Best Dispersed Camping near Philip, SD
Looking for dispersed camping near Philip? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your South Dakota excursion.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Philip, South Dakota (8)
1. Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
128 Reviews•433 Photos•1596 SavesWall, South DakotaThe 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
2. The Wall Boondocking Dispersed
29 Reviews•86 Photos•216 SavesWall, South Dakota- Pets
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
3. Buffalo Gap National Grassland
18 Reviews•55 Photos•630 SavesWall, South DakotaThis 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
4. Baja Area Dispersed - Buffalo Gap National Grassland
7 Reviews•25 Photos•179 SavesInterior, South DakotaThere 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.
Overnight camping in developed sites is on a first-come, first-served basis. Campfires are allowed unless restrictions are posted. Red Cloud Campground site features 13 sites with picnic tables and fire grates, and a vault toilet. From Chadron, NE travel eight miles south of on U.S. Highway 385 to the campground.
Backcountry, dispersed or primitive camping (no facilities) is allowed anywhere on the National Forest.
Practicing Leave No Trace principles ensures that the next person to visit will have the same sense of discovery as those who came before.
The seven principles are:
Plan ahead and prepare, Camp and travel on durable surfaces, Dispose of waste properly, Leave what you find, Minimize campfire impacts, Respect wildlife, Be considerate of other visitors.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
6. Sage Creek Basin Camp
2 Reviews•2 Photos•65 SavesWall, South Dakota- Pets
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Standard (Tent/RV)
7. Badlands Boondocking Dispersed Camping Area
Be the first to review!•2 SavesWall, South Dakota- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Recent Dispersed Reviews near Philip, South Dakota
184 Reviews of 8 Philip Campgrounds
Logan W.
Guide
Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
Amazing views and plenty of sites
The campsites are basically outcrops off of the main road which means typical dispersed camping with no amenities. The views from the campsites are astounding. Very serene landscape with plenty of wildlife. The road is long and I suggest following it all the way before picking a campsite.
- MMichael C.
ScoutBuffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
Incredibly windy
The views are beautiful and the area is quiet and secluded, overall would be a great boondocking location if you have an RV. For a rooftop tent camper like myself, it is extremely exposed and windy. No shade whatsoever.
Michelle J.
Traveler
The Wall Boondocking Dispersed
Boondocked in the Badlands
Fantastic views No facilities but worth checking it out for a night while in Badlands Unlimited space Sage Creek also free camping with 22 sites No big RVs We travel in a Ford Transit 19
Caleb C.
RangerBuffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
Wow!
Free! Best views in Bad Lands NP! Free! Great cell signal! Oh, it’s free, too! Best spot I’ve stayed in the past week, no bad spots to be found! A must-do place to boondock if you are passing thru!
- Kristi D.
LegendThe Wall Boondocking Dispersed
Amazing view
Free camping right by Pinnacle entrance of the Badlands...cant beat free! It is hot up there in the middle of summer though a breeze comes through ..we were in the 80s, so I can't imagine what it will be like when it gets to 100 degrees. Regardless, I recommend this spot if you like free and want a lovely view of the badlands.
There were a lot of RVs campers and people in tents, but still tons of spots to choose from!!!
- Cole S.Scout
Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
Stunning sunrises!
We were on “The Wall” dispersed camping near the tall antennas south of Wall, SD, just off Hwy 240. Plenty of room for everyone. No services, no cost. Gorgeous scenery.
GrantTraveler
Buffalo Gap National Grassland
Great Location
Dispersed Camping right outside the Badlands NP. No amenities but plenty of space and easy access. I saw large RVs and small cars camping there. Trail 7158 and 7170 right of of Rt 240 and close to the town of Wall.
Clayton S.Guide
Baja Area Dispersed - Buffalo Gap National Grassland
Boondocking near Interior SD
Seemed like a less popular spot then the northern dispersed camping, but it was a really sweet stop after a sick drive thru the Badlands. A really big area, beautiful view of the peaks to the north, and relaxing moo's from the local cows.
Art S.LegendBuffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
Beautiful dispersed camping
This beautiful place overlooks the badlands. We entered on the second road right by the cell tower. We heard that turning left at the wall was a smoother route. Even though the place was full we kept going and found plenty of spots to camp. We choose one opposite the edge but it was too small and angled for someone to camp there. This gave us a perfect spot to set up our chairs and enjoy the view. This is dispersed camping so there are no services. Pack in/pack out is important. This also means that folks have dogs off leash but they were respectful of keeping their dogs away from our reactive dog. This is a beautiful, free gem of a place to stay at.
