Brandon R.
Scout
ScoutBaja Area Dispersed - Buffalo Gap National Grassland
No complaints
Nobody around, easy to find, quiet, overall great experience. Bring everything you need.
Best Campgrounds in South Dakota
Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping and The Wall Boondocking Dispersed provide free camping options in South Dakota, with both located near Badlands National Park. South Dakota campgrounds range from primitive dispersed sites on public lands to fully developed private campgrounds with cabin rentals and RV hookups. Several established campgrounds in the Badlands region offer toilets and picnic tables at free or low-cost sites, while campgrounds near Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park provide more amenities including electric hookups and shower facilities.
The Black Hills region contains numerous campgrounds with varying amenities and reservation requirements. Cedar Pass Campground in Badlands National Park offers electric hookups and water but prohibits fires, while Sylvan Lake Campground in Custer State Park provides full amenities including showers and firewood. Dispersed camping areas typically have no facilities but allow pets and alcohol. Several campgrounds close seasonally, with most operating between May and October. A camper noted, "This is our third time here and this time there are markers for where to park to camp. The Forest service is managing the area so people cannot park right at the edge of the cliff like in times past."
National grasslands and forest service roads provide numerous opportunities for dispersed camping throughout South Dakota. Campers report particularly scenic experiences at overlooks within Buffalo Gap National Grassland. According to one review, "Beautiful overlook of the Cheyenne River on FS land. Gorgeous colorful landscape. Large turnaround with plenty of room." Established campgrounds in the Mount Rushmore area feature concrete pads, landscaped grounds, and resort amenities like pools and recreation facilities. Private campgrounds often include cabin rentals alongside traditional tent and RV camping options. Seasonal variations affect road conditions, especially for accessing dispersed camping areas, with some requiring high-clearance vehicles after rainfall. Many campgrounds implement fire restrictions during dry periods, particularly in the Badlands region.
Best Camping Sites in South Dakota (544)
1. Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
135 ReviewsWall, SDWebsite+1 (605) 279-2125"I camped on the ridge in the South Dakota grasslands. I was able to look out my front door and see the badlands or or see the grasslands out my rear window."
"The site is about 6-8 miles from the town of Wall, so while you are in a remote area, you still have ready access to food, shopping, and gas if you need it."
2. Sage Creek Campground
117 ReviewsWall, SDWebsite+1 (605) 433-5361"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."
"Great views, prairie dogs were so cool to see running around the camp site. Bison everywhere on the drive in and a few even walking around the camp site. Super close to badlands park entrance."
3. Cedar Pass Campground — Badlands National Park
115 ReviewsInterior, SDWebsite+1 (605) 433-5460$37 - $47 / night
"Stayed one night in a converted Sprinter while traveling through South Dakota, we needed a place with showers. The showers and restrooms were pay to use, with a single curtain as privacy."
"Relatively private site as most sites are behind you. Beautiful view of prairie ans badlands in the distance. Picnic table shelter is positioned so you have shade in the afternoon."
4. Badlands Hotel & Campground
61 ReviewsInterior, SDWebsite+1 (605) 433-5335$24 - $174 / night
"We liked: tent sites on the outskirts, trail / dog-hiking area, proximity to Badlands. Showers and price were ok. To earn 5 stars it needs more seclusion and trees for tent sites."
"The campground was great and super close to the Badlands park entrance. The owners were very nice and helpful."
5. Badlands / White River KOA
59 ReviewsInterior, SDWebsite+1 (605) 433-5337"Although the camp ground is outside the park, the views from the areas surrounding the campground are great."
"v=hoIu_r-fQ5E) Product Review:
During our road trip around the US, I was able to try out the GO camper from SylvanSport."
6. Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch
55 ReviewsHill City, SDWebsite"Make the most of your South Dakota vacation by spending it camping. My group tented and had a great time."
"The location is amazing and so beautiful. There are tons of amenities and fun activities. The staff are very nice and very helpful."
7. Elk Mountain Campground — Wind Cave National Park
45 ReviewsPringle, SDWebsite+1 (605) 745-4600$24 - $45 / night
"This campground is centrally locates to some great activities in South Dakota. We made day trips to visit the Badlands, Wall Drug Store, Wind Cave and Mount Rushmore."
"Passing through South Dakota rests a very unique park unlike any other you will find. "
8. Sylvan Lake Campground — Custer State Park
40 ReviewsCuster, SDWebsite+1 (605) 255-4515"This lake is beautiful, its one of my favorite places inside Custer state park. There are a ton of trails, all within easy walking distance. Make sure you pack plenty of water."
