Camping in the middle of the country runs the gamut from getting completely off the grid to settling in at a comfy campground with all the modern amenities. Some of the best dispersed camping in the world is enjoyed right in the heartland of America.
“The Wall” in Buffalo Gap National Grasslands in South Dakota has been ranked No. 1 or No. 2 every year The Dyrt has recognized the Best Places to Camp. It is once again on top of the 2024 Best Places to Camp in the Central Region list. Another dispersed Dakota camping paradise is Scoria Pit, which comes in at No. 2. Overall, five of the Top 10 campgrounds in the Central Region are in one of the Dakotas.
Check out these and the rest of this year’s Best Places to Camp Regional Award winners in the Central Region, which are based on reviews and ratings from The Dyrt’s vast community of campers.
1. “The Wall” in Buffalo Gap National Grasslands — South Dakota
Location: Wall
What makes it great: Only about a mile from one of the main overlooks in the Badlands, this boondocking spot is justifiably popular — there are no amenities at all but the views are incredible. You can learn more about Buffalo Gap National Grasslands at the National Grassland Visitor Center in nearby Wall. It’s a good base for exploring the Badlands, but also excellent for spotting wildlife, catching sunsets and sunrises, and night-sky photography.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“Amazing views and plenty of sites. The views from the campsites are astounding. Very serene landscape with plenty of wildlife. The road is long and I suggest following it all the way before picking a campsite.” — Logan W
“Had a fantastic experience at the ‘wall.’ I pulled into what seemed like pure grassland only to be wonderfully surprised by the scenic wall of badlands! 10/10 experience.” — Alexis R
Campground details
Price: Free
Number of sites: Dispersed
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
2. Scoria Pit — North Dakota
Location: Medora
What makes it great: Solitude and sunsets within easy striking distance of Theodore Roosevelt National Park make this dispersed camping area a hit. Surrounded by National Grassland, it’s close to several hiking areas, including a petrified forest trail and the Maah Daah Hey trail system, which traverses the highs and lows of the Badlands and crosses the Little Missouri River. Hiking and wilderness adventures — and buffalo — abound in the national park, and its south entrance is minutes away in Medora.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“Beautiful views. Quiet and peaceful. Smells amazing from all the sage and other shrubs.” — Nikki S
“Easy, good views, privacy. There is one spectacular site at the end of the road and up a hill that overlooks the whole area.” — Rachel B
“Beautiful, quiet dispersed camping!” — Emilie V
Campground details
Price: Free
Number of sites: Dispersed
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
3. Neches Bluff Overlook Campground — Texas
Location: Alto
What makes it great: In east Texas, not far from the Louisiana border and surrounded by national forests, this dispersed camping area sits atop a famed bluff with panoramic views over the woods. It’s on the same road as the north trailhead for the famed 4-C Trail, within the Davy Crockett National Forest, making it a hiker’s dream. There are small creeks, rock formations and other wilderness delights to explore all around the camping area, and unlike most dispersed/primitive campsites, this one has a clean vault toilet.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“Very quiet and beautiful!” — Jon D
“Love this location – everything was so simple, nothing extra just simple relaxing camping and beautiful scenery.” — Austin B
“10/10 would definitely go again and explore more. The overlook is so pretty, and honestly, this place gave us the perfect camping experience.” — Rachel H
Campground details
Price: Free
Number of sites: Dispersed
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
4. Big Pine Campground — South Dakota
Location: Custer
What makes it great: This is a convenient spot for visiting South Dakota’s Black Hills and all the attractions within: Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Jewel Cave, Wind Cave National Park, Custer State Park and more. RV sites are roomy and spaced apart, and the bathroom/shower/laundry facilities are kept clean and tidy. There are two camper cabins for rent, as well as a retro camper trailer for those seeking a little more luxury. A game room and playground keep the kids entertained.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“Tranquil, peaceful and perfect. We really enjoyed our private campsite and enjoyed the location.” — Drillnpick
“Great place to stay. Clean bathrooms and showers. Nice spacing of the RV’s & Campers. Large sites to park vehicles. Quiet!” — David B
Campground details
Price: $27-$57
Number of sites: 90
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
5. Juniper Campground — Theodore Roosevelt National Park — North Dakota
Location: Watford City
What makes it great: Handy to the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Juniper Campground has a couple of trails crossing right through it (the Achenbach Trail and Little Mo nature trail). Several of the RV sites back up against the Little Missouri River; there are also a handful of tent-only walk-in sites, a picnic area, bathrooms and a dump station. It’s a comfortable, no-frills base from which to explore one of the country’s most rugged national parks. Spot bison, elk and other wildlife on the extensive hiking trails throughout the park.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“We weren’t even here and parked…15 minutes later and three bison come right past my camper. I knew we would see them but wow!!! I was in awe.” — Kristi D
“Beautiful, well-maintained campground. New bathroom on site. Walking distance to the cannonball creations. There is also a dump station here unlike Cottonwood Camp in the South unit.” — Shana D
Campground details
Price: $7-$30
Number of sites: 50
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
6. Riverfront Campground — Ponca State Park — Nebraska
Location: Ponca
What makes it great: Ponca State Park is the eastern gateway to a 59-mile section of the Missouri National Recreational River. Hikers and mountain bikers can explore the park’s 20-mile trail system. The park also offers daily educational programs, backcountry horseback rides, and a nearby golf course. The campground boasts views of the Missouri River and the rolling hills and bluffs that line it. Each RV site has electrical hookups (no water or sewer connections), fire rings and picnic tables, and the campground also has a modern restroom.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“Very peaceful. Good-sized grassy sites. Table, fire ring, water, pit toilet. Large park with plenty of amenities.” — Janet K
“Beautiful place! So much to do on site. Miles of trails! My family did 7 miles. Wonderful views of 3 states. Along the Missouri River. Lovely welcome center with puzzles and games.” — S.U.
