EXPLORE · FREE CAMPING
Free Camping in South Dakota
South Dakota's Black Hills National Forest allows dispersed camping throughout the ponderosa pine hills. The Norbeck Wildlife Preserve and the Black Elk Wilderness have some backcountry camping. The Spearfish Canyon area has dispersed sites off canyon roads. Most Black Hills dispersed camping is accessible year-round, though some roads close in winter.
No reservations needed for dispersed camping. Check fire restrictions at fs.usda.gov before your trip — restrictions change frequently in summer. Stay limit is typically 14 days at any one location. Find free camping on the Trek4Free map →
Before You Go
Gear up for dispersed camping — no hookups, no camp store, no running water
Free Camping Sites in South Dakota
This small campground is in a remote area with picnic tables, fire rings, and a vault toilet. This site is popular for rockhounding and exploring the badlands a…
Black Hills National Forest, not too far from Custer South Dakota in the heart of the Black Hills. Watch out for free roaming cows!
Black Hills National Forest South Dakota, not far from Hot Springs (more like "tepid waters") South Dakota. Roadside.
Buffalo Gap National Grassland, South Dakota, near Badlands National Park.
Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge South Dakota, Martin South Dakota is probably the closest town. In the middle of farmland-- Not great.
High clearance, 4wd (some mud), short vehicle reccomended. Cow patties, some highway noise, but not bad. Easy access to wind cave, south of US385. Road name …
Pierre Natl Grasslands. I believe there are various area in here where you can free camp. No campgrounds though. This one is by a pond at Richland Dam. This is …
Only free sites at Angostura state park. The other two hundred sites charge $18.00 a day plus entrance fee. The free sites are located on the WEST side of Ang…