland. This public land is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and allows 14-day stays. These areas can be accessed off Highway 240, approximately 7 miles south of Wall, South Dakota. Look for dirt roads leading toward the rim of the Badlands. The Wall Boondocking Dispersed is another public land option in this area. The location is particularly convenient as it sits just outside the park boundaries, providing easy access to explore the Badlands while camping on public land. No permits are required, but remember these are primitive areas with no facilities.

What is boondocking like in Badlands National Park?

Boondocking near Badlands National Park offers a remarkable experience with unobstructed views of dramatic landscapes. At Sage Creek Basin Camp, you'll find truly off-grid camping with possible wildlife sightings, including bison. The area can be quite windy, especially along ridgelines, so secure your equipment well. Badlands Boondocks provides big-rig-friendly spaces with solid Verizon cell coverage, making it suitable for remote work. All boondocking sites are primitive with no amenities – no water, electricity, or bathrooms – so arrive fully self-contained with adequate supplies. The access roads can be rutted with rocks, though most are passable without 4WD in dry conditions. The breathtaking sunrises and wide-open spaces make these minor challenges worthwhile.

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