Top Free Dispersed Camping near Sturgis, SD

Searching for a dispersed camping spot near Sturgis? Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Sturgis's most popular destinations.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Sturgis, SD (31)

Showing results 1-10 of 31 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Sturgis

115 Reviews of 31 Sturgis Campgrounds


  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Bob Marshall Dispersed
    Oct. 22, 2024

    Camp Bob Marshall Dispersed

    Beautiful and remote

    Several spots along the Bob Marshall camp road to pull off and camp. We went a bit more off the path by turning right, going up past a water treatment plant and parking near the end of the road. It was secluded and pretty. Lots of coyotes in the area. No camp fires when we were there due to dry conditions. The road after the turn off was in rough shape. I wouldn’t take a trailer up it, but we were in a large SUV and it was just fine. A great place to disperse camp in the state park. We stayed two nights.

  • Makenzie S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Creek Road
    Oct. 15, 2024

    Spring Creek Road

    Very Quiet Cozy Area

    Loved this area, saw many deer near sunset, very peaceful and quiet. Tent camping it was easy to find a site since we didn’t go too far, but if you have an big RV you might need to go further down the road. Otherwise very pretty especially with the creek right next to us.

  • michael V.
    Camper-submitted photo from North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 4, 2024

    North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping

    Nice and secluded

    About 8-10 spots along the road, all flat and plenty of space for whatever you’re camping with. Chances are you’ll be a ways away from other campers. Great spots to get away from the crowded campgrounds.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Creek Road
    Sep. 28, 2024

    Spring Creek Road

    Secluded, quiet, dispersed sites close to lots of Black Hills attractions.

    The road in was fairly easy to find and smooth. I drove all the way to the end of the road to check out the sites and turned around and went back to the one I liked the best. There was only one other camper set up down along the stream and the couple there looked comfortable. I chose a nice level turn out that I could drive my pickup and ATV trailer into and was able to drive through the spot so I didn't have to back in or out. It was a very pretty site next to the road and big enough for my 30' rig. It was level enough that it only took one block under one wheel of the ATV trailer I had my roof top tent mounted on. Traffic was light and only about half a dozen vehicles passed my site the evening I was there. No problem with dust from the traffic. There were signs that cattle were in the area but I didn't see any. Probably not a place you would want to spend a lot of time staying at unless you planned to use it as a base for hitting all the tourist spots around Deadwood and Keystone. The main problem is the sites are nearly all too small for more than one camper so if you are traveling with other campers you won't be able to park close together.  The sites are fairly far apart, more suitable for lone campers looking for a spot to rest for a night or two. No amenities and cell service was hit or miss but the price was right (free). I would definitely stay here again if I was passing through the area.

  • Ben H.
    Camper-submitted photo from RD 356 Dispersed Site Black Hills National Forest
    Sep. 26, 2024

    RD 356 Dispersed Site Black Hills National Forest

    Nice

    Camping area near Mount Rushmore. I was able to find a camping area without a problem. The road does have some bumps in it but overall you do not need a four-wheel drive. The spot I camped at I was able to have decent Verizon signal however the area is a bit spotty for Verizon. The area seems to not allow for campfires. Trails nearby. One Trail is gated off and seems to mainly be a horse trail. Some of the camping spots seem to support larger vehicles. Also had a good view.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Belle Fourche Dispersed Site
    Sep. 21, 2024

    Belle Fourche Dispersed Site

    Beautiful Sunrise

    Rolled in late night. Woke up to a beautiful sunrise next to the reservoir. Plenty of sites to choose from with vault toilet close enough to walk between sites.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Spring Creek Rd Mine Site Dispersed
    Sep. 11, 2024

    Spring Creek Rd Mine Site Dispersed

    Simple overnight stop

    I was able to drive to this spot easily in a car for a quick overnight stop. There is a section in the beginning that doesn't allow camping, but once you are farther back in it looks like there are several spots. No campfires. Verizon cellular worked there.

