Camper submitted image from The Wall Boondocking Dispersed - 1

View Photos

Camper submitted image from The Wall Boondocking Dispersed - 2
Roads
Camper submitted image from The Wall Boondocking Dispersed - 3
Facilities
Camper submitted image from The Wall Boondocking Dispersed - 4
Nature
Camper submitted image from The Wall Boondocking Dispersed - 5
People
Unlock Planning Tools in App
pro

Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

The Wall Boondocking Dispersed

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

The Wall Boondocking Dispersed, near Badlands National Park, is a stunning location that offers breathtaking views and a true sense of freedom for campers. This area is perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in nature without the frills of traditional campgrounds.

Visitors rave about the incredible sunrises and sunsets, with one camper noting, “We enjoyed two nights at the Badlands Boondocking Area... the winds can get really high so don’t park too close to the edge.” The open landscape provides a picturesque backdrop, making it a favorite for photography enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat. Just remember, it can get quite windy, so be prepared for some gusty nights.

While there are no amenities like water or restrooms, the location is pet-friendly and allows for both tent and RV camping. Campers appreciate the spaciousness of the area, with plenty of spots to choose from, although some have mentioned the lack of privacy. As one reviewer put it, “It was easy to find, and even though there was a good amount of people there, it was spaced out and I felt comfortable.”

For those looking to explore, you’re just a stone's throw from Badlands National Park, where you can hike and take in the unique geological formations. Whether you’re here for a quick stop or a longer stay, The Wall Boondocking Dispersed offers a memorable experience surrounded by nature’s beauty.

Suggest an Edit

Location

The Wall Boondocking Dispersed is located in South Dakota

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

43.8943442 N
102.2295425 W

Open in Google Maps

The Dyrt Alerts

Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

Learn More
Presented byT Mobile

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 6 users
    Last on 9/11/25

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

DISPERSED CAMPING

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 The Wall Boondocking Dispersed needs a permit.


2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

78%
23%
0%
0%
0%

5.0

out of 5

36 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 30, 2025

Busy but nice

This is a pretty amazing place for dispersed camping. There are many sites along road that are marked and the views are spectacular. The primary downside was it is very dusty, and only a few drivers slowed down to keep the dust to a minimum. Other campers were nice although many let their dogs run freely, which made it challenging for those of us with a puppy when the free-range dogs wandered into our site. It was quiet and we slept well! We’d likely stay there again.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by James W., August 30, 2025
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by James W., August 30, 2025
Reviewed Jul. 4, 2025

Amazing views, lots of open spots

We were here the night before the 4th of July. It is a very popular spot, so there seems to often be a lot of people here, but there's a lot of space to camp. It doesn't seem to have individula designated campsites, but a designated camp area. It is a grazing pasture as well, so there is poop everywhere, but it's usually days old and dried, and you can find spots around it. The other downside is that the cows were mooing since 4am. The views are worth the trouble, though.

SiteUndesignated
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jun. 19, 2025

Awesome view w boondocking

Very nice view and location. A bit. Full at night, I suppose as summer and free. Spots are not flat to keep in mind

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by Arm M., June 19, 2025
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by Arm M., June 19, 2025
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by Arm M., June 19, 2025
Reviewed Jun. 10, 2025

Beautiful view!

This is a maintained boondocking area a few miles outside of the Badlands National Park entrance off of rt.240 with designated camp spots. Some spots are level others less so, such is the life. Currently, as of June 10th 2025, the road is accessible by almost any vehicle except a lowrider or sports car. However the road is dirt with some gravel so I would suspect it could be slippery when wet. I've seen 40' fifth wheel trailers, large diesel pusher RV's, all the way down to a small hatchback car with a tent.

The views are amazing! Being SD, it can be windy.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by Mercuric M., June 10, 2025
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by Mercuric M., June 10, 2025
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by Mercuric M., June 10, 2025
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Jun. 10, 2025

Free, Spacious Camping W/Views

Arriving on an early Monday afternoon there were several dozen campers spread out along the road. Plenty more spaces and if you don't see one you like, keep driving and check around the next bend. Can get windy and warm. Love listening to the grassland birds and occasional cow mooing in the pastures

Siterandom
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by Jason D., June 10, 2025
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by Jason D., June 10, 2025
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by Jason D., June 10, 2025
  • (7) View All
Reviewed May. 10, 2025

You will love it

The views are fantastic. We were there mid May and spots were plentiful. The acces road can be a bit choppy but was great overall. If you need water there is a spigot just past the park entrance.

