Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping provides free dispersed camping options with pets allowed near Badlands National Park. This primitive camping area permits dogs but lacks amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash facilities. Badlands/White River KOA accommodates pets at their tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and yurts, featuring full hookups including electric, water, sewer connections, and trash disposal for travelers with animals. The KOA maintains clean facilities with showers, restrooms, and a market where pet supplies can be purchased if needed. Badlands Boondocks area now has markers designating approved camping spots to prevent people from parking too close to cliff edges, improving safety for pets and people while reducing environmental impact.
Several Black Hills pet-friendly options include Elkhorn Ridge RV Resort with concrete pads and landscaped grounds welcoming pets, plus a designated dog park for exercise. Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch permits pets at their cabin accommodations and camping areas, with firewood available for purchase. Campers should be aware of ticks when hiking with dogs, particularly on trails near Spokane Creek Campground where visitors reported finding ticks after hikes to scenic overlooks. The regional trail connected to Creekside Mountain Resort provides excellent dog walking opportunities in a natural setting with stream access. Many campgrounds maintain quiet policies after dark, important for campers with dogs that might bark at wildlife sounds common throughout South Dakota's camping areas.
"I camped on the ridge in the South Dakota grasslands. I was able to look out my front door and see the badlands or or see the grasslands out my rear window."
"We choose one opposite the edge but it was too small and angled for someone to camp there. This gave us a perfect spot to set up our chairs and enjoy the view."
$37 - $47 / night
"Stayed one night in a converted Sprinter while traveling through South Dakota, we needed a place with showers. The showers and restrooms were pay to use, with a single curtain as privacy."
"Despite some not so positive reviews, we enjoyed our one-night stay at Cedar Pass. Yes, the campground layout is not well designed."
$24 - $174 / night
"We liked: tent sites on the outskirts, trail / dog-hiking area, proximity to Badlands. Showers and price were ok. To earn 5 stars it needs more seclusion and trees for tent sites."
"The campground was great and super close to the Badlands park entrance. The owners were very nice and helpful."
"This KOA is kinda outside of anything which is nice. It is quiet and has a dog park for your pets which is awesome. The bathrooms were clean and the people who checked us in were super nice."
"Mini golf, camp store, dog park, and pool available. 10 min drive from the park!"
"Make the most of your South Dakota vacation by spending it camping. My group tented and had a great time."
"Downside is it’s a crowded and our site had the dog park behind it."
"I spent a couple of weeks in the Badlands area of South Dakota this past summer. I camped for 5 night along The Wall. "
"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!"
$12 - $45 / night
"This campground is centrally locates to some great activities in South Dakota. We made day trips to visit the Badlands, Wall Drug Store, Wind Cave and Mount Rushmore."
"Close to many South Dakota tourist sites."
"This lake is beautiful, its one of my favorite places inside Custer state park. There are a ton of trails, all within easy walking distance. Make sure you pack plenty of water."
"We had one of the spots that was more out in the open and close to our neighbors, but the sites on the outside of the middle loop were much more private."
"South Dakota State Park, Brandon SD. Great stop. We spent 2 days. Very nice campground with lots to do and see. Big spacious sites ours backed up to the bike path and river."
"They have nice long paved trails for walking and biking. We got to walk our dogs on it to avoid tick contact from the grassy trails. There was a cool suspension bridge that was fun to walk on."
"This was a great spot despite the thunderstorm I got caught in and nearly destroyed my tent."
"They’re scattered all along the drive of the mountain. The roads are all dirt going back to the sites."
GuideFree. Talk to the local market right in town if there is any free dispersed area to camp at. I was led out here by a local on a side by side. They are SUPER friendly. Pack in pack out. during Sturgis weekend they also have biker breakfast from the volunteer fire department. It’s easy to get in and out. Wild cows. Great adventure bike trails(check out the local atv rental or Vintage USA Mike in Rapid City for a motorcycle)
Guide$20 with water and electric. Great place to rest up heading out to badlands from the Midwest.
ScoutSpent 2 weeks at site 39. Amazing views, nice showers and hearing the cows made it even better. All the hook ups are as they should be. Would definitely return if in the area.
GuideBeautiful spot right outside Wall & Badlands. Easy to get in. Spacious. Great view.
TravelerVery nice place to camp. Tent campers (which there are not many here) live side by side with very expensive vehicles, many generators on late or all night. I was there fall 2026, they were putting up railroad ties for individual sites for rvs. A structure was being built on the north east side. Looked like maybe a big outhouse. I would be surprised if they don't start charging $$ for an overnight site next year.
GuideNice, safe spot to camp. Stayed in October, so no running water or bathrooms, just the vault toilets. Quiet, clean, peaceful. No service with verizon, but they do have wifi. 30 mins out from Hot Springs. Lots of Buffalo and Prarie Dogs to watch. Pet friendly, but be careful, mountain lions and other animals in the area.
GuideI did a drive through and it’s a basic campground. I didn’t see any problems with it. Just small. I did use the dump station and it was easy and efficient to use. I looked around for an attendant but I believe it is self service. Decided not to stay the night.
TravelerExcellent laye season stay! Early on the road is very well groomed and easily accessible. There were a spots that looked really nice with people already set up so I continued in. There are plenty of spots leading all the way back until the road dead ends into trails. Which also has a nice little turn out at the very end big enough for a small site. Though the road does have some pretty rough spots and some steep ledges in areas youll have to traverse past to get to more spots. Recommend good clearance and no rigs as you get deeper in.
ScoutI’m writing this as a warning to solo travelers.
I agree that the resort is lovely, and I initially had a very positive impression of the owner, Garret. Unfortunately, it seems Garret took an interest in me that moved beyond hosting. This led to what was, frankly, alarming conduct that included surveillance-like behavior.
For example, he told me he noticed where I was on the property and who I was talking to. One night, I came out after midnight to walk my dog and discovered he’d been sitting in the dark watching my camper; he called me over, and during that conversation told me he’d been photographing my camp without my knowledge or consent. He also told me he wondered whether I was single and told me he himself was single, while in reality his partner was living with him on the property at the time.
The inappropriate advances continued even after I left the resort.
The land is beautiful, but if you go alone, I would be careful to maintain very clear boundaries with the host both during your stay and after you leave.
South Dakota offers a variety of pet-friendly camping options, allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors with your furry companions. From scenic views to ample activities, these campgrounds cater to both pets and their owners.
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