Boondocking in the Badlands

A couple of weekends ago my husband and I got to boondock in the Badlands National Park. This has been called a top five rated boondock location and it was amazing. It was easy to get to, there were tons of beautiful spots to set up, and the views were out of this world. We never knew this was here, and it is easy to miss if you are not looking for it. The sites are all overlooking the Badlands and it is free. There are no amenities however, and whatever you need you must bring in and bring out. The views from “The Wall” are extraordinary, so be sure to bring your binoculars.

The site is located about 6 miles south of Wall, South Dakota on Highway 240, and about 1 mile from the Pinnacle entrance to the Badlands National Park. When traveling south on Highway 240 from Wall and I-90, you will see three radio towers up on a hill to the left. You will turn on the dirt road leading to the east and when you get to the “Badlands Wall”, you can decide which way to turn and set up camp. Both directions have tons of spots and amazing views.

We saw lots of flowers and cacti, but no animals. We heard from others that this is a good place to see mountain goats, or bighorn sheep wandering through your camp.

We saw all types of camping options, but be aware it can be very windy up there, so placing a tent near the cliff’s edge might not be the best decision.

We did not see a good sunrise because it was raining, but the sunset, “Golden hour” was gorgeous.

So many different spots to camp along the cliff or in the grassy field.

Road on the way in off Highway 240 just before the entrance of the park by the towers.

I was advised this boondocks area is Buffalo Gap National Grassland (USDA Forest Service, Wall Ranger District if anyone has any questions for this land managing agency.