Best Camping near Philip, SD

Searching for the best camping near Philip, SD? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that South Dakota camping has to offer. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Philip and user-submitted reviews.

Best Camping Sites Near Philip, SD (21)

    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Pass Campground — Badlands National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Pass Campground — Badlands National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Pass Campground — Badlands National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Pass Campground — Badlands National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Pass Campground — Badlands National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Pass Campground — Badlands National Park

    1. Cedar Pass Campground — Badlands National Park

    110 Reviews
    411 Photos
    457 Saves
    Interior, South Dakota

    Located near the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, the Cedar Pass Campground has 96 level sites with scenic views of the badlands formations. This campground offers flush toilets and coin operated showers in the summertime.

    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Market
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping

    2. Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping

    128 Reviews
    433 Photos
    1586 Saves
    Wall, South Dakota

    The Wall is a part of Buffalo Gap National Grasslands. It is near The Badlands National Park and is dispersed camping. There is only one small developed recreation area on the Buffalo Gap National Grassland. The National Grassland Visitor Center is located in Wall, South Dakota. This site provides the history behind the system of the National Grasslands located across the West. While there is only one developed campground, there are plenty of open spaces to camp. Bring your horse, your bicycle or your OHV and spend some quiet time in the wide open spaces of the Grassland. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nebraska/recarea/?recid=30333

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Badlands Hotel & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Badlands Hotel & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Badlands Hotel & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Badlands Hotel & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Badlands Hotel & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Badlands Hotel & Campground

    3. Badlands Hotel & Campground

    58 Reviews
    226 Photos
    344 Saves
    Interior, South Dakota

    Just a mile from the iconic Badlands National Park, our hotel and full-service campground offers a great base camp to explore South Dakota’s Badlands, Black Hills, and the historic small town of Interior.

    With a variety of rooms, RV sites, and tent sites, we are ideal for couples getaways, family vacations, or traveling groups. We also offer an on-site restaurant, outdoor pool, fire pits, and complimentary WiFi.

    Your Badlands getaway awaits. What are you waiting for?

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $24 - $174 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Sage Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sage Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sage Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sage Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sage Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sage Creek Campground

    4. Sage Creek Campground

    105 Reviews
    398 Photos
    171 Saves
    Wall, South Dakota

    Sage Creek Campground is a primitive campground. There is no charge to stay here and camping is available on a first come first serve basis. The campground rarely fills to capacity.

    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Badlands / White River KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Badlands / White River KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Badlands / White River KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Badlands / White River KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Badlands / White River KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Badlands / White River KOA

    5. Badlands / White River KOA

    58 Reviews
    131 Photos
    235 Saves
    Interior, South Dakota

    Welcome to the oasis of the Badlands! This KOA is just 4 miles from Badlands National Park. The rugged beauty of the Badlands includes a rich fossil bed and the nation's largest protected mixed-grass prairie, where you'll find bison, bighorn sheep and prairie dogs. The campground is in a quiet rural setting with hundreds of large shade trees beside the White River. Enjoy the pool, fun-bike rentals, mini golf and a large pet park. Pancake breakfasts, Indian tacos and more are served Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Choose from Deluxe Cabins, Camping Cabins, full-hookup Pull-Thru RV Sites, tepees, Premium Tent Sites (with shelter, sink and electricity), standard shaded Tent Sites and big-rig friendly sites with a patio area. Free Wi-Fi! Stop by the grocery store and gift shop. Max pull thru: 120 feet

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from The Wall Boondocking Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from The Wall Boondocking Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from The Wall Boondocking Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from The Wall Boondocking Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from The Wall Boondocking Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from The Wall Boondocking Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Sleepy Hollow Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sleepy Hollow Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sleepy Hollow Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sleepy Hollow Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sleepy Hollow Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sleepy Hollow Campground

    7. Sleepy Hollow Campground

    30 Reviews
    41 Photos
    120 Saves
    Wall, South Dakota

    Sleepy Hollow is located one block from the world famous Wall Drug! The city of Wall, The Window to the West, also the west entrance of the Badlands National Park Loop and bordering the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands. Mount Rushmore and Sturgis are 65-70 minutes away! All of our 59 RV sites are pull thrus. We offer a heated swimming pool and cable TV. Pets are welcome and we have a new dog park. We are a Good Sam Park and AAA approved. Our restrooms were rated 10 out of 10 in 2015 for the 5th consecutive year by Trailer Life/Good Sam Club

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Gap National Grassland
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Gap National Grassland
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Gap National Grassland
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Gap National Grassland
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Gap National Grassland
    Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Gap National Grassland