Sitetop of the cliff
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by Francois T., May 10, 2025
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by Francois T., May 10, 2025
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by Francois T., May 10, 2025
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Oct. 4, 2024

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.

Siteyeah/nah
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by Paul K., October 4, 2024
Reviewed Oct. 4, 2024

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.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by michael V., October 4, 2024
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by michael V., October 4, 2024
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by michael V., October 4, 2024
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 20, 2024

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.

Sitethe edge
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jul. 26, 2024

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!

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by Elise V., July 26, 2024
Reviewed Jul. 24, 2024

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.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by Stephanie W., July 24, 2024
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by Stephanie W., July 24, 2024
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by Stephanie W., July 24, 2024
Reviewed Jul. 17, 2024

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.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Play button icon
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by samuel C., July 17, 2024
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2024

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.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by Jennie B., July 8, 2024
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by Jennie B., July 8, 2024
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by Jennie B., July 8, 2024
Reviewed Jul. 6, 2024

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.

SiteNorthernmost camp spot
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by Melissa C., July 6, 2024
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by Melissa C., July 6, 2024
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by Melissa C., July 6, 2024
Reviewed Jul. 2, 2024

Rainbows Abound

Pulling into this setting was like finding a slice of heaven. Never in a thousand years did I feel this would be such a tremendous location. The views are breathtaking and inspirational for onlookers and writers alike. I found a deep spiritual connection to our planet in this place. After a little rain, the sky broke into a double rainbow, casting beams of sunlight into the green grasses and Badlands beneath the cliffs edges. I will be back some day to fill my spirit again.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by Chris N., July 2, 2024
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by Chris N., July 2, 2024
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by Chris N., July 2, 2024
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jun. 23, 2024

Breathtaking!!

What a beautiful spot to camp for free!! There is no water/electric/restrooms. No fires are allowed. It is very windy!! Just bring a chair and enjoy the view!!

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by Ila R., June 23, 2024
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by Ila R., June 23, 2024
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by Ila R., June 23, 2024
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jun. 14, 2024

Spectacular views.

Had a great spot. Get there early for a spot. The views are spectacular. Can be windy but worth it.

SiteDispersed
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed May. 27, 2024

Stunning views and *mostly* accessible

Location couldn't be cooler as other reviewers have mentioned. That said, both of my stays here have had challenges (totally worth it): 1) it gets WINDY so check the forecast! You don't want to be parked on the edge in something high profile when those 35mph+ gusts come out, trust me. 2) that soil is something else when it gets wet! It gunks up your tires and turns into an oil slick. Less risk of getting stuck in the mud, more risk of sliding all over the place (praying you don't hit other campers or slide off entirely). I feel like rain is less likely during most of the year than wind, but I've been lucky enough to hit em both and they're worth knowing about. That said, the views here are incredible and unlike anything else. Right outside the park and 10 minutes from the nearest wifi (if you're a remote worker)

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by Vinay T., May 27, 2024
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by Vinay T., May 27, 2024
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by Vinay T., May 27, 2024
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Feb. 11, 2024

Stop with a view

Arrived past dark, could determine where to go so parked along roadside. In AM found The Wall well populated with overnight campers. We can see why!

SiteNA
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by Audrey F., February 11, 2024
Reviewed Nov. 1, 2023

Amazing views/camping

Big open area with amazing views for sunrise and just to hang out! Will definitely be staying again. I went at the end of August and arrived to the spot around 5:30pm. Still a lot of spots open.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by Jackson G., November 1, 2023
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by Jackson G., November 1, 2023
Reviewed Oct. 21, 2023

Epic views, lots of space

This was one of the best boondocking spots I’ve ever been to. There were multiple people there but there is so much space that you can definitely find a spot. There’s not a lot of privacy, but the views and wildlife make up for it and everyone is so friendly but keeps to themselves and is there to enjoy the outdoors. Great spot and right outside of the National park.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by Jennifer H., October 21, 2023
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by Jennifer H., October 21, 2023
  • Play button icon
Reviewed Oct. 2, 2023

STUNNING

You just pull up and find a spot along the ridge. It was pretty crowded and due to the terrain you don’t really have any privacy but the views and stars make it totally worth it. There’s no facilities here, so prepare well, but definitely worth a stop!

