Nomad View Dispersed Camping
Buffalo Gap National Grassland
Write a Review Hwy 240 Wall, SD 57790 605-279-2126 308-432-0300 Official WebsiteGPS: 43.8931, -102.2385
Overview of Nomad View Dispersed Camping
Travel on designated roads only - these are indicated on the Grassland's MVUM (Motor Vehicle Use Map). You can get this map at the Wall District NFS office or on the official NFS website for free. Please read Dispersed Camping at Buffalo Gap National Grassland – What the Rangers Want You to Know.
Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Learn more: Boondocking 101.
Last Price Paid: $0
Reported by camper-693042 on 10/27/2024
Longest RV Reported: 44 feet (Fifth Wheel)
Reported by West of Ordinary on 8/20/2022
Pad Type grass
Open Seasonally Yes
Elevation 2,985 ft / 909 m
Max Stay 14
Tent Camping Yes
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Q&A - Ask the Community about Nomad View Dispersed Camping
To ask questions of the owner or manager please contact the campground directly. 605-279-2126
JAMA Overland asked on 5/20/2020
Where is a good place nearby to fill up water tanks and dump waste? Any recommendations?
dedoug asked on 6/3/2020
Will my 16 ft travel trailer be safe there if I unhook her and go into Badlands NP? I will put a hitch lock on her.
SueT asked on 2/15/2020
Is there anything that might serve as a windbreak for a tent? Sites near rocks? A lone tree?
Wandering Pulse asked on 9/10/2019
I'm headed there in a few days (class C) and have read the reviews and studied the satellite map. I see one turn off ...
roadtrippers-sgeweh asked on 5/31/2024
If I’m van camping, how do I save where I’m camping should I go somewhere with the van?
camper-843786 asked on 7/5/2023
What are the chances of getting a campground in early August?
camper-640390 asked on 3/30/2022
Does the roads have a lot of ruts? Our pull behind is fairly low? Also has this place ever been packed out where you ...
SparV Adventures asked on 2/7/2022
Considering staying here in mid April. Anyone have experiences traveling into area during this time? Concerned with m...
Jake the Snake asked on 8/2/2021
Is this campsite accessible to standard passenger vehicles? i.e. a Prius? I plan to scout the road when I reach the g...
Sbmiller asked on 6/16/2021
Should I worry about all the campsites at Nomad View being filled upon arrival?
PineTreesAreDope asked on 5/23/2021
Going this weekend with my hatchback set up. I have a few questions:
-can I dig a hole for pooping? What do you reco...
Joe the Computerguy asked on 5/22/2021
Where is the closest place to dispose of garbage?
PineTreesAreDope asked on 5/19/2021
Nearby bathroom recommendations for this place for non-RV campers?
ellie asked on 2/4/2021
Hey y'all! I'm from AZ so I don't know much about snow but am traveling back to college and need to pass through SD,...
MadMigs asked on 12/23/2020
Can I "Save" a spot at Nomad View? We will be driving a Class C with NO toad, can we save a spot as we go to explore...
Chris asked on 8/9/2020
Can I get here with a rear-wheel drive vehicle? I am taking a road trip across the west in my Hyundai Kona and wonder...
felt0134 asked on 7/16/2020
Would it be realistic to camp without a tent at this site (just sleeping pad and bag)? Or would that be foolish. Pass...
Natalie asked on 7/1/2020
What about Pop Ups? I will be there Friday night and just curious how they do with this much wind. I've been looking ...
Jauton asked on 6/14/2020
First time RVing. Will this area be crowded late September? Do RVs get cold at bight like cars or do they hold their ...
Reviews of Nomad View Dispersed Camping 266 people have reviewed this location.
Cell Phone Coverage
Confirmed by 145 Users
Last reported 10/27/2024
Confirmed by 96 Users
Last reported 10/27/2024
Confirmed by 39 Users
Last reported 10/9/2024
“Solitude, and quiet ”
Reviewed 5/6/2016
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 2 |
| RV Length: | 39' (Fifth Wheel) |
Overall Rating
We love to find the quiet, beautiful places. And no people is an added bonus too. This spot was wonderful for all those things. It had been raining for days on end prior to us going here, so we stopped at the Buffalo grass visitor center and got information. The ranger there told us that boondocking is allowed on any of the buffalo gra... more
We love to find the quiet, beautiful places. And no people is an added bonus too. This spot was wonderful for all those things. It had been raining for days on end prior to us going here, so we stopped at the Buffalo grass visitor center and got information. The ranger there told us that boondocking is allowed on any of the buffalo grass national grassland, you just have to find a way to get there off the main road. The dirt road going in was mostly dry, and we had no problems. The view is great, and of course being close to the Badlands is a bonus. The dogs loved the grass and being able to run around. I have attached a blog post with photos.
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Verizon 4G
Tales from the back road would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“It would be hard to beat this boondocking spot in the Badlands.”
Reviewed 9/5/2015
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 3 |
| RV Length: | 23' |
Overall Rating
Echoing previous reviews, this is a spectacular place to camp with expansive views of badlands and grasslands and all the peace and quiet you could want. You're minutes away from the Pinnacles entrance to Badlands National Park in one direction, minutes from the town of Wall in the other direction, but you may have to motivate yoursel... more
Echoing previous reviews, this is a spectacular place to camp with expansive views of badlands and grasslands and all the peace and quiet you could want. You're minutes away from the Pinnacles entrance to Badlands National Park in one direction, minutes from the town of Wall in the other direction, but you may have to motivate yourself to leave your campsite. There are pinnacles to explore and miles of grass track along the bluff to walk or mountain bike on. After recreating, set up a chair outside your camper and watch hawks soar over your incredible private view that extends as far as the eye can see.
