Looking for the best campgrounds near Wall, SD? Wall is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
"This is a dispersed BLM area. It is easy to locate just take the hwy from Wall SD 5.5 miles toward the Badlands Park entrance. When you see the cell towers to onto the dirt road on the left."
"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."
"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"
"There’s no facilities here, so prepare well, but definitely worth a stop!"
"Dry camped at Buffalo Gap National Grassland just south of Wall South Dakota off of 240. Plenty of space with flat ground for tent or RV. Spectacular view and right by I90 for easy access."
"5.5 south of Wall SD On hwy 240. Take a right at the tv towers and drive in to the rim of the wall. Free disbursed camping a mile north of the entrance to the Badlands National Park."
"Easy access camp out of park about 1/2 mile right on the rim 8 miles from Wall S.D very windy but views awesome"
"The Forest service is managing the area so people cannot park right at the edge of the cliff like in times past. It is safer for people & prevents more erosion from the top of the cliff."
"Wall Dispersed Camping near Badlands National Park is a great spot for anyone looking to boondock with awesome views and a peaceful atmosphere."
"Beautiful BLM 14 day camping just outside Badlands National Park. I saw a herd of bison coming in. Good Verizon cell phone signal."
"We camped on the public lands just outside of Badlands National Park and it was amazing. The camping is dispersed and free, with no amenities, but the scenery more than makes up for it."
"It is a rather decent dirt road that runs along the cliffs edge of the badlands. Its on USFS land and allows for boondocking. There are wooden posts with a tent symbol on them to designate campsites."
"5 miles south of Wall, SD. Well marked where to camp, smooth dirt roads, great views. No problem going in with 35 ft gas Motorhome towing a car."
"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."
"Really recommend if you enjoy camping a little more off grid but still having others to hangout with"
"No water access but road is maintained (gravel) with potholes when it rains."
TravelerDry camped at Buffalo Gap National Grassland just south of Wall South Dakota off of 240. Plenty of space with flat ground for tent or RV. Spectacular view and right by I90 for easy access. Would definitely stay here again.
TravelerThis is a dispersed BLM area. It is easy to locate just take the hwy from Wall SD 5.5 miles toward the Badlands Park entrance. When you see the cell towers to onto the dirt road on the left.
I camped there on a Sunday night in September and there were lots of other campers there already at 2 pm. The area filled up as the day went on. See the pic that I added.
This is a beautiful spot and it was good to connect with the other campers. There are big horn sheep herds that will climb the walls and walk among the campers to graze on the flatland grass in the mornings.
Traveler5.5 south of Wall SD On hwy 240. Take a right at the tv towers and drive in to the rim of the wall. Free disbursed camping a mile north of the entrance to the Badlands National Park. No facilities and a rough road in, but worthwhile.
TravelerDrive 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.
GuideWall Dispersed Camping near Badlands National Park is a great spot for anyone looking to boondock with awesome views and a peaceful atmosphere. The location offers a unique contrast— rugged rock formations on one side and the wide-open grasslands of the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands on the other.
To get there, take the Wall Exit off I-90 and head south. Watch for the two radio towers— that's where you'll turn into the camping area. Once you turn in, don't be afraid to explore north(left) to look for spots. We wished we had driven around first and picked the best site instead of stopping early— there were definitely some better spots farther down. Campsites are marked with signs to help keep space between campers, which is a nice touch for privacy. T-Mobile service worked well during our stay. It can get very windy, so come prepared— and don’t be surprised if you’re sharing the area with a herd of cattle. It’s all part of the experience. A great free camping option with incredible scenery.
TravelerDispersed 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.
GuideMy first dry camping experience and, this is where it's at! The access road is about 7 miles south of Wall, making it just far enough to be AWAY. It's been said by other reviewers, it is windy. It's so beautiful, and the wind is the just nature's way of reminding you to move on. Otherwise you'd never leave. I considered the magic hour for arrivals, most folks appear to use this area as a layover and not a destination, so there was a lot of turnover of sites each day. If you arrive mid-day and hang around you'll have your choice of sites as folks leave for the next phase of their journey. My closest neighbors were about 50 yards away....but be mindful sound does carry up there. Your music and generators will affect others.
ScoutAwesome campsite. Easy to miss the turn. If coming from Wall, it’s on the left before you hit the “entering badlands” sign - & up a long dirt road.
GuideNo facilities. Meaning toilets, water or electric. ATT phone service was strong and had no problems. Great location close to the Badlands entrance. This is a doable spot without a 4x4 vehicle, although it makes it much easier. Some pretty big ruts and rocks along the dirt road. Regardless of when you actually get there you will be able to find a good spot, there are probably over 80. With a decent distance between each. As expected you are in top of the plains with nothing to cover so expect some heavy gusts.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Wall, South Dakota, where stunning landscapes and serene environments await outdoor enthusiasts. This area offers a variety of spots for those looking to escape into nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the rules for free camping in Badlands National Park near Wall?
Free camping is not permitted within Badlands National Park itself, but is allowed on the adjacent Buffalo Gap National Grassland. When camping at Badlands Dispersed Camping, you must pack out all trash, practice Leave No Trace principles, and typically limit stays to 14 days in a 30-day period. There are no amenities (no toilets, water, or hookups), so you must be fully self-sufficient. Look for existing pullouts and disturbed areas to minimize impact. Fires may be restricted during dry periods, so check current conditions. Most sites are located about 5-7 miles south of Wall on Highway 240, just before the Badlands National Park entrance.
Where is dispersed camping allowed near Wall, South Dakota?
Dispersed camping is allowed in the Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping area, located approximately 5.5-7 miles south of Wall on Highway 240. Look for the cell/radio towers and turn onto the dirt road on the left when heading toward Badlands National Park. This area offers spectacular views of the Badlands from the rim. The Wall Boondocking Dispersed is another option with similar access. Both areas feature rough dirt roads that may be challenging but are generally accessible for most vehicles. These sites are first-come, first-served with no designated campsites or reservation system.
Is there free BLM or National Forest camping near Wall, South Dakota?
Yes, free camping is available near Wall on public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The Buffalo Gap National Grassland offers extensive free dispersed camping opportunities just south of Wall. This is public land where boondocking is permitted with no fees required. Another option is the Badlands Boondocking Area, which offers similar free camping with stunning views of both grasslands and the Badlands formations. While there's no true BLM land in this specific area, these Forest Service grasslands function similarly with the same free camping privileges, typically allowing stays up to 14 days.
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