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by Anne W., October 2, 2023
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by Anne W., October 2, 2023
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by Anne W., October 2, 2023
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Oct. 1, 2023

Incredible Views!

High on a bluff overlooking a valley of beautiful mineral structures.  Absolutely gorgeous! It is a bit windy at times so secure everything! Left everything during the day to go out exploring and nothing was bothered when we returned.  Always other campers around, so if you want solitude this isn't the place.  But met some great folks during our stay.  Photo below is a sunrise from our camper door.  Oh, and did I mention it is free!  Well you paid for it in taxes, so come enjoy it!

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by Michael B., October 1, 2023
  • From the Camper door.
    Play button icon
Reviewed Sep. 29, 2023

Beautiful but windyyyy!

Awesome spot. Plenty of other campers, mostly with RVs or vans but everyone was respectful. We had a truck bed tent and as mentioned in one of the other reviews, the weather was unpredictable. We had some pretty intense winds and scattered storms come through the night.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by N M., September 29, 2023
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by N M., September 29, 2023
Reviewed Sep. 6, 2023

Wonderful

Beautiful location- lots of nice spots to chose from. Highly recommend

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by sue H., September 6, 2023
  • Review photo of The Wall Boondocking Dispersed by sue H., September 6, 2023
Reviewed Aug. 21, 2023

Scenic and worthwhile

Nothing beats the experience of boondocking at the wall. Waking up to this view is a must.

Site86
Month of VisitAugust
  • Play button icon
  • Play button icon
  • Play button icon
  • (5) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is The Wall dispersed camping located in the Badlands?

The Wall Boondocking Dispersed is located near the Pinnacle entrance of Badlands National Park in South Dakota. This dispersed camping area is situated on a high bluff with panoramic views overlooking the Badlands valley. Campers can set up directly along the rim of the wall, offering spectacular vistas of the unique mineral formations and landscapes below. The location provides easy access to the park while allowing campers to experience the dramatic scenery of the Badlands from an elevated perspective.

Is boondocking allowed at The Wall in the Badlands?

Yes, boondocking is fully permitted and popular at The Wall in the Badlands. This is a designated dispersed camping area where visitors can freely camp without formal sites or hookups. Campers typically park along the rim overlooking the Badlands, with many spots available along the edge. While the area can get busy, especially during peak seasons, there's usually enough space for everyone to find a spot to enjoy this unique boondocking experience.

Are there any fees for camping at The Wall in the Badlands?

The Wall Boondocking Dispersed is completely free to camp at. There are no entrance fees, camping fees, or permits required to stay overnight in this area. This makes it an excellent budget-friendly option for exploring Badlands National Park. Just arrive, find an available spot along the rim, and enjoy the spectacular views without any cost.

What is the best time of year to camp at The Wall in South Dakota?

The best times to camp at The Wall are late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) when temperatures are more moderate. Summer (July-August) camping is possible but challenging due to intense heat, with temperatures potentially reaching 100°F, though breezes can provide some relief. Be prepared for extreme and unpredictable weather year-round, including strong winds, sudden storms, and significant temperature fluctuations. The area is also known for beautiful sunrises, so any time of year can offer spectacular morning views. Many campers arrive before noon to secure prime spots, especially during busier seasons.

What amenities are available at The Wall dispersed camping area?

The Wall Boondocking Dispersed is a true primitive camping experience with no formal amenities or facilities. There are no restrooms, water sources, trash services, dump stations, or electrical hookups. However, the area does have surprisingly strong cell service with 5G coverage reported by many campers. Visitors must pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste. Come prepared with enough water, food, and other essentials for your entire stay, and practice Leave No Trace principles while enjoying the spectacular views and natural setting.