    8. Buffalo Gap National Grassland

    18 Reviews
    55 Photos
    629 Saves
    Wall, South Dakota

    This area is divided into two areas located in southern South Dakota. One area is south and northeast of Hot Springs and the other is south and west of Wall. There are few developed recreation sites, but plenty of space for all kinds of recreational opportunities.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Lisa May Wice
    Camper-submitted photo from Lisa May Wice
    Camper-submitted photo from Lisa May Wice
    Camper-submitted photo from Lisa May Wice
    Camper-submitted photo from Lisa May Wice
    Camper-submitted photo from Lisa May Wice

    9. Lisa May Wice

    8 Reviews
    25 Photos
    32 Saves
    Philip, South Dakota
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • No image available

      10. Minute Man RV Park & Lodging

      5 Reviews
      18 Saves
      Interior, South Dakota
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access

      $25 - $40 / night

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    Showing results 1-10 of 21 campgrounds

    Pet-friendly camping near Philip

    Recent Reviews in Philip

    574 Reviews of 21 Philip Campgrounds


    • Vincent B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Badlands Hotel & Campground
      Jan. 9, 2025

      Badlands Hotel & Campground

      Nice location by the national park

      Really liked this place, had good neighbors and a good time overall. The campgrounds were clean as were the facilities, well worth the money for the convenient location. Great spot to see the blood moon from!

    • Chloe T.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
      Dec. 26, 2024

      Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping

      Best dispersed camping spot ever!!

      Plenty of sites available! Not too far from the national park or from a town. No matter what site your at it is breathtaking!!

    • AThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Sage Creek Campground
      Dec. 20, 2024

      Sage Creek Campground

      Where the Buffalo Roam

      Stayed here one night. No running water. Trash and picnic tables. Two vault toilets are located at each end of the campground. No cell service. It's winter and snowed early the morning I arrived to Badlands, so had the place to myself. Park rangers did rounds a couple of times during the day. Plenty of Buffalo crossing the road, roaming about, hanging out in surrounding hillside trees. Saw a fox, heard the howling wolves at night. Quiet and peaceful this time of year.

    • AThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Sage Creek Basin Camp
      Dec. 20, 2024

      Sage Creek Basin Camp

      Stunning Views at Overlook

      This location is Sage Creek Basin Overlook and trailhead. It is beautiful up here at higher elevation. 4g and 5g cell service is available here on Tmobile. There are no toilets. The two toilets, one at each end of the campground, are located a few miles away at Sage Creek Campground. A few fellow park tourists stopped to see the views and hike. I spent two nights here.

    • laura S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Sage Creek Campground
      Nov. 14, 2024

      Sage Creek Campground

      Pretty good for free!

      Spent one night here after exploring the park. less than a third full in early november. vault toilets clean-ish. wide open spaces, not really any privacy here. pretty sunrise.

    • SThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
      Oct. 29, 2024

      Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping

      Great Camping / Views

      This is a great dispersed site right next to The Badlands National Park. In October, there were only about 20 campers at most (lots of available space). The views from here are amazing, as well as sunrise and sunset. It can get quite windy. Very quiet!

    • AThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
      Oct. 22, 2024

      Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping

      Great Views

      This was an our first time dispersed camping so we weren’t sure exactly what to expect. There were lots of campers (probably 20 other cars), but the views are unmatched. Waking up at dawn and watching the sunrise over the Badlands is breathtaking! Really easy access. We saw people with all size trailers parked. Lots of space to spread out. Not much for privacy, but with views like that, who cares!

    • Zina L.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from 24 Express RV Campground
      Oct. 19, 2024

      24 Express RV Campground

      Closed!

      There were signs up along the freeway. Nothing indicate that it was closed. Is it for the season? Not sure date of visit was October 19, 2024.

    • Lisa B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Sage Creek Campground
      Oct. 14, 2024

      Sage Creek Campground

      Breathtaking & Best Smelling Bathrooms

      My boy Palo and I camped in my Outback for a night. It was a great experience. They have the cleans best smelling bathrooms I have venture into.

    • stephen W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
      Oct. 13, 2024

      Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping

      Outside the Badlands/trip tip

      Loved the close proximity to the badlands literally just down the road from the scenic loop. Plenty of spaces this time of year had my pic. Only downside was the wind which died down in the evening. Stars were fantastic. Wall drug had free water. Oh and I came in from Mitchell SD from the east and skipped the highway and took HWY 248 which runs paralell but I had the road to myself for 2 hours what a peace scenic ride.

