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, SD (8)
1. Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
Wall, South Dakota125 Reviews•424 Photos•1582 SavesThe 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
Wall, South Dakota29 Reviews•86 Photos•212 Saves- Pets
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
3. Buffalo Gap National Grassland
Wall, South Dakota18 Reviews•55 Photos•629 SavesThis 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
Interior, South Dakota7 Reviews•25 Photos•177 SavesThere 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
Wall, South Dakota2 Reviews•2 Photos•60 Saves- Pets
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Standard (Tent/RV)
7. Badlands Boondocking Dispersed Camping Area
Be the first to review!Wall, South Dakota- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Philip
183 Reviews of 8 Philip Campgrounds
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Alex P.
Traveler
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.
- SScott D.
Guide
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!
- AAllen K.
Scout
Badlands Boondocks
Great Campsite
Just outside Badlands Nat’l Park. Great view and found a level site.
- 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!
stephen W.GuideBuffalo 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.
- PPaul K.Guide
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.GuideThe 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.Guide
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.
Shawn A.
RangerBadlands Boondocks
Easy access for my 30ft RV.
Only 7 miles south of Wall, SD. It was windy but beautiful views. And Free!
- Kelly V.Traveler
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.RangerBuffalo 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.
Chris P.GuideBuffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
free sunrise
Thursday night you August was busy. However, the sunrise the next morning made it worth the stop.
- MMarissa H.Scout
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)
Tyler C.Guide
Buffalo Gap National Grassland
Amazing views
What this spot has going for it is the amazing views. Stayed for 1 night and the wind was absolutely insane! Be prepared for that! We opted to car camp over pulling out the tent. Plenty of space to be spread out.
Elise V.TravelerThe Wall Boondocking Dispersed
Favorite Dispersed Campsite EVER!
Gorgeous site! Very popular site with neighbors close by, but ours were very kind and friendly! We got lucky and didn’t have any problems with wind. Enjoyed the sunrise and sunset from this spot!
- SStephanie W.Guide
The Wall Boondocking Dispersed
Loved my night here!
I loved camping at this spot! It was easy to find, and even though there was a good amount of people there it was spaced out and I felt comfortable. There is zero privacy, so be prepared for that. If you’re in a tent also be prepared because it is extremely windy at night! Even my little teardrop was shaking. But the view is incredible and the sunrise was stunning.
Brianna R.ScoutBuffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
Safe, Free Camping for Solo Travelers
I stayed here for 2 nights as a solo female traveler. It is minutes from the Badlands entrance. There were a lot of people around (I stayed in early July) so I always felt safe even at nights. It's pretty open land so it was hard finding a private area to use the bathroom. I slept in a tent the first night, but it got really windy on night 2, so I just slept in the car. Overall, I highly recommend staying here as it is free and absolutely beautiful.
samuel C.RangerBuffalo Gap National Grassland
Peaceful
Tends to be a bit windy, but this is a beautiful place to stay. Lots of sites and they all have great views.
- samuel C.Ranger
The Wall Boondocking Dispersed
Love it here!
Great views here!! Any car and any size can make it ! Tons of spots and amazing proximity to the park. 100% would recommend. I have stayed here multiple times.
Molly W.GuideBuffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
Some BAD lands! 🔥
I arrived solo with my kitty road companion, and ended up meeting so many other solo travelers. We moved together in the same area and somehow a few day trip turned into 11 days.
Such a great place to camp. HOT AF though during the day when I was there. At night the WIND BE WIND’N.
I’d definitely come back.
- samuel C.Ranger
Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
Beautiful
This was a great stay very close to badlands np. Easy to find, lots of spots, not a lot of privacy but great views
Aly E.GuideBuffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
Absolutely stunning
This area is so remote and quiet, stars everywhere and the wind is wild! We showed up super late in the evening on a weekend and had zero issues finding a spot. Closest gas station is 10 minutes away for anyone who needs a restroom nearby or a grocery store.
- cc G.Guide
Baja Area Dispersed - Buffalo Gap National Grassland
Wide open east access
Large area with plenty of room and awesome night sky. Easily accessed with van
Olivia E.GuideBuffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
A must stop
If you’re visiting the Badlands you gotta stay here! Plenty of spots mid July, the road is long so just keep driving until you find one you like. The road is gravel and our old van did it no problem. The views are beautiful. Spots are somewhat spread out but you can still see everyone, so not a lot of privacy during the day if you gotta pee outside, but we made it work. There aren’t any bathrooms, but the town of Wall isn’t far up the road. Short drive to get into the Pinnacles entrance of the badlands. Service was good for both Verizon and T-mobile.
- JJennie B.Traveler
The Wall Boondocking Dispersed
Beautiful, windy
Absolutely incredible views. Not so much privacy, but people aren't on top of each other either. Road was fine going up.
It was so, so incredibly windy! I thought my car was going to blow over, and there were a few people who moved a little further back in the middle of the night because of the wind. Excellent Verizon cell service.
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.
Corda B.GuideBuffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
Amazing View
Stopped for 1 night before heading to the Badlands and stayed in a tent. We had a great flat spot to set up and admire the view.
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 125 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.