Top Free Dispersed Camping in South Dakota
Searching for a dispersed camping spot in South Dakota? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Search nearby dispersed campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Dispersed Sites in South Dakota (48)
1.
Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping
Wall, South Dakota117 Reviews399 Photos1497 SavesThe Wall is a part of Buffalo Gap National Grasslands. It is near The Badlands National Park and is dispersed camping.
There is only one small developed recreation area on the Buffalo Gap National Grassland. The National Grassland Visitor Center is located in Wall, South Dakota. This site provides the history behind the system of the National Grasslands located across the West.
While there is only one developed campground, there are plenty of open spaces to camp. Bring your horse, your bicycle or your OHV and spend some quiet time in the wide open spaces of the Grassland.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nebraska/recarea/?recid=30333
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2.
The Wall Boondocking Dispersed
Wall, South Dakota26 Reviews78 Photos182 SavesWelcome to The Wall Boondocking Dispersed area, nestled in the Buffalo Gap National Grassland in South Dakota. This spot is a favorite among campers for its breathtaking views and wide-open spaces. Perched along a ridge, it offers stunning vistas of the Badlands, making it a perfect place to catch a sunrise or sunset.
This location is all about simplicity and natural beauty. There are no facilities here—no toilets, showers, or drinking water—so come prepared. It's a true boondocking experience, but the payoff is worth it. The views are unparalleled, and the night sky is a stargazer's dream.
Visitors have noted that it can get quite windy, so make sure to secure your gear. The soil can also get tricky when wet, turning into a slick mess, so keep an eye on the weather. Despite these challenges, campers rave about the experience. The area is spacious, allowing for plenty of room to spread out, though privacy can be limited due to the open terrain.
Pets are welcome, and there's no need for a permit, making it an easy and accessible spot for a spontaneous getaway. It's also free, which is always a bonus. Just remember to pack out what you pack in, as there are no trash services available.
Whether you're in a tent or an RV, The Wall offers a unique and memorable camping experience. It's a great spot to unwind, enjoy the scenery, and maybe even meet some fellow campers. So, grab your gear and head out to The Wall for an unforgettable adventure.
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3.
RD 356 Dispersed Site Black Hills National Forest
Hill City, South Dakota22 Reviews55 Photos360 SavesWelcome to RD 356 Dispersed Site in the heart of Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota. This spot is a gem for those who crave solitude and a true back-to-nature experience. The area is known for its peaceful ambiance, with many visitors praising the seclusion and serenity it offers. If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle, this is the place to be.
Now, let's talk about the nitty-gritty. This isn't your typical campground with all the bells and whistles. There are no toilets, showers, or drinking water, so you'll need to come prepared. Pack in your water and toilet paper, and be ready to pack out all your trash. Fires aren't allowed, so plan your meals accordingly. Despite the lack of amenities, the beauty of this place more than makes up for it.
The road to get here can be a bit of a challenge. It's rough and rutted, especially after a rainstorm, so a vehicle with high clearance is highly recommended. Some folks have managed with regular cars, but having a 4x4 will definitely make your life easier. Once you make it through, you'll find several well-separated sites, each offering a good amount of privacy.
One of the highlights of this area is its proximity to Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. You're close enough to civilization to make a quick trip for supplies, but far enough to feel like you're in your own little world. The views are stunning, with mountains and dense woodland all around. Some campers have even reported having cell service, which is a nice bonus if you need to stay connected.
In summary, RD 356 Dispersed Site is perfect for those who are self-sufficient and looking for a quiet, secluded spot to camp. Just be prepared for a bit of a rough ride getting in, and you'll be rewarded with a peaceful retreat in the beautiful Black Hills.
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4.
Oacoma Flatts
Chamberlain, South Dakota23 Reviews31 Photos231 SavesWelcome to Oacoma Flatts, a dispersed camping area right on the banks of the Missouri River in South Dakota. If you're looking for a peaceful spot to pitch your tent or park your rig, this place has got you covered. It's free to camp here, and you can stay for up to seven days.
One of the best things about Oacoma Flatts is the stunning river views. You can camp right by the water and enjoy the serene landscape. Some visitors have mentioned that the sunsets and moonlit nights are particularly beautiful. If you're into birdwatching, keep an eye out for woodpeckers in the dead trees along the shore.
While the area doesn't offer amenities like drinking water or electric hookups, it does allow campfires, so you can still enjoy a cozy evening by the fire. Just remember to bring your own firewood. Pets are welcome, so feel free to bring your furry friends along for the adventure.