- CCharles M.Traveler
Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
BLM Buffalo Gap National Grassland j
Drive 240 S from Wall SD towards the NP for 6 miles. Look for a small dirt road on the left, it’s easy to miss. There are 3 radio towers near a Dispersed Camping area. You’ll notice the towers before the turn. Good cell service. Spectacular location. Most stay 1 night or 2. Best sites vacant by 10am and full by 4 pm.
Susan L.LegendBuffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
Humbling and awesome place!
As others have said in so many words, Wow!! If the stark beauty of this place doesn’t blow you away, the wind might! The sheer force of it was humbling.
This is a dispersed camping site located on a ledge overlooking the Badlands. This configuration makes for some serious winds which are evidenced in the rock that’s been sculpted in the area.
The location is about 6 miles south of Wall, SD, but make sure to get the GPS coordinates. The drive into the dispersed camping area is on a gravel service road which was doable for my 24’ class C (see video), but I took it very slowly because there are rutted areas. This spot is convenient to lots of attractions in the area. Many folks with toads would safely leave their RV’s during the day to go and sightsee.
My favorite memories: the hiking and star gazing!
My not so favorite memory: while stargazing in flip flops something bit my big toe and drew blood. It was the screech heard round SD! NOTE: Wear closed toed shoes and don’t park too close to the edge.
- AAnastasia W.Scout
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!
- NNameScout
Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
A+ for the Self-Sufficient Boondocker
Nearly unlimited boondock spots with spectacular views. Wind is blowing 20+ (just a breeze according to our SD friend) out of the SE up the Wall from the Badlands) with gusts to 30. Everyone favors the spots at the edge, but we found that you still have a good view 100 feet or so back from cliff edge and get considerable protection from the wind — the apparent wind velocity is cut by about half. Bonus: Good cell reception. Is that a cell tower in the middle of the boondock area?
Alexis R.RangerThe Wall Boondocking Dispersed
Scenic and worthwhile
Nothing beats the experience of boondocking at the wall. Waking up to this view is a must.
Hannah S.RangerBuffalo Gap National Grassland
Best boondocking opportunity for your Badlands stay
Boondocking with no bathrooms/showers/water Located just outside Badlands National Park and Wall in Buffalo Gap Spots have no shade or electricity
- GGary G.Scout
Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
Badlands Boondocking Area
This is a dispersed camping location. The only ameneties are what you bring. The view is great. Any size RV can make it down the dirt road. Most every camp location will require the RV to be leveled. Arrive in early afternoon so you can select your most desirable location. Easiest directions to area is to go south on 240 off of I90 at Wall, SD. Drive for approximately 7 mi and look to the east. You will see the RVs on the rim.
Anthony F.GuideBuffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
Great place. Poop everywhere though
One of the best if not the best spot to stay at the badlands if boondocks is fine with you. Never will be fill here but best views along the Cliffside will be taken.
- WWill E.Ranger
Buffalo Gap National Grassland
Wow
The view right.on the rim of the badlands. Just a few minutes from the np entrance. Wonderful views.
This is a gem in your boondocking travels. Great views. Windy. But wonderful. T mobile and att service - KKelsey Z.Guide
Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
Great views!
There were a lot of RVs boondocking when we were there. But everyone kept a distance from each other and it was quiet. The views are wonderful!!!! The park is awesome! Bighorn sheep right when we entered the park boundary.
- Gregory L.Guide
Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
Amazing Boondocking area
Camping at “The Wall” is an amazing experience! Waking up to miraculous views and ending your days with stunning sunsets is truly what camping is all about. Here at The Wall, you are camping on a cliff that runs along the Badlands. Prairie on one side, the badlands on the other.
The site is about 6-8 miles from the town of Wall, so while you are in a remote area, you still have ready access to food, shopping, and gas if you need it. Wall Drug is also pretty cool and worth a stop.
You are about 15-20 minutes away from the Minuteman Missile Museum, which is an awesome place to visit. There are three sites, so make sure you take the time to see them all. Some of the staff at the Visitors Center actually worked the facility during the Cold War and have tons of information to share.
You are (obviously) very close to the Badlands NP, one of the entrances is a stones throw from the Boondocking area.
Pro tips: Most of the Boondocking area is not level, and the ground is a soft-ish volcanic soil. Bring wooden planks to level your rig and use as Jack pads as the Lego levelers will sink. Also plan to be really out of level, up to 6” off on some sites.
It’s a cool area, but the roads in the Boondocking area are dirt, not level, steep in places, and full of potholes. Be very careful driving in as it can be very hard to see the potholes, and they are pretty serious.