    • Lisa M.
      Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Pass Campground — Badlands National Park
      Oct. 11, 2024

      Cedar Pass Campground — Badlands National Park

      Amazing scenery

      Spent two nights here in the Butte loop. Tried to make reservations on the same day, but they weren’t available to do so I had to just show up and hope there was a site available. We lucked out and got the last electric site. The one quirky thing about the campground is all of the sites are sort of parallel park. So your door will open up onto the pavement. Only paid $46 for two nights thanks to the hubby’s senior pass. Park itself is amazing with beautiful views and we also got to see some Buffalo. The visitor center has a nice gift shop and displays. Showers were $.50 for four minutes and $.75 for six minutes although I only got five minutes for my $.75 and I had a lukewarm water. There is a dump station available as well as potable water.

    • PThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from The Wall Boondocking Dispersed
      Oct. 4, 2024

      The Wall Boondocking Dispersed

      Can’t get better than free

      Great spot, lots of campers here, but still found a spot. Watch out for grumpy old coot who parks right where everyone drives in and then tells you to slow down coz it’s too dusty. Hey mate drive further in and there’s no traffic! Duh.

    • michael V.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from The Wall Boondocking Dispersed
      Oct. 4, 2024

      The Wall Boondocking Dispersed

      Great views, easy to get to

      A lot of campers of all kinds as it is free and right outside the park but it’s easy to get to and views are amazing. Regardless of the amount of people there tons of area to set up so doubtful someone won’t get a spot.

    • Ken G.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
      Sep. 25, 2024

      Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping

      Beautiful view from top of cliff, but windy

      We camped here on a Sunday night.  Lots of campers along a road which was about 6 miles long along the top of a cliff.  We thought we found a nice spot away from others, but two huge campers pulled in after dinner right next to us on the opposite side of the road.  Beautiful view of the badlands and we enjoyed watching the sunset from our site.  After we went to bed, the wind picked up big time and howled for several hours.  It was strong enough to shake the trailer.  It died down before midnight.  You can't really hike down into the badlands from the cliff so the only place to walk is along the top of the cliff past the other campers.  No services, but free.

    • Ken G.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Sage Creek Campground
      Sep. 25, 2024

      Sage Creek Campground

      Hot and dry, buffalo wandered through the camp

      This was a free site in the Badlands.  It's a dirt road to get there, washboards, but OK.

      The cg is in a prairie dog town so we kept the dog close.

      It was full on a Saturday night in September, but we got one of the last sites.  Very basic campground with a few trails to hike.  Views were OK, but nothing great.

      Buffalo wandered through camp at dinner time.  We basically camped on the road that circles the campground.

      Some picnic tables had a shade covering.  Pit toilets were clean.

    • Jeff M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Sage Creek Campground
      Sep. 16, 2024

      Sage Creek Campground

      Base to the Badlands

      Great location to set out to explore the Badlands? Low reception with Verizon in the valley bye still have good contact. Great reception, small hike to the top of the hill.

    • Jeff M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Sage Creek Campground
      Sep. 16, 2024

      Sage Creek Campground

      Great location for a base, to explore the Badlands

      Free dispersed camping, with clean vault toilets. no water or power you will have to bring your own. Quiet and tranquil location, Surrounded by prairie dogs as you sit in the valley with low rolling hills around you.

    • KThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Pass Campground — Badlands National Park
      Aug. 31, 2024

      Cedar Pass Campground — Badlands National Park

      Good place to stay

      We stayed for 2 nights in the group loop. At first we were sure about the quality of the site - the group loop also serves as the entrance to the dump site - but we’re convinced the site is great. Our site faces into the badlands with a great view, it is very quiet and you are very private (there were no groups around us). The campground is very clean and every evening there is program prepared by the rangers as well as a presentation of the stars.

      We would always come back here.

    • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Sleepy Hollow Campground
      Aug. 21, 2024

      Sleepy Hollow Campground

      Across the street from wall drug

      It’s a nice place heading east or west to land for the night. We’ve stayed at sleepy hollow before and find it and the proximity to wall drug a fun landing stop for the night on our trek across SD. Dinner, ice cream and splash pad fun at wall drug is the perfect end to a day on the road for our family.

    • Kelly V.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from The Wall Boondocking Dispersed
      Aug. 20, 2024

      The Wall Boondocking Dispersed

      Not just another brick in the wall

      Fabulous! Views and several spaces both on the edge of grassland dropping off into the badlands wall and farther back. At least 25 campers there last night. It was breathtaking. Do be prepared for I tense wi d; this is prairie with no trees to cut wind. Well worth a visit.

