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Guide
Easy to find easy dirt roads very cool at night by the river
TravelerCan'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!
Traveler
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.
Scout
German engineering at it's best. Toll station coming soon
ScoutEasy to find. Close to town
ScoutToo 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.
ScoutThis 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.
ScoutWe 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.
Scout
Went to the dirt road indicated. Signs said no overnight camping very clearly
GuideThese 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!
ScoutGreat location right on the Missouri River also called Lake Francisca Case.
TravelerClose to the water. Secluded. We were the only ones there when we went. Pretty chill, relaxing, quiet area. There are no signs, so it’s easy to miss. Just a little gravel road.
Ranger
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.
TravelerThere 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.
GuideCamp right by the water and enjoy the view .
ScoutTraveling 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.
ScoutDispersed Campsites don’t get better than this. Right on the river. Wow.
TravelerIt was a peaceful, flat place to stay for a night. We got to see a beautiful sunrise while listening to the waves lap on the shore. You could still hear the highway off in the distance but it really wasn’t bad.
TravelerGreat 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.
ScoutFine overnight stop along the river. It was difficult to find in the dark. We didn't see any signs
RangerThis 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.
LegendOn 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.
ScoutNice, 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.
Travelerfree camping, exactly as described
GuideWe 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.
ScoutBoondocking 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.
TravelerStopped 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
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.
