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Camping near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

290 Reviews

Searching for the best camping near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, SD? Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area 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. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Map showing campgrounds near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, South DakotaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area (67)

    1. Indian Campground

    20 Reviews
    Buffalo, WY
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 684-9601

    "There is also a bathroom and shower building in the rear of the property close to row H and next to the little cabins."

    "The gravel drive and lots are compacted and easy to maneuver with an electric wheelchair. I think a manual could do it as well."

    2. Buffalo KOA

    17 Reviews
    Buffalo, WY
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 684-5423

    $50 - $80 / night

    "A bit lower key than most KOA’s (that’s a positive for me)."

    "It was fantastic sitting outside at any time of day or night and listen to the water running by just outside our door. This park offers FHU sites that are very spacious."

    3. Deer Park RV Park and Campground

    7 Reviews
    Buffalo, WY
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 684-5722

    $43 - $62 / night

    "Since we make a couple trips this way each year we will plan on being here again, maybe for 2 or 3 days so we can just relax and use the pool and walking trail. WiFi works great here also!"

    "No dog park but plenty of room to walk them. Cheaper than the KOA down the street"

    4. Grouse Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 403

    23 Reviews
    Buffalo, WY
    23 miles

    "The road in was rocky, but not far and easy to locate. The other campers were spread out nicely and made me feel safe yet still secluded."

    "Easy on/off road to get to it. It’s a cow pasture but they don’t bother you. Breathtaking views a must see."

    5. Mikesell Potts Recreation Area

    9 Reviews
    Saddlestring, WY
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (307) 684-2262

    $15 - $20 / night

    "Beautiful lake . You can camp next to the lake . There doing improvements to the campground."

    "Nice lake front camping spots and some in the back with prong horns visiting. Great place to walk around. The vaults are clean and well stocked."

    6. Love's RV Hookup-Buffalo WY 965

    1 Review
    Buffalo, WY
    13 miles
    Website

    "We went to 4 love locations on this trip and this was the friendliest and cleanest!"

    7. Buffalo KOA

    1 Review
    Buffalo, WY
    14 miles

    "Stunning KOA location. Immaculately kept. Prime location. Level site. Lots of amenities, quiet, easy in and out proximity to I25. Would like to have stayed more nights."

    8. Twin Creeks Campgrounds

    1 Review
    Buffalo, WY
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 562-1902

    9. KOA, Buffalo, WY

    1 Review
    Buffalo, WY
    13 miles
    Website

    "This location is seasonal and not winterized. They do shut off the water in the "off-season"."

    10. Crazy Woman Canyon Road - dispersed camping

    17 Reviews
    Buffalo, WY
    28 miles
    +1 (307) 674-2600

    "After a bit of driving you come upon an open area to camp. People set up their tent camp across the road too. We loved this spot!"

    "There may be other people around you depending when you go. Next to some rushing water which is nice!"

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Recent Camping Photos near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

80 Photos of 67 Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

290 Reviews of 67 Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area Campgrounds

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Grouse Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 403

    Simple

    Nice open spot, easy access, short gravel road, level, turn around at the end. Just choose a spot on the side in the grass and camp w/ some good views. Really good AT&T service too.

    Lacks privacy since you’re just on an open field and the main road is right next to you but it’s not too busy so it’s not like you’re crowded together. Good for an overnight stop.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Grouse Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 403

    Easy boondocking with plenty of space

    This is about as easy and convenient as dispersed camping gets. Plenty of room for big rigs, but also good for tents. It’s a dirt road off a paved highway (which is convenient to the route to Yellowstone). Just pull off the dirt road into the field to camp. There’s a gate before the road turns south, but right before the gate it’s a cleared space to turn around if you don’t want to turn around in the field. The only con is that there’s a significant amount of cow pies.