Access is easy, even for larger vehicles, and the dirt roads are manageable with a 2WD. It's close to I-90, so you might hear some road noise, but most folks find it quiet and relaxing. The area is also known for its wildlife, so you might spot some interesting critters during your stay.
Whether you're passing through on a road trip or looking for a quiet spot to unwind, Oacoma Flatts offers a simple, natural camping experience. Just be prepared for the basics—no showers, no trash service, and no picnic tables. But if you can handle a bit of roughing it, you'll find this spot to be a peaceful retreat by the river.
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5.
North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping
Custer, South Dakota19 Reviews41 Photos310 SavesWelcome to North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping, a hidden gem in the Black Hills National Forest of South Dakota. This spot is perfect for those who love a bit of adventure and don't mind roughing it. It's a no-frills area, so don't expect amenities like toilets, showers, or even picnic tables. But what it lacks in facilities, it more than makes up for with stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere.
Visitors rave about the breathtaking scenery and the tranquility of the area. The views of the Black Hills are simply amazing, especially if you manage to snag a spot on one of the higher elevations. You might even find yourself camping next to some friendly cows, as they tend to wander around the area. Just be prepared for a bit of a bumpy ride getting there; the road is gravel and dirt, and it can be tricky if you have a low-clearance vehicle.
One of the best things about this spot is that it's free. You can set up your tent or park your RV without worrying about fees or permits. Pets are welcome, so feel free to bring your furry friends along for the adventure. Just remember, no fires are allowed, so plan your meals accordingly.
For those looking to explore, you're just a short drive from iconic landmarks like Crazy Horse and Mount Rushmore. If you're into hiking, Hell Canyon Trail is about 10 minutes west and offers a fantastic 5.5-mile loop.
In summary, North Pole Rd Dispersed Camping is a fantastic spot for those who love nature and don't mind a bit of a challenge. Pack your gear, bring plenty of water, and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience in the heart of the Black Hills.
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6.
Buffalo Gap National Grassland
Wall, South Dakota17 Reviews53 Photos601 SavesThis area is divided into two areas located in southern South Dakota. One area is south and northeast of Hot Springs and the other is south and west of Wall. There are few developed recreation sites, but plenty of space for all kinds of recreational opportunities.
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7.
Richland reservoir dispersed camping
Fort Pierre, South Dakota13 Reviews26 Photos167 Saves- Pets
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8.
Mount Roosevelt Road Dispersed Campsite
Deadwood, South Dakota8 Reviews19 Photos95 Saves- Pets
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9.
Belle Fourche Reservoir Dispersed Camping
Belle Fourche, South Dakota7 Reviews27 Photos60 SavesThe Belle Fourche Dam is a dam on Owl Creek in Butte County, South Dakota, approximately eight miles east of Belle Fourche, South Dakota. Its construction created the Belle Fourche Reservoir, the Belle Fourche National Wildlife Refuge, and the Rocky Point Recreation Area.
The reservoir has approximately eight thousand acres of water surface, 6,700 acres of land, and 58 miles of shoreline. It's stocked with walleye, catfish, and white bass. Average depth is twenty-five feet, but it has areas as deep as sixty feet at full capacity. Common activities at Belle Fourche Reservoir include boating, fishing, ice fishing, ice skating, camping, cooking out, and water skiing.
At its 1911 completion by the Bureau of Reclamation, Belle Fourche Dam was the largest earthen dam in the world. The dam is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1989 it was listed among the approximately 250 Historic Civil Engineering Landmarks.
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10.
Baja Area Dispersed - Buffalo Gap National Grassland
Interior, South Dakota7 Reviews25 Photos156 SavesThere is only one small developed recreation area on the Buffalo Gap National Grassland. The National Grassland Visitor Center is located in Wall, South Dakota. This site provides the history behind the system of the National Grasslands located across the West.
While there is only one developed campground, there are plenty of open spaces to camp. Bring your horse, your bicycle or your OHV and spend some quiet time in the wide open spaces of the Grassland.
Overnight camping in developed sites is on a first-come, first-served basis. Campfires are allowed unless restrictions are posted. Red Cloud Campground site features 13 sites with picnic tables and fire grates, and a vault toilet. From Chadron, NE travel eight miles south of on U.S. Highway 385 to the campground.
Backcountry, dispersed or primitive camping (no facilities) is allowed anywhere on the National Forest.
Practicing Leave No Trace principles ensures that the next person to visit will have the same sense of discovery as those who came before.
The seven principles are:
Plan ahead and prepare, Camp and travel on durable surfaces, Dispose of waste properly, Leave what you find, Minimize campfire impacts, Respect wildlife, Be considerate of other visitors.
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Showing results 1-10 of 48 campgrounds