    • ron R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
      Aug. 19, 2024

      Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping

      simply amazing views and a perfect ballance of sun and wind to keep it grea

      I camping here from 8/15 to 8/21.   Far, the weather has been amazing.  I moved spots about 3 days in.  The first spot was great except for Cell Service (t-mobile) that exact spot was a dead spot.  After moving south one spot about 60 feet, i went from 1-2mb/s to 40-60mb/s.  Roads are rough but do-able I am pulling a 29ft toyhauler with a Chevy silverado 1500.  I cecomend taking the north entrance or if taking the main (by Radio towers) then turn left when you get to the wall.

    • MThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
      Aug. 7, 2024

      Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping

      Super windy, not good for tents

      We have stayed here twice, it was easy to find and lots of available spots but it’s just on a cliff’s edge so there are TONS of strong gusts of winds, it caused our tent to cave in and I ended up sleeping in the car. There was a goat, that was cool, but otherwise I don’t recommend for tent camping (go to sage creek campground, also free)

    • MThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Sage Creek Campground
      Aug. 4, 2024

      Sage Creek Campground

      Good

      I really liked this site, they had tables with shade, out house, flat ground, and compared to the dispersed camping wayyy less windy. We did not see bison today but there were prairie dogs


    Drive Time


    Guide to Philip

    Camping near Philip, South Dakota, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

    What to do

    • Explore Badlands National Park: Just a short drive from many campgrounds, the park features breathtaking views and hiking trails. One camper mentioned, "We had a great stay here while visiting the National Park - literally 2 minutes outside the entrance" at Badlands Hotel & Campground.
    • Visit Wall Drug: This quirky roadside attraction is a fun stop for families. One reviewer at Sleepy Hollow Campground said, "Dinner, ice cream and splash pad fun at Wall Drug is the perfect end to a day on the road for our family."
    • Stargazing: The clear skies in this region make for excellent stargazing opportunities. A camper at Buffalo Gap National Grassland noted, "Awesome night sky. Easily accessed with van."

    What campers like

    • Scenic Views: Many campers rave about the beautiful landscapes. One camper at The Wall Boondocking Dispersed said, "Fabulous! Views and several spaces both on the edge of grassland dropping off into the badlands wall."
    • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the peacefulness of the area. A review from Baja Area Dispersed - Buffalo Gap National Grassland mentioned, "Easily accessible and quiet. Large enough to find a spot away from anyone."
    • Friendly Campgrounds: Many campgrounds have welcoming staff. A visitor at Belvidere East-Exit 170 KOA said, "The owners were waiting for us after hours and escorted us to the site."

    What you should know

    • Windy Conditions: Be prepared for strong winds, especially in open areas. A camper at Buffalo Gap National Grassland warned, "The wind was absolutely insane! Be prepared for that!"
    • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like The Wall Boondocking Dispersed, do not offer drinking water or restrooms, so plan accordingly.
    • Mosquitoes: Certain areas can have a lot of mosquitoes, especially during warmer months. A camper at Sleepy Hollow Campground mentioned, "The absolute infestation of mosquitos at our site was unbearable."

    Tips for camping with families

    • Choose Established Campgrounds: For families, campgrounds like Cedar Pass Campground offer amenities like flush toilets and showers, making it easier for kids.
    • Plan for Activities: Look for campgrounds near attractions. One family enjoyed their stay at Badlands / White River KOA because it was "conveniently located" and had a pool for the kids.
    • Pack Bug Spray: With the potential for mosquitoes, it's smart to bring bug spray. A camper at Sleepy Hollow Campground noted the need for it due to the mosquito problem.

    Tips from RVers

    • Check Hookups: Some campgrounds have unique hookup situations. A visitor at Minute Man RV Park & Lodging mentioned, "Hookups were great in 107 heat!" but also noted that "the spots are close."
    • Be Ready for Dust: If you're camping in more remote areas, dust can be an issue. A camper at Buffalo Gap National Grassland advised, "Plenty of space to be spread out."
    • Use a Generator if Needed: If you're in a hot area, don't hesitate to use a generator for AC. A camper at Baja Area Dispersed - Buffalo Gap National Grassland mentioned, "If you do have to use a generator, don’t worry, many people were."

    Camping near Philip, South Dakota, offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation. With stunning views, friendly campgrounds, and plenty of activities, it's a great spot for your next outdoor getaway.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • What camping is available near Philip, SD?

      According to TheDyrt.com, Philip, SD offers a wide range of camping options, with 21 campgrounds and RV parks near Philip, SD and 8 free dispersed camping spots.

    • Which is the most popular campground near Philip, SD?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Philip, SD is Cedar Pass Campground — Badlands National Park with a 4.2-star rating from 110 reviews.

    • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Philip, SD?

      According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near Philip, SD.

    • What parks are near Philip, SD?

      According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Philip, SD that allow camping, notably Badlands National Park and Lake Oahe.