"We had one of the spots that was more out in the open and close to our neighbors, but the sites on the outside of the middle loop were much more private."
9. The Wall Boondocking Dispersed
39 ReviewsWall, SDWebsite+1 (605) 279-2126"I spent a couple of weeks in the Badlands area of South Dakota this past summer. I camped for 5 night along The Wall. "
"Arrived past dark, could determine where to go so parked along roadside. In AM found The Wall well populated with overnight campers. We can see why!"
10. Spearfish KOA camp
41 ReviewsSpearfish, SD+1 (605) 642-1340"We picked a site near the back of the camp grounds located near the creek and close to a small parking lot (close by to the pet exercise area on the map - though it's labelled as an ice rink on grounds"
"Nice city campground along Spearfish Creek and super close to downtown and has easy access to Spearfish Canyon. We definitely took advantage of the creek and proximity to downtown during our stay."
Recent Camping Photos in South Dakota
914 Photos of 544 South Dakota Campgrounds
Doug W.
Snake Creek Recreation Area — Snake Creek State Recreation Area
Jennifer P.
Hidden Valley Campground
Jennie R.
Hot Springs / Black Hills KOA
Scott S.
Cold Springs School Road - Forest Road Pull Out
Bibs O.
West Pollock Recreation Area
kenneth B.
Hill city/ Needles HWY KOA
Trina S.
Sandy Bottom Campground
Brandy P.
Whitetail Creek Resort
Kevin G.
HTR Black Hills Resort
Josh H.
South Shore Lakeside Use Area
Robyn G.
Highland Meadows Resort
Recent Reviews in South Dakota
3175 Reviews of 544 South Dakota Campgrounds
- TTimothy B.
TravelerHanna Campground
Secluded by Mountains
Tree coverage, open areas and a streams running on the edge. Great camping area. Did come across a creepy hunters tent with no one in it once.
- TTimothy B.Traveler
Sage Creek Campground
Great Prairie Camping
Amazing views and camping off the beaten path.
- RRod A.
GuideUnion Grove State Park Campground
Great hidden gem
Only 20-25 electric sites, no water or sewer at sites. Minor inconvenience, water and dump station at entrance. Bathhouse was clean, had plenty of hot water Site 08E pull thru, easy in and out. Campground on hill top hidden in the trees.
Jenna G.GuideNeedles Highway Dispersed Site
so peaceful
we stayed one night, sunday before memorial day. we had such a peaceful relaxing night. nobody was here when we arrived but eventually one fellow stayed at the first site. theres only a few sites, i would say about 3. it looks like there used to be a road going higher but it was completely destroyed. you could fit 2 cars and tents at the upper sites and probably 1-2 at the lower site right off the road. the short road up isn’t great, but my awd with moderate clearance volkswagen suv did totally fine. lots of trees around which was nice but it had such a great view from the upper site where we stayed. reviews and pictures didn’t look great so i was skeptical but we really just needed somewhere free to stay for the night. obviously no water bathrooms or fire but no problem. it was chilly at night but wasnt windy at all. we saw several turkeys when we arrived, no coyotes while we were here but im sure they roam the area. at night there were plenty of bugs but actually we saw a lot of bats that were helping take care of the problem! theres quite a few rocks with hangings behind the upper sites so the bats may live here. if that doesn’t bother you than this is the place! shockingly it was the quietest campsite ive ever stayed at! right off the road but no one is driving these windy roads at night. it was loud in the morning due to all the bird songs but even that was peaceful. not the best campsite ive ever been at but i thought it was perfect for what we needed with good views! i would still stay here again. so close to everything in custer state park!happy camping!
john C.TravelerBuffalo Gap national grassland boondocking
Buffalo gap grassland
10 miles of dirt road but it is well kept. Last mile is little rougher. Downside you are camping on plateau and others can be nearby. No marked sites. But view is worth it.
Real M.TravelerLake Herman State Park Campground
Beautiful and clean
They really do a great job of taking care of the state park. It’s very clean and well-kept and it’s very beautiful. 
- SSommer K.Traveler
Sleepy Hollow Campground
Little pricey but everything u need right there
Spots are a little close for my liking but like the fact they have sewer right at ur spot
- KKyle O.Traveler
Campground at Tacoma Park Place
Peaceful quiet campground
At the edge of a field with a small lake lies Tacoma Park Place Campgrounds. A quiet location where you can relax and enjoy sitting outside listening to nature or allow the kids to run around and play. Spacious RV spots with electric, water, and sewer hookups all so you can set up camp and enjoy a peaceful getaway.
