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…
Overview This private access group campsite is isolated among the forested Black Hills of South Dakota, overlooking a private bay on the Pactola Reservoir. Grea…
Overview Bismarck Lake Campground is set amidst a scattering of aspen groves and Ponderosa pine on the southeast edge of Bismarck Lake at 5,000 feet. This is a …
The Black Fox Campground has nine camp sites. Restroom facilities are available. The campground is in a remote location within a spruce forest on South Fork Rap…
Overview Surrounded by the vast, open prairie and featuring expansive views of the Badlands, Cedar Pass Campground is a great base camp from which to explore Ba…
Overview Situated in an open Ponderosa pine forest 6.5 miles west of Custer, South Dakota, Comanche Park Campground is a campground for visitors seeking recreat…
Overview Situated in a heavily forested area adjacent to Cook Lake, this campground is a peaceful setting for guests seeking recreation and relaxation in the Bl…
Overview Dutchman Campground, located in a shady Ponderosa pine forested area on the northeast edge of Deerfield Reservoir at 5,000 feet. This camp is an ideal …
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 …
On the shore of Merritt Reservoir. Samuel R. McKelvie National forest, "trading post" within 5 miles. 4x4 helpful but not required. Good fishing. Free camping, …
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…
Overview This campground lies beneath a canopy of oak and Ponderosa pine on the banks of Grizzly Creek. The site has retained much of its original Civilian Cons…
Overview Located 10 miles south of Hill City, South Dakota, Horsethief Lake Campground is a delightful setting for visitors seeking recreation and relaxation in…
Overview Located 13 miles outside Custer, South Dakota, Iron Creek Horse Camp offers a peaceful setting for guests seeking recreation and relaxation in Southeas…
Overview Located 4 miles south of Hill City, South Dakota, Oreville Campground is a delightful setting for guests seeking recreation and relaxation in Black Hil…
Overview This campground is nestled in the pine trees along the south shore of Pactola Reservoir, offering guests lake views and access to a multitude of recrea…
Overview Roubaix Campground is tucked into a grove of Ponderosa pines along its namesake lake. With a popular swim beach and opportunities for non motorized boa…
Sage Creek Campground is a primitive campground. There is no charge to stay here and camping is available on a first come first serve basis. The campground rare…
Overview This campground is along the south shore of Sheridan Lake. Within its 5 large loops, there are many sites with direct access to the lake. Access to the…
Overview Sheridan North Cove Group Campground, in a forest of Ponderosa pine is along the north shore of Sheridan Lake. This is an ideal setting for large group…
Overview Summit Ridge Cabin is located near the border of Wyoming in Southwestern South Dakota on the Black Hills National Forest, providing a perfect setting f…
Overview Located at the foothills of Bear Lodge Mountain Range, Sundance Horse Camp is a favorite among horse enthusiasts. It makes an ideal base for enjoying r…
Overview Whitetail Campground is located above Deerfield Reservoir at 6,000 feet, an ideal setting for guests seeking summer climate relief, recreation and rela…
Overview This horse camp is nestled at the confluence of Willow Creek and Palmer Creek near the Black Elk Wilderness area of the Black Hills National Forest. Fr…