Campground details
Price: $30
Number of sites: 20
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
7. Beavers Bend State Park — Oklahoma
Location: Eagletown
What makes it great: Located in the mountainous region of southeast Oklahoma along the shores of Broken Bow Lake and the Mountain Fork River, this state park campground is in prime territory for all kinds of outdoor activities: hiking, biking, boating, fishing, water skiing, paddling, horseback riding and more. There are cabins with kitchenettes as well as RV sites and tent sites; the best locations are right along the bank of the river.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“Beautiful Campground!!!! We stayed in the Acorn campground right by the river. Clean and well stocked bathrooms, level campsites, and fantastic views. The trees make you think you’re in Colorado.” — Jennifer O
“Beautiful tall trees that whisper when the wind blows. Good hiking.” — Heather P
“Amazing Park! The towering canopy takes your breath away. We enjoyed a tasty dinner on the grill. Fly fishing the rapids of Spillway Creek below Broken Bow Lake and above Lower Mountain Fork River with my boys quickly became a memory I will never forget.” — Adventure A
Campground details
Price: $20-$40
Number of sites: 450
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
8. RD 356 Dispersed Site Black Hills National Forest — South Dakota
Location: Hill City
What makes it great: Solitude and being off the grid in the midst of the beautiful Black Hills landscape make this dispersed camping area a favorite. And it doesn’t hurt that you’re just 10 minutes away from Mount Rushmore. The sites in the midst of this rugged terrain are best for campers with high-clearance vehicles and there’s obviously no campground amenities, but it’s close enough to main roads that getting supplies and fuel is easy. For those who seek it out, this free destination in the middle of such a heavily touristed area is a rare find.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“Super secluded and serene.” — Wayne L
“This place was really fun! We found a great spot off the road to hangout for a few days that had a great view of mountains!” — Carissa J
“Close enough to civilization to be able to get stuff. Removed enough from civilization to feel free from the city. Camping spots are secluded and private.” — Marco E
Campground details
Price: Free
Number of sites: Dispersed
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
9. Wilson State Park Campground — Kansas
Location: Wilson
What makes it great: Whether you prefer lakeside camping or the shelter of shade trees, Wilson State Park and its namesake 9,000-acre reservoir provide a surprising oasis just off I-70 in the middle of Kansas. You can swim, paddle, fish, hike, mountain bike, sunbathe, birdwatch, or just relax and enjoy the sunset. There are recreation sites all around the lake’s rugged shoreline. Campsites are situated around the shores of State Park Cove and Hell Creek Cove, many with views of the lake. RV campers can choose from full- or partial-hookup sites, back-in or pull-through, and there are plentiful tent-only sites as well as flush and vault toilets, showers, and cooking shelters.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“Perfect spot for camping, kayaking, swimming, fishing, hiking, biking… or chillaxing!” — Darren
“We’ve camped at Wilson State Park three times now on eastbound road trips and I can’t recommend it enough! There are sheltered sites on green lawns where tent campers can spend a quiet night. Trees provide shelter from wind and thunderstorms. Depending on where you camp you can walk to swim in the reservoir. And the Switchgrass MTB is surprisingly fun!” — Mike D
Campground details
Price: $10-$23
Number of sites: 240
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
10. Inks Lake State Park — Texas
Location: Burnet
What makes it great: A great getaway from the summer heat, this campground in Texas Hill Country has tons of activities for the whole family. Paddling and swimming on the lake is the main attraction, but there’s also fishing, hiking, geocaching, volleyball, birdwatching, or just hanging out on the beach. Many of the campsites are lakeside; there are also several camping cabins available. You can borrow fishing equipment from the park, including rods, reels and tackle boxes, to fish from the pier or the shore.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“We’ve never seen so many wildflowers, especially bluebonnets. The display was stunning. Facilities at the park were very clean, and it really has everything that you need.” — Stuart G
“Fabulous fishing and great hiking.” — Roger W
“We took our 3 year old on his first camping trip and Inks lake didn’t disappoint. Plenty of activities and not too far from town if you need some ice cream after a long day on the lake.” — Julius L
Campground details
Price: $11-$20
Number of sites: 200
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
Browse thousands of the best camping locations in the Central region:
- Sioux Falls, SD
- Rapid City, SD
- Fargo, ND
- Bismarck, ND
- Houston, TX
- Dallas, TX
- Austin, TX
- Omaha, NE
- Lincoln, NE
- Oklahoma City, OK
- Tulsa, OK
- Norman, OK
- Wichita, KS
- Overland Park, KS
- Kansas City, KS
See all Best Places to Camp awards here.