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Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Badlands National Park

628 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.

Map showing campgrounds near Badlands National Park, South DakotaExplore the Map

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Badlands National Park (18)

    1. Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping

    138 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. Cedar Pass Campground — Badlands National Park

    114 Reviews
    Interior, SD
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 433-5460

    $37 - $47 / night

    "Great location in the amazing Badlands National Park.  No hookups but pleanty of water spigots.  Clean bathrooms and pay showers.  No shade or privacy but great views of the surrounding park."

    "in open area of the Badlands National Park"

    3. Badlands Hotel & Campground

    62 Reviews
    Interior, SD
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 433-5335

    $24 - $174 / night

    "Close and convenient spot for easy access to Badlands National Park."

    "This is a great campground just a mile outside of Badlands National Park. I stayed for a week and really enjoyed it. The campground has full hookups and a 24 hour laundry room."

    4. The Wall Boondocking Dispersed

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

    "The winds can get really high so don’t park too close to the edge. This was a great location for visiting Badlands National Park and going to Wall Drug."

    "This is a maintained boondocking area a few miles outside of the Badlands National Park entrance off of rt.240 with designated camp spots. Some spots are level others less so, such is the life."

    5. Badlands / White River KOA

    59 Reviews
    Interior, SD
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 433-5337

    "The campground was large and very close/convenient to Badlands National Park . I appreciated that they had the option of purchasing dinner or breakfast at their cafe."

    "This KOA is kinda outside of anything which is nice. It is quiet and has a dog park for your pets which is awesome. The bathrooms were clean and the people who checked us in were super nice."

    6. Sleepy Hollow Campground

    31 Reviews
    Wall, SD
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 279-2100

    "You can walk to Wall Drug Store if you are so inclined.

    Plenty of space to walk the dogs.

    8 miles from Badlands National Park entrance."

    "Close to Badlands National Park. Just 8 miles to beautiful sunsets. Walking distance to town, Wall Drug, and restaurants. Campground is as others have stated; a bit tired. Pool is still closed."

    7. Buffalo Gap National Grassland

    19 Reviews
    Wall, SD
    8 miles

    "Boondocking with no bathrooms/showers/water Located just outside Badlands National Park and Wall in Buffalo Gap Spots have no shade or electricity"

    "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."

    8. 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."

    9. 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."

    "Just outside Badlands Nat’l Park. Great view and found a level site."

    10. Sage Creek Basin Camp

    3 Reviews
    Wall, SD
    9 miles

    "The campsite allows pets has two toilets at both ends. No running water or electricity. The vibe at the site was great with the other campers."

    "Recommend the area based on amount of available sites, bison and prairie dog sightings….oh and some strange things appeared in the sky. UFO’s?"

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Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Badlands National Park

40 Photos of 18 Badlands National Park Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Badlands National Park

628 Reviews of 18 Badlands National Park Campgrounds

  • Reily K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 20, 2022

    Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping

    Amazing location for Badlands National Park

    Windy and freezing (but it was January)!! Amazing sunrise, easy to find, beautiful views, only ones there, minutes from Badlands National Park entrance and FREE!!

  • Tim R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 26, 2025

    Badlands Boondocking Area

    Awesome views of the Badlands and Buffalo Gap Grasslands

    Wall Dispersed Camping near Badlands National Park is a great spot for anyone looking to boondock with awesome views and a peaceful atmosphere. The location offers a unique contrast— rugged rock formations on one side and the wide-open grasslands of the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands on the other.

    To get there, take the Wall Exit off I-90 and head south. Watch for the two radio towers— that's where you'll turn into the camping area. Once you turn in, don't be afraid to explore north(left) to look for spots. We wished we had driven around first and picked the best site instead of stopping early— there were definitely some better spots farther down. Campsites are marked with signs to help keep space between campers, which is a nice touch for privacy. T-Mobile service worked well during our stay. It can get very windy, so come prepared— and don’t be surprised if you’re sharing the area with a herd of cattle. It’s all part of the experience. A great free camping option with incredible scenery.

  • andrew The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2024

    Sleepy Hollow Campground

    A Place to Stay

    The campground is fine. FHU with cable. $65 might be steep but,....

    You can walk to Wall Drug Store if you are so inclined.

    Plenty of space to walk the dogs.

    8 miles from Badlands National Park entrance.

    COMPLAINT - not the parks fault but....they were/are doing construction on the railroad crossing that prevents you from following your navigation guide. The detour signs are terrible or non-existent. We drove down a street with cars parked on both sides, and found ourselves at road closed even thought we could see the park. We had to call and ask how to get into the park.

