Map showing campground location near Pierre, South Dakota

Camper submitted image from Sage Creek Wilderness Area

Sage Creek Wilderness Area

This free dispersed camping area requires backpackers to hike in from a parking area off Rim Road, where campers register before entering the wilderness. The high prairie terrain hosts over 600 bison, making wildlife awareness essential for safe camping. Hikers must carry all water since Sage Creek water cannot be filtered for drinking.

The remote location sees few overnight visitors, making it suitable for experienced backpackers comfortable with primitive conditions and wildlife encounters. Campers can explore jagged rock formations and open grasslands, though the area lacks any amenities or nearby assistance. Horsethief Campground provides a more developed option for those preferring established sites with facilities.

Suggest an Edit

Map & DirectionsSage Creek Wilderness Area is located in South Dakota near Pierre

Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

44.8714427501659 N
100.1513671875 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Access

Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Dispersed

Features

Have you camped here? Help us improve this campground page.

Add a Feature

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Sage Creek Wilderness Area needs a permit.

Try PRO for Free

Contact

General Info

Visit Website

Drive Time

2 hrs 40 min from Bismarck, ND
3 hrs 18 min from Rapid City, SD
3 hrs 46 min from Sioux Falls, SD
4 hrs 25 min from Fargo, ND

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Enter to Win

Reviews1 Camper Review - Sage Creek Wilderness Area

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

5.0

out of 5

1 Review

Ashley F.

Ranger

Reviewed Jul. 31, 2019

Backpacking with Bison

Please note that this is NOT the designated Sage Creek campground but the wilderness area that allows for very primitive tent camping. You park off of Rim Road where there is a small lot and a place to register (whether you're day-hiking or staying over night). You hike down into the high prarie and keep wide eye out for bison ( there are over 600 in the badlands!). Make sure that when you do come across wildlife, especially bison, that you give them ample space, do not appear aggressive and definitely don't try to pet them. You must hike in with your food and plenty of water, because the water in Sage Creek is not able to be filtered. It is very easy to spend hours and days exploring the beautiful land and jagged rock, but you must be prepared. From what we saw and what we researched, rarely do people go out and backpack and camp in this wilderness area. I would recommend this to only those who have enough experience backpacking and who know how to prepare themselves, as you will not be near any people or amenities.