Best Dispersed Camping near North Sioux City, SD

Mulberry Bend Wildlife Management Area provides remote camping along the Missouri River near North Sioux City. Located in Nebraska just across the state line, this primitive site features a boat ramp with space for approximately 6-7 vehicles or small rigs. The area includes basic amenities such as trash receptacles, a vault toilet, and a picnic table. Access requires traveling down a maintained gravel road that remains passable for most vehicles including larger trailers.

The site offers no drinking water, hookups, or dump stations, though Walmart is available about 5.3 miles away for supplies. Camping regulations appear minimal with no posted restrictions specifically prohibiting overnight stays. Visitors should prepare for significant insect activity, particularly mosquitoes and flies during warmer months. A visitor noted, "This was a fine location. A few people stopped by the boat ramp but no one else stayed the night." The nearby Wiseman Wildlife Management Area provides an alternative off-grid campsite option in the region, though with fewer amenities.

Best Dispersed Sites Near North Sioux City, South Dakota (2)

    1. Mulberry Bend Wildlife Management Area

    6 Reviews
    Vermillion, SD
    25 miles

    "I tow a 20ft trailer Next to Vermilliom river. 1 picnic table, pit toilet, boat ramp. Easy to get to. Well maintained gravel road. No potable water. Walmart is 5.3 miles away."

    "I almost skipped this spot because people were complaining about it being roped off or closed, or it didn't look safe or whatever, and it couldn't be farther from the truth."

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Guide to North Sioux City

Dispersed camping near North Sioux City, South Dakota primarily centers on wildlife management areas along the Missouri River corridor. The region sits at the junction of Nebraska, South Dakota, and Iowa, with camping sites positioned on the Nebraska side of the river. Most primitive camping locations require traveling maintained gravel roads that can become rutted during wet weather conditions.

What to do

River access: Mulberry Bend Wildlife Management Area provides a boat ramp for fishing and water recreation on the Missouri River. "Not too far down a gravel road. Great views and breeze of the Missouri River," notes Jessica K. in her review of the area.

Wildlife observation: The management areas near North Sioux City serve their primary purpose as wildlife habitat. Seasonal hunting regulations may affect camping availability and require awareness of hunting seasons before planning overnight stays.

Supply runs: For campers needing provisions during their stay at primitive sites, urban conveniences remain accessible. According to Travis A. at Mulberry Bend Wildlife Management Area, "Walmart is 5.3 miles away," making supply runs relatively convenient from this remote location.

What campers like

Uncrowded environment: The dispersed camping options near North Sioux City tend to have minimal overnight visitors despite daytime activity. "This was a fine location. A few people stopped by the boat ramp but no one else stayed the night," writes Lynn about her experience at Mulberry Bend.

Spacious parking area: Despite being a primitive site, the boat launch area provides adequate space for multiple vehicles. Travis A. observes that Mulberry Bend has "enough room for 6 or 7 rigs" making it suitable for small groups camping together.

Accessibility for various vehicles: The gravel access roads remain passable for different vehicle types including those pulling trailers. Rick M. confirms this stating, "No problem at all getting my bus in here," regarding his visit to Wiseman Wildlife Management Area.

What you should know

Conflicting reports on access: Some campers report occasional closures or access issues. Jessica K. initially reported, "This is now closed off w a fence," but later updated with, "Not too far down a gravel road. Great views and breeze of the Missouri River."

Limited facilities: While some primitive sites offer basic amenities, others provide no facilities whatsoever. Rick M. notes, "There are trash cans and if you can do water procurement, there's the Missouri River. I don't see a grey dump though."

Ambiguous camping regulations: Several campers note uncertainty about official camping policies. Dennis N. observed at Mulberry Bend, "Well from where I come from this is considered a boat landing not a camping spot still going to Camp here," reflecting the informal nature of these dispersed sites.

Tips for camping with families

Prepare for insects: The riverside location means significant insect activity during warm months. Bring appropriate repellents and protective clothing, especially for children who may be more sensitive to bites.

Water safety precautions: The Missouri River current can be swift and unpredictable. Families should maintain constant supervision of children near the water and consider life jackets for all water activities.

Consider alternative accommodations: Some families might find the primitive nature of these sites challenging. Dennis N. acknowledges the limitations stating, "It is a nice spot right on the river looks like there's spots you could put a tent I'm driving an RV."

Tips from RVers

Limited site development: RVers should expect truly primitive conditions with no hookups. Travis A. describes his experience: "I tow a 20ft trailer Next to Vermilliom river. 1 picnic table, pit toilet, boat ramp. Easy to get to. Well maintained gravel road. No potable water."

Size restrictions: Larger motorhomes and fifth wheels may find turning space limited. The boat ramp area can accommodate several vehicles but is not designed specifically for RV camping.

Water procurement challenges: RVers requiring water must plan ahead. Though the Missouri River provides water access, Rick M. points out this requires "water procurement" skills and equipment to make river water usable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near North Sioux City, SD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near North Sioux City, SD is Mulberry Bend Wildlife Management Area with a 3.5-star rating from 6 reviews.