  • Brenda M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Roadside Rodeo Dispersed
    Aug. 31, 2024

    Roadside Rodeo Dispersed

    Roadside Rodeo

    Decent spot veside the road. There are several boondocking spots between here and Cook Lake Outhouse is nearby this site on main road Cows are all over this site

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping
    Aug. 26, 2024

    North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping

    North Pole Rd Dispersed

    The sites are located about 2 miles from the main road at the top of the hill. It is a dusty gravel road in good condition. There are open areas and areas in the scattered pine trees. Great views. The traffic along the road is sparse. You don’t feel crowded but can see some other campers. Great area!

  • TexasRe D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Roosevelt Road Dispersed Campsite
    Aug. 24, 2024

    Mount Roosevelt Road Dispersed Campsite

    We went, we saw

    We were hauling a 20 ft camper looking to find the pull through spot we saw on the maps. The gravel road was accessible and pretty easy with the camper. We got to our spot just before sunset and only had one neighbor, though we passed a few tenters going up the road. Our spot was nice and a short walk to a vault toilet and trailhead. The trail led to a cool tower that we climbed to watch the sunset. Overall great spot and we’ll worth the short drive of the highway.

  • Kelly V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Glen Erin Roadside Camp
    Aug. 24, 2024

    Glen Erin Roadside Camp

    Nice place to pull over

    One-vehicle site, clean, right off the road. You'll pass several private homes getting here but none yiu can see from here. Decent Verizon. Large dry tree trunk piles next to site and across road. Plenty of sky. No shade on vehicle but trees to put a chair under for shade. Quiet. Horse and rider came up behind me in the morning and passed around me without even looking at me.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Belle Fourche Dispersed Site
    Aug. 18, 2024

    Belle Fourche Dispersed Site

    Free and lovely

    I just needed a place to stop and car camp. I was going to stay at a campground I. Belle Fourch but after a little exploring I found a great private spot in Free Dispersed area but the site were furnished with a fire ring and table and a great view of a beautiful lake. Slept like a baby!

  • Kelly V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Bob Marshall Dispersed
    Aug. 18, 2024

    Camp Bob Marshall Dispersed

    Gate locked

    However, there is a spot on outlaw ranch rd you see before outlaw ranch road the gps takes you to that is nice and enough back for more privacy. Others know of it too, and 2 more cars tried to pull in after dark. I turned on a light and they were cool about backing out. Sorry to be unable to be more specific, want to say this spot really nice.

  • Kevin H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Belle Fourche Reservoir Dispersed Camping
    Aug. 10, 2024

    Belle Fourche Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    Nice, spacious spots Shady or open

    Initial road in is seriously corrugated- just drive slowly until you turn off to side road.

    Different roads if loop provided easy access. We bought out 30” 5th in without problems, and our (distant) neighbors were a class A with trailer

    Random pit-toilets, but not much else

    Lake is low, shore is mud

    Nice with breeze most days we were there

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sand Creek Public Access West Oxbow Dispersed Camping
    Aug. 9, 2024

    Sand Creek Public Access West Oxbow Dispersed Camping

    Good views, good cell service, not crowfed

    There are 4 different sites in the area, with each accommodating multiple vehicles. Access to the local creek. Sort of difficult to find a level spot but we made it work. We fit comfortably in a truck camper but I wouldn't go too much bigger here. Good Verizon service!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Belle Fourche Reservoir Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 24, 2024

    Belle Fourche Reservoir Dispersed Camping

    Good for an overnight and nice view

    I stayed for just one night and it was perfect for that. I had no issue finding a spot, as there are so many around the reservoir! They are spaced out, but not many trees for privacy. The “beach” is very muddy so you can’t really get in the water. The bugs were bad in the evenings, but nothing I couldn’t handle. The sunset was gorgeous on the water.