  • Joshua M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping

    Great Sites, Recently built up

    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. Just 2 miles from Badlands National Park. Unbeatable and one of the best free sites we have seen in all our travels. We pulled in about 6 pm and had lots of sites to pick from. Highly recommend.

  • Lucille W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 27, 2020

    Sage Creek Campground

    Easy, breezy, beautiful

    The other reviewers had it right. Sage Creek is a sweet little spot within Badlands National Park. Definitely pay your park entrance fee! BUT it’s true - this spot is completely free. Lots of people dig this spot. Doesn’t feel too crowded though. Tons of tents, vans, and car campers fit into this somewhat small but open space. Bison are common visitors. Plus, there is a prairie dog town right in the center of the loop the road creates in the camp. They are so fascinating to watch! There are two basic but clean restrooms. Several pic nic tables with small shade shelters. A nearby creek for water filtering / road trip baths. Make sure to bring lots of water or a filter people! We saw folks asking around for extra water. Be prepared. Definitely would highly recommend for anyone traveling through South Dakota. Badlands National Park is so unique and so special.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 19, 2022

    Badlands / White River KOA

    Nice KOA

    This was our first time at a KOA. Stayed for 2 nights to explore the Badlands. The campground was large and very close/convenient to Badlands National Park . I appreciated that they had the option of purchasing dinner or breakfast at their cafe. Hosts and staff are very friendly. They had a huge dog park that our pups loved. Sites were close together and just ok from an aesthetic standpoint. Looked like a good campground if you have children - lots of activities and a pool. I am only giving 4 stars because one of our party is in a wheelchair and he had to go all the way to the back of the campground where the tent camping was to access an ADA bathroom/shower. And there were only 2 of those available - they are the regular showers for the tent campers. Otherwise, if you aren’t handicapped it is a good choice. Especially if you have dogs. Oh, and watch out for mosquitos. They do spray for them

  • Charles W.
    Sep. 10, 2021

    Sleepy Hollow Campground

    Convenient to town

    Close to Badlands National Park. Just 8 miles to beautiful sunsets. Walking distance to town, Wall Drug, and restaurants. Campground is as others have stated; a bit tired. Pool is still closed. Site is level.

  • Sayler O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2025

    Badlands Dispersed Camping

    Amazing free views

    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. You’re perched on the edge of the Badlands with jaw-dropping views.

    We had tons of space to spread out even though there were other campers nearby, it didn’t feel crowded at all. The sunsets and sunrises are absolutely incredible, and the night sky was full of stars.

    There’s no water, restrooms, or trash services, so make sure to come prepared and pack everything out. We camped in early july, and the weather was warm and breezy. It’s also super close to Wall and the Badlands National Park entrance, so it’s a perfect spot for easy day trips into the park.

    Highly recommend if you’re looking for a scenic, budget-friendly place to camp with wide-open skies and a real sense of adventure.

  • Kari S.
    Aug. 5, 2018

    Badlands / White River KOA

    Great KOA

    This KOA is kinda outside of anything which is nice. It is quiet and has a dog park for your pets which is awesome. The bathrooms were clean and the people who checked us in were super nice. I loved the little fast food place they had too. That was very convenient for us.

Guide to Badlands National Park

Camping with your furry friends near Badlands National Park offers a unique experience filled with stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Many campgrounds in the area welcome pets, making it easy to enjoy nature together.

Tips for camping with dogs near Badlands National Park

  • Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping: This site allows pets and offers plenty of space for your dog to roam while you enjoy breathtaking views of the Badlands.
  • Badlands / White River KOA: With a friendly atmosphere and amenities like a pool, this campground is perfect for families traveling with pets.
  • Sleepy Hollow Campground: Located conveniently near Wall Drug, this site provides a great base for exploring the area with your dog.

Dog owners appreciate the spacious sites and scenic views

  • The Wall Boondocking Dispersed: Known for its incredible views, this area allows pets and offers ample space to set up camp away from the crowds.
  • Buffalo Gap National Grassland: This location features stunning vistas and is pet-friendly, making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts with dogs.
  • Badlands Boondocks: Just outside the national park, this site is free and welcomes pets, providing a peaceful environment for you and your furry companion.

Pet owners like the convenience of nearby attractions

  • Minute Man RV Park & Lodging: Close to the Badlands, this park offers easy access to local attractions while being pet-friendly.
  • Wall Drug RV Parking: Located right in Wall, this parking area allows pets and is just a short walk from the famous Wall Drug Store.
  • Badlands Ranch and Resort: This resort welcomes pets and is situated near the park, making it a convenient choice for those looking to explore the Badlands with their dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Badlands National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Badlands National Park is Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping with a 4.8-star rating from 138 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Badlands National Park?

TheDyrt.com has all 18 dog-friendly camping locations near Badlands National Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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