RV Camping South Dakota - Boondocking Along The Wall
RV Camping and Campgrounds In South Dakota
RV camping in South Dakota is hard to beat! Fabulous scenery, interesting history, and of course the faces on Mt Rushmore all await you. From RV resorts, to basic service public campgrounds, there is something for everyone in South Dakota. Free dispersed camping (boondocking) is available on USDA Forest Service administered lands.
South Dakota Private RV Parks and Campgrounds
Private RV Parks - Research tool for finding the best private RV parks and campgrounds in South Dakota.
Federal RV Camping Information
- National Park Service - NPS information about National Parks and other NPS administered lands in South Dakota. Great RV camping destinations.
- US Forest Service - USFS information about dispersed camping (boondocking) and developed campgrounds at the USDA National Forests and Grasslands in South Dakota.
- Bureau of Land Management - BLM information about recreation opportunities in South Dakota.
- US Army Corps of Engineers - USACE/COE information about Corps managed lakes and campgrounds in South Dakota.
State RV Camping Information
- State Parks - RV camping is available throughout South Dakota's beautiful state park system.
- Division of Wilidlife - South Dakota has many developed campgrounds associated with wildlife and fishing areas. .pdf file of facilities.
- Official State Tourism Website - Where to go, and what to do in South Dakota. Includes RV camping suggestions.
Campground Reservations
Camping Reservations - Make your campground reservation in advance and your campsite will be waiting for you when you arrive.
South Dakota RV Dump Stations
- RVDumps.com - Places to dump in South Dakota.
- Sanidumps.com - South Dakota RV dumps listed by town.
Free and Low Cost RV Camping and Campgrounds
South Dakota Camping Location Maps - Map of public campgrounds across South Dakota. This map shows only a few of all free and low cost camping locations available. Map features can be zoomed in, and panned for exact location.
ARLINGTON 
Free overnight camping, or $5 for electric hookup at Arlington City
Park.
FAIRBURN
10 miles east of town in Buffalo Gap National Grassland. French
Creek Campground offers pit toilets and fire pits.
The Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge allows free camping in designated areas.
WALL
Free RV camping
is allowed a few miles south of Wall on National Grassland managed
lands. This free dispersed camping (boondocking) location is one of our Featured Campgrounds with maps, directions, and photos of this great
free RV camping location. Wall RV Camping Location
South Dakota Public Campgrounds
RV camping in South Dakota is great for RVers looking for varied outdoor experiences. Campgrounds managed by the National Park Service, BLM (Bureau of Land Management), USFS (US Forest Service), and South Dakota State Parks offer great RV camping locations. Amenities range from dry RV camping with only trash and pit toilets to RV camping sites with full RV hookups. This is only a sample of RV camping opportunities at public campgrounds in South Dakota
ABERDEEN
Richmond
Lake Recreation Area offers RV camping, boating, fishing,
wildlife viewing, and hiking. Electric and non electric
campsites.
HERMOSA
Custer
State Park is a popular destination for RV camping.
All types of outdoor recreation opportunities are available.
Camping reservations are available.
HOT
SPRINGS 
Wind
Cave National Park has first come first serve camping.
No hookups.
LAKE
CITY 
Two
campgrounds with different personalities are available at Roy
Lake State Park. Sandy beaches, picnic areas, boat
rams and a variety of hiking trails are available. Groceries,
boat rentals and more.
LEMMON
The Llewellyn
Johns Recreation Area is a small park with fishing, hiking,
and wildlife viewing. 10 electric campsites available.
REDFIELD
A limit of 5
free days of camping are available at Have-A-Rest
municipal campground. Water, electric, fishing, boat launch
and playground.
STURGIS
The BLM
managed Ft Meade Recreation Area offers
two designated
camping locations. Low cost camping in a historic
area with picnic tables and vault toilets.
- RV Camping Home
- RV Rentals
- RV Parks
- RV Products
- Articles
- Boondocking
- RV and Camping Tips
- RV Clubs
- FAQ
www.rv-camping.org
Federal Public Land
RV Camping Information
USFS (US Forest Service) - Describes USFS policies and rules about RV camping. Information about dispersed camping, and tips on how to find great free RV camping sites.
NPS (National Park Service) - General information about RV camping and campgrounds in US National Parks. With campgrounds in the most historic and scenic places in the country, the NPS offers some of the best places for RV camping.
USACE/COE (US Army Corp of Engineers) - USACE (perhaps better know as COE) manages water recreation areas throughout the USA. Information about finding USACE lakes, RV camping possibilities, and rules and policies for use of these water based recreation areas is included.
BLM (Bureau of Land Management) - Located throughout the western USA, BLM managed lands offer great camping locations. Developed campgrounds, and almost unlimited dispersed camping opportunites await you.
Free RV Parking Ideas
Here's a list of places to consider when looking for a free overnight RV camping or parking location in South Dakota. We always recommend asking for overnight RV parking permission when looking for a free spot to spend the night. The smaller your RV, the better chances you will have finding places to stay if you choose not to ask permission. If you don't ask permission, you end up "sneaking" into places and hoping nobody bothers you or issues you a trespassing ticket before you move on.
Be smart and Be Safe...Ask Permission.
- Truck Stops - Asking permission is usually not a requirement Be considerate of the big rigs!
- Walmart - Not all stores allow overnight RV parking in South Dakota due to city ordinances. Check store for policy.
- Nightclubs - Had one too many or just pretending?
- Grain Elevators - Ask where you can park your RV out of the way for the night.
- Fraternal Organizations - VFW, Elks etc. may allow members free overnight RV camping.
- Cemetery - Sounds creepy to us, but we've also heard they may have water available.
- Fairgrounds - State and County facilities may allow RV camping when not otherwise in use.
- Parks - City, County, State, and Community parks often have free RV camping.
- Churches - You can almost make "reservations" by calling ahead for permission.
- Hotel Parking Lots - Assuming a nightclub/bar is inside, had one too many or just pretending?
- Truck Terminals - Parking areas for large trucks might allow you free RV camping permission.
- RV Dealers - Pretty brave to us, but you could fit right in.
- Cracker Barrel - These nationwide restaurants usually allow free overnight RV parking.
- Movie Theaters - Too tired to drive home after the late show?
- Highway Rest Areas - All rest areas allow a few hours of free RV parking, but noisy.
- Drive In Movies - Got a small RV, park in the back row and enjoy the show. Fell asleep by accident right?
- Vehicle Repair Shops - Need to see the repairman first thing in the morning?
- Big Box Retailers - Kmart, Best Buy, Sams Club often allow free RV camping.
- Roadside Parks & Picnic Areas - The early day version of the rest area.
As you can see, there are a lot of free RV camping and parking possibilities in South Dakota. If you are not asking permission, it's best to keep a very low profile. If your RV has slide outs, jacks and TV antennas, don't use them so as not to draw attention to yourself. Consider your surroundings carefully and if you feel uncomfortable with the area, move somewhere else.
