Camping Near the Badlands National Park

The Badlands in South Dakota are one of my absolute favorite places ever. So needless to say we were thrilled to find free camping near Badlands National Park. Not only was the camping free but the setting, the view and the whole experience was just priceless. We’ve called a lot of places home but camping near the Badlands was one of those perfect moments where everything feels like you’re where you’re supposed to be. And the cherry on top, this camp spot is serenely set right at the edge of a beautiful dramatic overlook!

Basic Camping Info

Ownership: Buffalo Gap National Grasslands; 14 day camping limit

Directions: From Wall, South Dakota head south on the SD-240 E (Glenn Street) towards the Badlands National Park entrance booth for about 6.8 miles. On your left you will see a couple of tall cell towers which are near the overlook where the dispersed camping is. There are a couple dirt roads providing access to the overlook. Choose a dirt road, close the gate behind you, and pick your camp spot!

Road Conditions: Once you turn off of the SD-240 E the roads are dirt but they are in overall good condition. Cars and 40+ foot RV’s seemed to make it here just fine.

Miles to Town: About 7 miles

Cell Service: Good T-Mobile and Verizon

Solar: Excellent, no shade even if you wanted some.

Water: Bring water with you. You can fill up some jugs at the National Grasslands Visitor Center in Wall.

Our Experience Camping Near the Badlands

After checking out the notorious Wall Drug but before entering Badlands National Park off of the main road you’ll probably notice some campers to the left. From the main road, there are several dirt roads that lead to the edge of an overlook. All along the overlook there are numerous existing dispersed camp sites to choose from. These sites can accommodate everything from tents to large RV’s and trailers.

And best of all, all of the sites here come with a fantastic view! From the overlook, and our front door, we were granted a beautiful view into the vast badlands and prairies below. And, to make it even better, we were able to see and sometimes hear the cows down below as well as deer and mountain goats!

There were quite a few campers along the ridge of the overlook but still, the area was clean, well taken care of and quiet. We chose a spot on the outskirts, and though we could see others, we couldn’t hear them and there was enough distance to have privacy.

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The weather was great and being cliffside there was always a nice breeze. The stars were great here, the sunsets were gorgeous, and it was very peaceful! And believe it or not, there were even more perks about camping near the Badlands.

First, there was a steep but manageable trail down from the overlook to the grasslands mixed with badlands formations down below. We adventured around the foot of the overlook and found some cool formations, cool rocks and some deer. The second perk was the relatively short distance to town. And the third, more obvious perk, was how close this camping area is to the entrance of Badlands National Park.

There are a lot of neat trails in Badlands National Park and so much beauty! The colorful badlands contrasting with the vast green prairie is just a sight my eyes couldn’t get enough of! And the wildlife! This place is truly magical. Finding free and awesome camping near the badlands made it so further exploration of this special area was possible. Stay tuned for these upcoming articles about our other adventures in South Dakota!

• Best Hikes in Badlands National Park
• Camping in the Black Hills
• Spearfish Canyon Scenic Drive

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