Recognized as one of the best camp spots in America, boondocking at the “Wall” in South Dakota provides amazing views for FREE!

Our first dive into boondocking was nothing short of incredible! We picked an interesting place with stunning views at “The Wall” near Badlands National Park. When we pulled off of the highway and drove to the edge we were in awe of the beauty around us. This ended up being Kim’s favorite spot we’ve ever camped…even with our power outage fiasco!

This is why we love our home on wheels, because it can take you to epic campsite locations like this. Don’t they say “Home Is Where You Park It”? We have memories that will last a lifetime….from waking up to an incredible sunrise over this vast area that was our “front yard”, hiking down into the ridges, relaxing and having dinner out on the edge, and then seeing an incredible sunset in what was our “backyard”. We can still remember the howl of the wind (and coyotes) at night, and of course our epic boondocking fail!

We’ve written this complete campsite review and listed all the details about this location below so that you too can have an epic camping experience at this off the grid location and learn how to experience this amazing destination yourself.

About The Badlands Wall

Dry camping (AKA boondocking) at the edge of the Badlands Wall in South Dakota was been rated as one of the top 10 camp spots in all of America, and last year we found out why. The views from this location are quite stunning, and the experience of camping on the edge of the wall was a one of a kind type of adventure. With some proper preparation you can make sure your adventure goes off without a hitch!

Location Of The Badlands Wall

The “Wall” boondocking location is on government controlled land, and is therefore open to the public year round. It is free to camp, but no there are also no amenities available on site.

This remote area is a part of the Buffalo gap National Grasslands and is managed by the National Forrest Service. While this grassland area encompasses some 931 square miles (2nd largest protected grassland in the country) the area we are concerned with is located about 5 miles south of Wall, SD. In fact, the exact GPS coordinates are: 43.912605, -102.227041

Directions To The Badlands Wall

• Exit I-90 (exit 110) and head south from Wall, SD on Hwy 240 for 5.3 miles.

• You will see radio antennas on the left side of the road.

• Turn left onto an unmarked gravel road that enters the National Grassland. Several people mentioned to be sure and close the gate that crosses the gravel road, but when we arrived in June of 2020, there was no such gate at this location.

• Follow the gravel/dirt road until it forks. You can turn either left or right here…both areas travel along the edge of the “Wall”, but many prefer the views from the path leading to the right.

• Park and set up camp anywhere along the road that you think is best

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Camping Info

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• Campsites are first-come first-served, and you can park almost anywhere you want along the side of the road.

• This is true boondocking (meaning there are zero amenities available), but the amazing views are worth it!

• Due to the topography of the land, it can be quite windy…be prepared for the RV to sway a bit. Be sure to use your stabilizers!

• There is wildlife in the area…pronghorn sheep, prairie dogs, and the black footed ferret call the Grasslands home.

Insider Tips

• Come prepared with fully charged batteries or a generator, full fresh water tanks, and empty grey and black tanks.

• You can dump your grey/black tanks and fill fresh water at Sleepy Hollow Campground in Wall, SD for just $5 before and/or after your stay.

• No campfires are allowed in Buffalo Gap National Grassland due to the risk of brush fire.

• The path to the “Wall” from Hwy 240 is packed dirt/gravel and can be difficult to traverse when its rainy/muddy.