Top Free Dispersed Camping near Chamberlain, SD

Searching for the perfect place to dispersed camp near Chamberlain? Dispersed camping means that no facilities or amenities are provided, so that you can truly disconnect and get back to nature. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Chamberlain's most popular destinations.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Chamberlain, SD (7)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In Chamberlain

43 Reviews of 7 Chamberlain Campgrounds


  • Alesha H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Oacoma Flatts
    Sep. 5, 2024

    Oacoma Flatts

    Beautiful location next to the river

    Can't beat free! It's close to I-90, so not much driving off the freeway to get here, and it's in a beautiful location next to the Missouri River and a farm with rolls of bailed hay that made for a beautiful sunrise photos. Be careful after a rain, as there can be muddy areas where a heavy vehicle could get stuck. We camped in our Ford Transit, but saw some people in a tent next to us. Quiet and peaceful. As two single women, we felt safe to camp here, which is always appreciated!

  • Scott J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Oacoma Flats
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Oacoma Flats

    Labor Day trip to SD overnight

    We pulled in off i90 at about 8:30 on Labor Day weekend. It was our first time boondocking and we were pleasantly surprised that there were other campers out here enjoying and plenty of room to park.

    Overall it feels safe and our dog loved the river!

    We would recommend.

  • AngieNicholas S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Oacoma Flatts
    Aug. 21, 2024

    Oacoma Flatts

    Cool spot close to the interstate and the river but was too muddy today

    Too muddy for our sprinter van today. We spun the wheels a little. We’re almost got stuck! Cool spot and we did have to drive past a no camping sign.

  • a
    Camper-submitted photo from End Of Shoreline Dispersed
    Aug. 19, 2024

    End Of Shoreline Dispersed

    This place is cool

    This place was a little weird driving into because of the no trespassing sign but upon closer inspection I realized I took the wrong turn. Only thing that was kind of annoying is how loud the crickets were.

  • E
    Camper-submitted photo from Oacoma Flatts
    Aug. 6, 2024

    Oacoma Flatts

    Easy spot by highway

    We were comfortable here for a stopover during a road trip. The river is nice and the town is cute. A few people were camping nearby, but everyone was very respectful. It’s nice to be able to make a fire too. Very conveniently located.

  • Ellery K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Oacoma Flats
    Jul. 24, 2024

    Oacoma Flats

    Careful of the mud!!!

    These roads can get muddy! And I don’t mean just a little muddy, I mean “need to get your car towed and it will be a multi hour event.” Before driving on these roads, get out and ensure the route you’re about to drive is dry!

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oacoma Flats
    Jul. 11, 2024

    Oacoma Flats

    Great dispersed camping spot

    Great location right on the Missouri River also called Lake Francisca Case.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Byre Lake Recreation Area
    Jun. 8, 2024

    Byre Lake Recreation Area

    Beautiful park next to a Lake but...

    Beautiful park like setting a short drive from a small town. Campground has garbage service and a vaulted toilet. The toilet was a total disaster, not good, like someone spray painted the toilet with poop. Despite the toilet, I would recommend based on the idelic location.

  • B
    Camper-submitted photo from Byre Lake Recreation Area
    Jun. 6, 2024

    Byre Lake Recreation Area

    free open field with some amenities

    There are two spots here for camping. One spot with primitive "sites" in an open grassy field with no sites that has some firepits (2-3) with no cooking grates, two picnic tables that can be moved and two under a roof on cement. The other spot (see separate dyrt listing) has electric sites that are supposedly $20 per dyrt but I didn't see nor look at how to get those spots (5-6 of them). They were actually looking all full. We set up in the grassy area with unfortunately a big trash bin in the way (hopefully someone moves it to a different spot). People before us had left trash in the firepit (no cooking grate) anyway even though the big bin was 20 ft away. 

    The restrooms are over by the electric sites and were disgusting. It seems bored locals come and trash the place as they had signs about keeping poop in the pits and not on the walls. I was happy we had bikes to get over to the restrooms and we did use the one that wasn't utterly disgusting once for a #2.

    When we woke were in the midst of tons of wind again but some electric site folks had left so we packed up and drove over to one of those sites which are up by some trees and got out of the wind to cook some breakfast and food for the drive. The trees also provided some kindling to get the fire started.

    Overall, OK stay, best for just pitching a tent late and hitting the road early though unless some improvements are made like more firepits and trees in grassy area or you can cook and be totally self contained.

  • Phillip T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oacoma Flatts
    Apr. 22, 2024

    Oacoma Flatts

    Beats the Hell out of Walmart

    Traveling from New England to PNW in mid to late April, none of the campgrounds were open, and no BLM or FS to the East. This was the first dispersed camping in this leg of our trip. Right on the shore of the lake. Beautiful on the shore with a near full moon last night. Just off the edge of town, but quiet. Only real down side was some very bright lights off in the distance across and down the lake.

  • Grace D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Oacoma Flatts
    Sep. 2, 2023

    Oacoma Flatts

    Dispersed camping site

    Great dispersed camp site a minute or two off of I90 (can hear the road noise). There were other people there when I stayed in August but everyone was quiet and kept to themselves. Felt safe sleeping there in my car as a solo female traveler.

  • Randall K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Byre Lake Recreation Area
    Jul. 31, 2023

    Byre Lake Recreation Area

    Hidden Gem!