  • Heather S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Roosevelt Road Dispersed Campsite
    Jul. 21, 2024

    Mount Roosevelt Road Dispersed Campsite

    Dispersed Camping Close to the Action

    There were multiple pull off dispersed camping areas all along the Mt. Roosevelt road. The road is easy to drive if coming off the CanAm Hwy side of the mountain. Walking distance to the Roosevelt Friendship Tower hike which is highly recommended. Tons of bees in the wildflowers but they never bothered us. Pack in and pack out! Some traffic driving along the road but never overwhelming and quiet at night. Great base to visit Deadwood, Lead, Spearfish Canyon, and Devils Tower

  • Heather S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Bob Marshall Dispersed
    Jul. 21, 2024

    Camp Bob Marshall Dispersed

    Dispersed Camping in Custer SP Area

    Dispersed Camping off the main road thru Custer State Park that is National Forest. Turn on the road that marks the Bob Marshall Camp. You pass a water treatment area and go thru the gate. It is open to vehicles in the summer and equestrian and hike in during the winter. Road is rough but was passable in our truck. We towed in a small teardrop but I wouldn't recommend a large rig. There are several areas to set up camp but pack in and pack out! No water sources spotted so bring enough in with you (didn't even see any water for filtering). Saw a preexisting stone fire pit from past campers too. Super quiet and near all the great things of Custer. We did experience biting flies. Coordinates: 43.7851324, -103.5041771

  • samuel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Glen Erin Roadside Camp
    Jul. 17, 2024

    Glen Erin Roadside Camp

    Nothing special

    The pull off is at the exact coordinates given and it’s on the left. The bugs were not too bad, it was fairly peaceful with mild road traffic through the night, nothing special but good for the night. This is a single dispersed site.



Guide to Sturgis

Camping near Sturgis, South Dakota, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet place to unwind, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Explore Mount Rushmore: Just a short drive from many campgrounds, this iconic monument is a must-see. One camper mentioned, "The location is about 1/2 hour from 90 but close to Mount Rushmore," making it easy to fit into your camping plans.
  • Enjoy outdoor activities: Many campgrounds, like the Pactola Reservoir Campground, offer fishing and boating. A reviewer said, "The reservoir is huge, and many consider it to be one of the best fishing 'holes' in the state."
  • Hiking and nature walks: The area is filled with trails. One visitor at Horsethief Lake Campground noted, "Great little lake, nearby hiking, and vault toilets had new odor controller," highlighting the natural beauty and accessibility.

What campers like

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for the Rapid City KOA stated, "Very clean bathrooms and showers. Sites well maintained."
  • Family-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds have playgrounds and activities for kids. One camper at the Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch said, "Playgrounds for the kids (big kids also)" which makes it a great spot for families.
  • Scenic views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. A visitor at Sheridan Lake South Shore Campground mentioned, "Great views, although it was a little close to other sites for my personal preference."

What you should know

  • Crowded sites: Some campgrounds can feel cramped. A reviewer at the Spearfish City Campground noted, "Sites are closer than the worst KOA," so be prepared for a more communal experience.
  • Limited cell service: Many areas have weak or no cell reception. One camper at Horsethief Lake Campground mentioned, "I got no cell reception here between Xfinity, Verizon, and T-Mobile."
  • Reservations recommended: During peak season, campgrounds fill up quickly. A visitor at Grizzly Creek Primitive said, "Most of the reserved sites in Custer State Park and the forest service sites were booked up."

Tips for camping with families

  • Look for kid-friendly activities: Choose campgrounds with amenities like pools and playgrounds. A camper at Horse Thief Campground and RV Resort mentioned, "There was a heated pool that we observed being used daily."
  • Pack games and outdoor gear: Bring along games for downtime. One family at Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch enjoyed the "all you can eat pancakes for $3.50," which adds a fun twist to meals.
  • Plan for bathroom breaks: Some campgrounds have limited facilities. A visitor at Grizzly Creek Primitive noted, "The toilet was clean, but the solar light and fan didn't work."

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at the Pactola Reservoir Campground mentioned, "The pull-through was really tight for our 42 footer."
  • Look for full hookups: Many RVers prefer campgrounds with complete amenities. A review for the Rapid City KOA highlighted, "Sites were clean but very close to one another."
  • Be prepared for limited services: Some campgrounds may not have electric hookups. A visitor at Horsethief Lake Campground noted, "No electric hookups, but fires allowed."

Camping near Sturgis, South Dakota, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're in an RV or tent camping, there's something for you in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Sturgis, SD is Mount Roosevelt Road Dispersed Campsite with a 4.8-star rating from 9 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 31 dispersed camping locations near Sturgis, SD, with real photos and reviews from campers.