Melissa C.GuideThe Wall Boondocking Dispersed
Breathtaking Views
We enjoyed two nights at the Badlands Boondocking Area. We stayed at the northernmost area of the camping and enjoyed the view down the entirety of the wall. The winds can get really high so don’t park too close to the edge. This was a great location for visiting Badlands National Park and going to Wall Drug.
- mmichaelScout
Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
Perfect View
We found plenty of parking even on Labor Day. The views were outstanding and we even got to enjoy the stars at night since there is no light pollution from towns. Road was a little roughy at times and there are a few steep hills so be prepared for those. This is boondocking at its best. I’m sure we will be back soon.
Jennifer H.GuideThe Wall Boondocking Dispersed
Epic views, lots of space
This was one of the best boondocking spots I’ve ever been to. There were multiple people there but there is so much space that you can definitely find a spot. There’s not a lot of privacy, but the views and wildlife make up for it and everyone is so friendly but keeps to themselves and is there to enjoy the outdoors. Great spot and right outside of the National park.
- DDavidScout
Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
Lots of sites overlooking the badlands
There are probably 50 spots on the bluffs overlooking the badlands, with probably 100 more on the other side of the road. This seems to be a pretty popular area for boondocks, but most days there shouldn't be a problem finding a spot.
The road was dry, but there were some pot holes coming in. Most of the sites are fairly flat with great views of the badlands Overall, a pretty nice place to stay.
Chris N.GuideBuffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
Pretty Impressed
Just before entering the Badlands official entrance is a side road leading up to a ridge. Expect a breeze to winds that can be forceful so tie things down. I got lucky and had a beautiful sunset, light breeze, and warm but not too warm of temps. Lots of spots to chose from but first come first serve boondocking. I can see the interstate from here but can’t hear it making it a great stop over spot when traveling. Highly recommend!
Come Wheelin’ with John & Christie W.TravelerBuffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
Wow!
We absolutely loved staying here! We only staid one night because of the high heat temp 100 degrees. We could have staid longer, but .... we decided to keep on going. There are some down, up, down, up hills as you are coming into the boon docking area. Don't let that stop you, however, be prepared. Go slow. Nothing will ever match this experience. We heard coyotes, saw an awesome sunset and enjoyed peace and quiet. Wind was of no concern. We appreciated the wind! Easy drive to the Badlands and Wall. We will never forget this epic day, night and sunrise.
- AAnandGuide
Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
One of the best campgrounds ever, but the secret is out and can be windy.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay on The Wall...dispersed camping is what you make of it, good and bad. If you time things right, you can find a breathtaking site here that will stay in your memory forever. Drive 6-7 miles south of Wall on 240, make a left where you see a cattle guard and cell towers. Drive up to the Wall and pick a site, there are many to choose from. The ones on the Wall side give better views but tighter space and the potential for kids to fall. The prairie side can still give you great views and more space to spread out. Drive the Badlands loop and do some hikes and see wildlife. Do the obligatory stop at Wall Drug in town. The grocery at the south end of town has a surprisingly good selection of items and the staff is great. The ranger/visitor center at the south end of the downtown Wall strip will give you current info on staying on The Wall and a map. It can get VERY windy, and we also had the wind literally flip direction during our stay, so be prepared for robustly staking things down and not depending on the wind break of your camper or vehicle because of the shifts. There is ZERO shade.
Guide to Philip
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Philip, South Dakota, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.
Tips for free and dispersed camping near Philip, South Dakota
- Be prepared for windy conditions, especially at sites like Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping, where campers have noted strong gusts that can shake your setup.
- Arrive early to secure a good spot, as popular areas like The Wall Boondocking Dispersed can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
- Bring your own water and supplies, as many dispersed camping areas, including Badlands Boondocks, do not offer amenities like drinking water or trash disposal.
Stunning views and natural attractions for dispersed campers
- Experience breathtaking sunrises and sunsets at Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping, where the scenery is unmatched and perfect for photography enthusiasts.
- The proximity to Badlands National Park makes Badlands Boondocks an ideal spot for exploring unique geological formations and wildlife.
- Enjoy the expansive views from The Wall Boondocking Dispersed, where you can camp along the edge of the grasslands that drop off into the stunning Badlands.
Top activities while free camping near Philip
- Hiking and exploring the rugged terrain are popular activities near Buffalo Gap National Grassland, offering numerous trails for all skill levels.
- Wildlife watching is a must, especially at Sage Creek Basin Camp, where you might encounter buffalo and other native species roaming freely.
- Stargazing is exceptional in this area, with minimal light pollution allowing for clear views of the night sky, particularly from sites like Baja Area Dispersed - Buffalo Gap National Grassland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Philip, SD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Philip, SD is Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping with a 4.8-star rating from 128 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Philip, SD?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Philip, SD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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