    This place is about as perfect as it gets! Free camping - dispersed so pull up where you want. Or choose a spot with a fire ring and table. 

    Views are OUTSTANDING! You can fish, kayak, hike, etc. Right off highway but very quiet and peaceful. Slept great. 

    They do have toilets (I didn't use them) and they do have a couple electric spots that are $20/night (I didn't use them). 

    Just super easy, super beautiful and a great place to call home for a night or a few. 

    Lots of mozzies at night - so use spray or plan to be in your tent/vehicle once the sun goes down.

  • Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oacoma Flats
    Jul. 18, 2023

    Oacoma Flats

    Free dispersed camping

    On the west side of the water are a series of dirt loops. Choose one and you will find plenty of spots to disperse camp. There are no services so pack everything out. We parked right along the water and enjoyed the view. There is a gas station just down the road. Chamberlain is across the water and has a bunch of interesting places to check out. With 15 minutes of us being there we saw a couple police cars and a local who ran his dog around for a few minutes before leaving. I like how the community keeps an eye on things.

  • Robert G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Oacoma Flatts
    Jul. 2, 2023

    Oacoma Flatts

    Nice free easy access on the Missouri River

    Nice, quiet (depending on your crowd) spot that is right on the banks of the Missouri. Easy access in and out, even in a 2WD. I'd you're in to birding theres some dead trees on the banks that attract woodpeckers.

  • Erika M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oacoma Flatts
    Jun. 23, 2023

    Oacoma Flatts

    Great spot on the Missouri River

    We needed a dispersed place to stop overnight on a road trip. This spot fit the bill. We parked our trailer right next to the Missouri River. There were a few other people there but everyone had plenty of room and it was quiet.

  • sThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oacoma Flatts
    Apr. 2, 2023

    Oacoma Flatts

    Uncrowded and right next to river

    Boondocking area along the Missouri River. Easy to get to off highway. Access via dirt roads.  Lots of wildlife.  Only downside is mild noise from highway depending on the wind direction.

  • Stephenie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oacoma Flatts
    Mar. 14, 2023

    Oacoma Flatts

    Cold but beautiful

    Stopped here for the night for a cross country car camping trip. It was beautiful there a d very empty at this time of year. Definitely recommend this place

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Oacoma Flatts
    Jan. 17, 2023

    Oacoma Flatts

    Great for a night!

    Great landing spot for a night when passing through the area. Signs make it VERY clear that camping up to seven days is allowed. Right off the highway.



Guide to Chamberlain

Camping near Chamberlain, South Dakota, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a peaceful spot by the river or a family-friendly campground, there are plenty of options to choose from.

What to do:

  • Fishing and boating: The Dude Ranch campground has a boat ramp, making it a great spot for fishing and water sports. One visitor mentioned, "If you like to fish, this is the spot."
  • Hiking and exploring: The Richland Reservoir Dispersed Camping area is perfect for those who enjoy hiking. A camper noted, "It was windy for my stay so be prepared for that," highlighting the area's natural beauty.
  • Wildlife watching: Many campgrounds, like Snake Creek Recreation Area, offer opportunities to see local wildlife. One reviewer shared, "Lots of wildlife. Deer, antelope, pheasants."

What campers like:

  • Scenic views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. At Oacoma Flatts, one visitor said, "Can't beat free! It's close to I-90... and it's in a beautiful location next to the Missouri River."
  • Quiet atmosphere: Many appreciate the peacefulness of the campgrounds. A reviewer at American Creek Campground mentioned, "Clean and nice setting alongside river."
  • Friendly staff: Campgrounds like New Frontier RV Campground are known for their welcoming atmosphere. One camper said, "Owners treat you like family."

What you should know:

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Dude Ranch, do not have drinking water or electric hookups. A visitor noted, "It is essentially a gravel parking spot with a boat ramp and pit toilet."
  • Road conditions: Be cautious of muddy areas after rain, especially at places like Oacoma Flatts. One camper warned, "Be careful after a rain, as there can be muddy areas where a heavy vehicle could get stuck."
  • Fees and reservations: Some campgrounds charge fees, like Farm Island State Recreation Area, which has an entrance fee. A camper mentioned, "Fee area: $8.00 daily."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds and activities: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly amenities. The New Frontier RV Campground has a playground, making it great for kids. One parent said, "Playground great for kids, shade trees."
  • Safety: Choose campgrounds that feel secure. A camper at Oacoma Flatts mentioned, "As two single women, we felt safe to camp here."
  • Plan for bugs: Be prepared for insects, especially in warmer months. A visitor at Snake Creek Recreation Area noted, "Bugs were minimal in early Sept."

Tips from RVers:

  • Level sites: Check for level sites to avoid issues with your RV. A reviewer at New Frontier RV Campground mentioned, "Most sites had a wooden covered area for the picnic table."
  • Hookups: Ensure your campground has the necessary hookups. At Kennebec KOA, a camper noted, "Clean bathrooms and showers. Some sites have shade."
  • Convenient locations: Choose campgrounds close to amenities. The Oasis Campground is right off I-90, making it easy to access fuel and supplies. One visitor said, "Close to all the amenities: fuel, sightseeing, recreation on the river."

Camping near Chamberlain, South Dakota, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Chamberlain, SD?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Chamberlain, SD is Oacoma Flatts with a 4.4-star rating from 28 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Chamberlain, SD?

    TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Chamberlain, SD, with real photos and reviews from campers.