Top Free Dispersed Camping near Platte, SD

Looking for the best dispersed camping near Platte? Find everything from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking with The Dyrt. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Platte's most popular destinations.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Platte, SD (4)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In Platte

39 Reviews of 4 Platte Campgrounds


  • Alesha H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Oacoma Flatts
    Sep. 5, 2024

    Oacoma Flatts

    Beautiful location next to the river

    Can't beat free! It's close to I-90, so not much driving off the freeway to get here, and it's in a beautiful location next to the Missouri River and a farm with rolls of bailed hay that made for a beautiful sunrise photos. Be careful after a rain, as there can be muddy areas where a heavy vehicle could get stuck. We camped in our Ford Transit, but saw some people in a tent next to us. Quiet and peaceful. As two single women, we felt safe to camp here, which is always appreciated!

  • Scott J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Oacoma Flats
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Oacoma Flats

    Labor Day trip to SD overnight

    We pulled in off i90 at about 8:30 on Labor Day weekend. It was our first time boondocking and we were pleasantly surprised that there were other campers out here enjoying and plenty of room to park.

    Overall it feels safe and our dog loved the river!

    We would recommend.

  • AngieNicholas S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Oacoma Flatts
    Aug. 21, 2024

    Oacoma Flatts

    Cool spot close to the interstate and the river but was too muddy today

    Too muddy for our sprinter van today. We spun the wheels a little. We’re almost got stuck! Cool spot and we did have to drive past a no camping sign.

  • a
    Camper-submitted photo from End Of Shoreline Dispersed
    Aug. 19, 2024

    End Of Shoreline Dispersed

    This place is cool

    This place was a little weird driving into because of the no trespassing sign but upon closer inspection I realized I took the wrong turn. Only thing that was kind of annoying is how loud the crickets were.

  • E
    Camper-submitted photo from Oacoma Flatts
    Aug. 6, 2024

    Oacoma Flatts

    Easy spot by highway

    We were comfortable here for a stopover during a road trip. The river is nice and the town is cute. A few people were camping nearby, but everyone was very respectful. It’s nice to be able to make a fire too. Very conveniently located.

  • Ellery K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Oacoma Flats
    Jul. 24, 2024

    Oacoma Flats

    Careful of the mud!!!

    These roads can get muddy! And I don’t mean just a little muddy, I mean “need to get your car towed and it will be a multi hour event.” Before driving on these roads, get out and ensure the route you’re about to drive is dry!

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oacoma Flats
    Jul. 11, 2024

    Oacoma Flats

    Great dispersed camping spot

    Great location right on the Missouri River also called Lake Francisca Case.

  • Phillip T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oacoma Flatts
    Apr. 22, 2024

    Oacoma Flatts

    Beats the Hell out of Walmart

    Traveling from New England to PNW in mid to late April, none of the campgrounds were open, and no BLM or FS to the East. This was the first dispersed camping in this leg of our trip. Right on the shore of the lake. Beautiful on the shore with a near full moon last night. Just off the edge of town, but quiet. Only real down side was some very bright lights off in the distance across and down the lake.

  • Grace D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Oacoma Flatts
    Sep. 2, 2023

    Oacoma Flatts

    Dispersed camping site

    Great dispersed camp site a minute or two off of I90 (can hear the road noise). There were other people there when I stayed in August but everyone was quiet and kept to themselves. Felt safe sleeping there in my car as a solo female traveler.

  • Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oacoma Flats
    Jul. 18, 2023

    Oacoma Flats

    Free dispersed camping

    On the west side of the water are a series of dirt loops. Choose one and you will find plenty of spots to disperse camp. There are no services so pack everything out. We parked right along the water and enjoyed the view. There is a gas station just down the road. Chamberlain is across the water and has a bunch of interesting places to check out. With 15 minutes of us being there we saw a couple police cars and a local who ran his dog around for a few minutes before leaving. I like how the community keeps an eye on things.

  • Robert G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Oacoma Flatts
    Jul. 2, 2023

    Oacoma Flatts

    Nice free easy access on the Missouri River

    Nice, quiet (depending on your crowd) spot that is right on the banks of the Missouri. Easy access in and out, even in a 2WD. I'd you're in to birding theres some dead trees on the banks that attract woodpeckers.

  • Erika M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oacoma Flatts
    Jun. 23, 2023

    Oacoma Flatts

    Great spot on the Missouri River

    We needed a dispersed place to stop overnight on a road trip. This spot fit the bill. We parked our trailer right next to the Missouri River. There were a few other people there but everyone had plenty of room and it was quiet.

  • sThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oacoma Flatts
    Apr. 2, 2023

    Oacoma Flatts

    Uncrowded and right next to river

    Boondocking area along the Missouri River. Easy to get to off highway. Access via dirt roads.  Lots of wildlife.  Only downside is mild noise from highway depending on the wind direction.

  • Stephenie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oacoma Flatts
    Mar. 14, 2023

    Oacoma Flatts

    Cold but beautiful

    Stopped here for the night for a cross country car camping trip. It was beautiful there a d very empty at this time of year. Definitely recommend this place

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Oacoma Flatts
    Jan. 17, 2023

    Oacoma Flatts

    Great for a night!

    Great landing spot for a night when passing through the area. Signs make it VERY clear that camping up to seven days is allowed. Right off the highway.

  • t
    Camper-submitted photo from Oacoma Flatts
    Sep. 1, 2022

    Oacoma Flatts

    Very Peaceful

    This place was such an amazing peaceful stop. Camped right next to the river. Temperature was awesome. The only downside was there were ALOT of bugs that looked like ginormous mosquitos. However, they didn’t bite and stayed away with a small fire and moving a lantern at 10 feet away. Either way, did not ruin our trip.

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Oacoma Flatts
    Jul. 21, 2022

    Oacoma Flatts

    Good quick road trip stop

    The field and the river are nice and there’s tons of space, but when we arrived there were over 20mph winds so we didn’t pitch a tent or use sleeping bags since we didn’t want anything to blow away. It’s great that the site is free though and it’s a pretty easy stop mid road trip, but definitely better for RVs then tent camping (depending on wind).



Guide to Platte

Camping near Platte, South Dakota, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor fun. Whether you're looking for a peaceful spot by the river or a family-friendly campground, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do

  • Fishing and Boating: The Left Tailrace - Lake Sharpe campground is popular among anglers and boaters. One reviewer mentioned, "Nice place. Lots of boaters and fishermen."
  • Hiking and Nature Walks: At Niobrara State Park Campground, you can enjoy scenic hikes. A visitor shared, "Views of the Missouri River were amazing. Enjoyed a hike with the interpreter."
  • Swimming: The Lake Mitchell Campground has a nice swim area. One camper noted, "Nice swim area, pretty campsites, especially the tent areas that sit high over the lake."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate cleanliness. At the Mitchell KOA, one reviewer said, "Bathrooms immaculate. Site level."
  • Friendly Hosts: Many campgrounds have welcoming staff. A visitor at Dakota Campground mentioned, "The owner, Josh, was so helpful in assisting me with repairs."
  • Beautiful Views: Campers love the scenery. One review for Dude Ranch said, "Absolutely beautiful weather! If you like to fish, this is the spot."

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Oacoma Flatts, have few amenities. A camper noted, "It's close to I-90, so not much driving off the freeway to get here."
  • Muddy Conditions: Be cautious after rain at places like Dude Ranch. One visitor warned, "Too muddy for our sprinter van today. We spun the wheels a little."
  • Noise Levels: Campgrounds near highways, such as Oasis Campground, can be noisy. A reviewer mentioned, "This campground is right beside the interstate and very loud."

Tips for camping with families

  • Playgrounds and Activities: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. The Mitchell KOA has a pool and mini-golf, making it a hit with families. One parent said, "Loved this place so much we stopped again on the way back!"
  • Safety: Choose campgrounds that feel secure. A camper at Oacoma Flatts mentioned, "As two single women, we felt safe to camp here, which is always appreciated!"
  • Space for Activities: Look for spacious sites. One reviewer at American Creek Campground said, "It’s really spacious, and the site had everything."

Tips from RVers

  • Level Sites: Ensure your site is level for a comfortable stay. A visitor at Lake Mitchell Campground noted, "Sites are level and well marked."
  • Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. The Dakota Campground offers full-service pull-through sites, which many RVers appreciate.
  • Check for Noise: Be aware of noise from nearby roads. A camper at Oasis Campground mentioned, "Right off I90. Level site and large."

Camping near Platte, South Dakota, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you're sure to find a spot that fits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Platte, SD?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Platte, SD is Oacoma Flatts with a 4.4-star rating from 28 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Platte, SD?

    TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Platte, SD, with real photos and reviews from campers.