  • S
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Highway 16 Dispersed Site

    Roadtrip Stop

    Decent drive off I90 but worth it. Great views and a good place to stop if you’re on a roadtrip. The last bit of road is bumpy and the parking area is fairly exposed but a great spot nonetheless.

  • Jennifer O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Buffalo KOA

    Nicest KOA I’ve ever stayed at

    Stunning KOA location. Immaculately kept. Prime location. Level site. Lots of amenities, quiet, easy in and out proximity to I25. Would like to have stayed more nights. Our site had a patio and only one neighbor. Grass and trees. Walking distance to beach access.

  • Brent P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Grouse Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 403

    Great spot

    Pretty nice spot right off 16, quite a few nice flat spots with plenty of room for trailer or rv. Had some neighbors but is plenty spread out. Also had some horses come visit.

  • Lords C.
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Grouse Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 403

    Wide Open Spaces

    I stumbled on Grouse Mountain Dispersed Camping last Fall and made sure I visited again upon return this Summer.

    Great little town of Buffalo is down the mountain, the views are amazing and spots are spaced out very well here.

    It's on my 'starred' list on my Google maps of best places to boondock. Only downside here is there is no shade, the access road gets a little busy with campers and a private camp down below. All in all? Top tier Boondocking spot from my view.

  • Dani T.
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Grouse Mountain Basecamp on Forest Road 403

    Milkway Enchantment

    Got here very late. The road in was rocky, but not far and easy to locate. The other campers were spread out nicely and made me feel safe yet still secluded. Stepping out of the car into the cool night air was utter enchantment to look up into the huge dark sky, thousands of glittering gems, 3 shooting stars. It was a cold night, but the grassy ground was lovely. The next morning unzipping the tent was like Christmas morning, unwrapping a gift, peeking out at the mountain views, stepping out into wildflowers, a hummingbird, looking into the fenced field and a herd of pronghorns eyeballing me in the distance, the cattle a little ways off mewing. It was awesome. I LOVED this experience.

Guide to Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Camping near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, South Dakota, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Many campers enjoy fishing in the nearby waters. One visitor at Buffalo KOA mentioned, "We managed to get some decent fishing in, views were great, even though we caught no fish."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the campgrounds. A reviewer at South Fork Campground shared, "There is a short trail, about 1.5 miles to a reservoir which was very nice."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A camper at Tie Hack Campground noted, "We explored the off-road trails and saw a couple moose and elk."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Indian Campground said, "Very clean bathrooms and showers with appropriate hooks."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have welcoming staff. A visitor at Buffalo KOA mentioned, "Friendly family staff! Easy access to the creek!"
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peacefulness of the sites. A reviewer at Circle Park Campground stated, "Beautiful solitude! Very well maintained."

What you should know:

  • Road Noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A camper at Indian Campground noted, "There is some road noise, but trees help."
  • Site Spacing: Sites can be close together. A visitor at Buffalo KOA mentioned, "Spots are quite close together."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A reviewer at South Fork Campground pointed out, "No cell service. This campground is set into a bit of a level bowl."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with pools or play areas. One family at Buffalo KOA enjoyed the "nice pool."
  • Safety First: Always supervise kids near water. A camper at Middle Fork Campground advised, "The rushing creek just behind the site is beautiful but requires caution."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes. A visitor at Tie Hack Campground mentioned, "We enjoyed camping at Tie Hack... Plenty of trees and shade."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Ensure your campground has the necessary hookups. A reviewer at Indian Campground noted, "Hookups needed some attention."
  • Space for Big Rigs: Look for campgrounds that accommodate larger RVs. A camper at Buffalo KOA said, "Big rig friendly."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump station is located. A visitor at Tie Hack Campground mentioned, "You’ll have to go to Leigh Creek Dump station at the summit on highway 16."

Camping near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, South Dakota, provides a great escape into nature. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area?

According to TheDyrt.com, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area offers a wide range of camping options, with 67 campgrounds and RV parks near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area and 12 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is Indian Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 20 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area?

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