Dispersed camping options flourish around Interior, South Dakota, providing alternatives to traditional RV parks. The region sits at approximately 2,400 feet elevation with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F during July and August. Buffalo Gap National Grassland borders Badlands National Park, creating unique camping opportunities where prairie wildlife frequently visits campsites.
What to do
Stargazing at night: The Badlands area offers exceptional dark sky viewing. At Sage Creek Campground, visitors can experience remarkable astronomical viewing. One camper noted, "Quiet and peaceful this time of year" with opportunities to hear "howling wolves at night."
Wildlife viewing: Bison sightings are common throughout the area, particularly at primitive campgrounds. "Buffalo, coyotes, badgers, and birds make it feel very natural," reports a Sage Creek visitor. Another camper mentioned, "Plenty of Prairie dogs, fleas and biting flys" with sightings of "Lone roaming buffalo, a coyote, small birds, Prairie dogs and a Magpie family."
Morning hiking: Temperatures can soar midday, making early morning the ideal time for trails. At The Wall Boondocking Dispersed, campers recommend sunrise hikes. "We woke up early and drove in to see sunrise," reports one visitor to the area, taking advantage of the cooler morning temperatures.
What campers like
Free camping options: Multiple dispersed camping sites near Badlands National Park cost nothing. At Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping, campers appreciate the value. "We rolled in here after a 12 hour drive at about 11:00 pm. There were still quite a few spots to set up," noted one reviewer, highlighting the accessibility even for late arrivals.
Budget-friendly electric sites: Basic RV sites near Interior, South Dakota provide affordable overnight options. 24 Express RV Campground offers electric-only sites at reasonable rates. A visitor mentioned, "Perfect for an overnight stop, $20 cash only. Dropbox to pay," describing the straightforward self-registration process.
Stunning landscapes: The unique geology creates memorable camping backdrops. "The view is absolutely incredible. Very close to the Badlands park," said one Buffalo Gap camper. Another noted that "Regardless of the amount of people there tons of area to set up so doubtful someone won't get a spot."
What you should know
Extreme weather conditions: Wind presents a significant challenge for tent campers throughout the region. "It was windy but with a good tent you should be fine," advised one Buffalo Gap visitor. Another warned more bluntly about The Wall dispersed area: "Tent camping will keep you up at night, the storms bring heavy rain/wind that makes your vehicle feel as if it's going to tip over."
Services are limited: Most dispersed camping lacks water, toilets or dump stations. For RV sites near Interior, South Dakota with more amenities, Badlands Hotel & Campground provides essential services. A camper reported it has "Water and electric only sites. Full hookup sites" and "laundry on site. $2 wash and $1 dry."
Seasonal closures: Most camping facilities operate only from spring through fall. A Sleepy Hollow reviewer noted their visit during "mid May and spots were plentiful," suggesting shoulder seasons offer good availability. The majority of campgrounds close by mid-October, with Cedar Pass Campground and Sage Creek Campground having the longest seasonal operations.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming pools: During hot summer days, pool access can save a family trip. Minute Man RV Park & Lodging provides this amenity. "Hookups were great in 107 heat! Clean restrooms with free showers, a pool for the kids, and a camp store for odds and ends," reported one appreciative visitor.
Camp store access: Having supplies nearby prevents long drives for forgotten items. "Has a camp store where they have made to order breakfast," mentioned a Badlands Hotel & Campground visitor, appreciating the convenience for morning meals.
Site selection for tent camping: Many RV-oriented campgrounds offer suboptimal tent experiences. "Stayed one night on the way into the badlands and black hills. It was an uncomfortable night partially bc of the weather which is no fault of the campground but also bc our site faced the 'cabins' which had bright white lights on the outside that shined right at us," warned a Minute Man RV visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site placement considerations: RV sites in the area often feature unusual layouts. One visitor to Minute Man RV Park & Lodging observed, "Spaces are VERY close together. Pull through sites are off set so neither of us can use our awnings. I can open my door without hitting my neighbors slide, but its close."
Water fill services: Independent of overnight stays, water access points exist for boondockers. A 24 Express RV Campground visitor shared, "We stopped to fill with fresh water before going to camp off grid in the badlands. $5 to fill with 100 gallons plus dumping and flushing tanks!"
Big rig accessibility: Some larger RVs can access dispersed camping areas with caution. At Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping, a visitor confirmed it's "Great for RVs, trailers, or tents. My Civic made it up the rough roads with no issue, we just had to drive around some potholes!" Another camper at Wall Drug RV Parking noted the spaces are "large enough for any RV, and of course you've got the entire town right there."
