Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Badlands National Park
Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping offers free pet-friendly sites with panoramic views of Badlands National Park. Located approximately 6 miles south of Wall, South Dakota, this BLM land provides spacious camping areas where pets can accompany their owners without additional fees. Several dispersed camping options exist in the area, including Badlands Boondocking Area and Sage Creek Basin Camp, all allowing pets. Cedar Pass Campground within Badlands National Park and Badlands Hotel & Campground in Interior also welcome pets with standard leash policies. The sites along Buffalo Gap ridge provide excellent cell service despite their remote setting, making it easy for campers to research nearby pet services if needed. Bighorn sheep frequently visit the camping areas in the mornings, so pets should be properly secured.
The exposed ridge location of Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping creates extremely windy conditions that pet owners must prepare for when visiting with animals. Secure tent stakes are essential as gusts can be powerful enough to damage camping equipment. No fires are permitted in many dispersed camping areas due to wind and fire danger concerns. Most sites fill quickly by mid-afternoon, especially during peak season, with the best spots typically vacant by 10am and occupied again by 4pm. The dirt access road can become rutted after rain, though most vehicles can navigate it by driving carefully. The camping area provides access to hiking opportunities throughout Buffalo Gap National Grassland, where pets must be kept under control due to wildlife presence and grazing cattle in the surrounding areas.