Guide to South Dakota
Camping in South Dakota offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. From serene lakes to sprawling grasslands, there’s something for everyone. Here’s what you need to know before you pack your bags.
What to do
- Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Richland Reservoir Dispersed Camping, are great for fishing. One camper mentioned, “Lake is full of small Crappie. Lots of wildlife. Deer, antelope, pheasants.”
- Hiking and Biking: Trails abound in places like Oahe Downstream Recreation Area. A visitor shared, “Good walking paths for humans and dogs and saw many folks cycling.”
- Wildlife Watching: Campers often spot bald eagles and other wildlife. One review noted, “There was a bald eagle hunting the reservoir.”
What campers like
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the tranquility. One reviewer said, “Great quiet camping spot. Only one other camper while here for 4 days.”
- Clean Facilities: Campgrounds like Farm Island State Recreation Area are well-maintained. A visitor remarked, “The bathrooms/showers are clean as is the campgrounds.”
- Affordable Rates: Campers enjoy the low costs. One camper mentioned, “$15 for water, electric and dump station.”
What you should know
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Fort Pierre National Grassland, have few facilities. A reviewer noted, “No fees No water No open fires.”
- Weather Considerations: Be prepared for wind and storms. One camper at Richland Reservoir said, “The wind howled all night!!!”
- Road Conditions: Some access roads can be tricky. A visitor shared, “The road is clay and when it gets wet it becomes very difficult to travel on.”
Tips for camping with families
- Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and water access. One review of Farm Island State Recreation Area mentioned, “Great for kids. Kayak rentals. Playground and beach area.”
- Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids near water. A camper advised, “Hubby could walk out of the camper and fish,” highlighting the need for supervision.
- Pack Snacks: Having food on hand can make family outings smoother. One camper noted, “They brought us ice,” showing that some campgrounds offer helpful services.
Tips from RVers
- Check Hookups: Make sure your site has the right hookups. A visitor at River View RV Park said, “Campsites are close together with full hookups.”
- Be Prepared for Cold: If camping in cooler months, be ready for freezing conditions. One camper mentioned, “Our water hookup was frozen so they moved us to a spot where they had a heated cover on water pipe.”
- Explore Nearby Towns: Don’t miss local attractions. A reviewer at Griffin City Park said, “There is a marina with a boat launch that is right next door.”
Camping in South Dakota is a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you're fishing, hiking, or just relaxing, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds in South Dakota for families?
What are the best campgrounds in South Dakota for families?
South Dakota offers excellent family camping destinations with activities for all ages. Newton Hills Campground — Newton Hills State Park provides spacious, clean facilities perfect for families with young children, offering a blend of adventure and relaxation away from city life. Another great option is Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux, which features large sites that back up to bike paths and the river. The area has a new bathhouse, very clean facilities, and plenty of recreational activities. It's only a half-hour drive to Sioux Falls, making it convenient for day trips. Both locations offer the natural beauty and outdoor experiences that make family camping in South Dakota memorable.
What are the top tent camping locations in South Dakota's national parks?
What are the top tent camping locations in South Dakota's national parks?
South Dakota's national parks offer exceptional tent camping experiences. Sylvan Lake Campground — Custer State Park is renowned for its beautiful lake setting and network of hiking trails within easy walking distance. The stunning scenery makes it one of the most popular spots in the Black Hills region, though hikers should be prepared for sometimes steep terrain and South Dakota's changeable weather. Cedar Pass Campground — Badlands National Park provides a more rugged experience with iconic badlands views. For a more primitive option, Sage Creek Campground in Badlands offers free camping with basic facilities. Elk Mountain Campground in Wind Cave National Park is another excellent choice for tent campers seeking access to underground and above-ground wonders.
Where can I find private campgrounds in South Dakota with full amenities?
Where can I find private campgrounds in South Dakota with full amenities?
South Dakota has several private campgrounds offering comprehensive amenities. Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch provides an excellent alternative to expensive hotels near Mount Rushmore, with full facilities for both tent and RV camping. This is an ideal base for exploring the area's attractions. Kennebec KOA is another well-maintained private option with clean bathrooms and showers, some shaded sites, and friendly owners. It's conveniently located just a short drive from the highway, making it perfect for travelers passing through. While there's minimal road noise, the campground remains quiet and comfortable. Many private campgrounds in South Dakota offer hookups, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and camp stores for a comfortable outdoor experience.
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