On our way in, we stopped at the National Grasslands Visitor Center in Wall to pick up a free, very helpful, Motor Vehicle Use Map of the Buffalo Gap National Grassland and to get an update on road conditions. Keep in mind that "Nomad View" is a Campendium name (as there is no official name for this camping area) - the rangers won't recognize the name, but they will know the area. Take Road 7170 off Route 240, approximately 6 miles south of Wall. Open the barbed wire fence using the chain and nail, then close it securely after you pass. The road will proceed straight east for a short distance, then split as it goes up a hill near the radio towers. Bear right here. The road can be rutted, but if the ground is firm and you have reasonable ground clearance you can ride the crests of the ruts without much problem. When you reach the top of the bluff, you can go left or right. We went right, where we found several good sites that are close to the boundary of the Badlands National Park. If you head left at the top you'll follow a winding road along the bluff, with more good sites available. Be prepared to use leveling blocks as some sites are more level than others. All offer gorgeous views and a great camping experience.
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Verizon 4G
cdrambles would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Absolutely amazing!”
Reviewed 8/20/2015
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 3 |
Overall Rating
We had this spot all to ourselves and it was magical. We loved the views, the kids loved venturing out and exploring, we took a day trip into the Badlands and ate ice cream at Wall Drug. The turn off is fairly easy to find and then its just a matter of navigation the rutted dirt roads. Lots of cows and cow pies around so that's whe... more
We had this spot all to ourselves and it was magical. We loved the views, the kids loved venturing out and exploring, we took a day trip into the Badlands and ate ice cream at Wall Drug.
The turn off is fairly easy to find and then its just a matter of navigation the rutted dirt roads. Lots of cows and cow pies around so that's where the "cleanliness" review comes from. :)
It did rain a bit and got muddy while we were there, but we stayed an extra day to let things dry out a bit and had no trouble getting out. Lots of other tire tracks in the mud, though!
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Verizon 4G
Currently Wandering would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Nomad View, we’re stuck on you!”
Reviewed 8/20/2015
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 6 |
| RV Length: | 40' |
Overall Rating
Prepare to be wowed with these views. These boondocking spots will position you with outstanding views of The Badlands just north of the national park entrance and only 6 miles south of Wall. Entrance off 240 is pretty easy to spot and leads to three tall utility towers. These spots are south of the towers and are the southern edge of ... more
Prepare to be wowed with these views. These boondocking spots will position you with outstanding views of The Badlands just north of the national park entrance and only 6 miles south of Wall. Entrance off 240 is pretty easy to spot and leads to three tall utility towers. These spots are south of the towers and are the southern edge of forest service dispersed camping called Steer Pasture Overlook which extends about 2 miles north from here along a dirt road that snakes along the rim between The Badlands and Buffalo Gap National Grasslands. There is a gate at the entrance which is basically barbed wire with a post attached- easy to open/close. But, be aware that it is quite invisible at certain times of day/night, so be careful not to forget it is there. The road is deeply rutted in places but navigable with some careful maneuvering. You’ll find spots right off the road north or south along the rim, some more level than others. Very important: ground that seems as firm as concrete when dry, turns into gooey brownie batter with rain, so be prepared to watch the weather closely and get out before you get stuck! We got to stay an extra day while we waited for the road to firm-up after a big rain. We’re big and heavy but even our toad struggled on the slippery mud. Don’t let this scare you away. The views (and goose egg price) are well-worth the effort to get in and out.
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AT&T 4G
Verizon 4G
Russ would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Boon docking with views of the Badlands and Grasslands”
Reviewed 7/10/2015
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 5 |
| RV Length: | 27' |
Overall Rating
First, I want to make an important note about this boondocking site. There are cattle being grazed here, and you MUST CLOSE THE GATE securely. We awoke our first day here to angry ranchers with guns and dogs because one of the other campers here left the gate wide open, allowing the cows out of this pasture. That being said, after ... more
First, I want to make an important note about this boondocking site. There are cattle being grazed here, and you MUST CLOSE THE GATE securely. We awoke our first day here to angry ranchers with guns and dogs because one of the other campers here left the gate wide open, allowing the cows out of this pasture.
That being said, after that incident, the other campers left and we had the place to ourselves for a couple of days. This is a great spot that overlooks into the badlands. There is decent Verizon coverage without a booster, however with a booster we have 4 bars full LTE.
If you don't mind cow patties, it's a great spot just outside of the Pinnacles entrance to The Badlands National Park. It's amazingly quiet here. And there is almost no light pollution at night. We had mostly cloudy nights, but I suspect this would make a nice sky viewing area for the amateur astronomer.
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Verizon 4G
BoldAndAdventurous would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Free camping with a magnificent view of the Badlands!”
Reviewed 9/28/2014
| Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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| Days stayed: | 2 |
Overall Rating
We heard about this site after googling Free camping in the Badlands, but weren't entirely sure where it was, or if it was truly legal, so we stopped at the Buffalo Gap visitor's center in Wall, SD and confirmed that, yes indeed, you can camp anywhere in the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands for FREE, as long as you are 300 ft. from a pa... more
We heard about this site after googling Free camping in the Badlands, but weren't entirely sure where it was, or if it was truly legal, so we stopped at the Buffalo Gap visitor's center in Wall, SD and confirmed that, yes indeed, you can camp anywhere in the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands for FREE, as long as you are 300 ft. from a paved road. This site is easily found, as it's marked by two large antenna towers right before you enter Badlands NP. Basically, drive south on RT 240 from Wall for about 6 miles, when you see the towers on your left, look for the dirt access road and turn left (gate may be open or closed, open if closed). The dirt road splits at the first set of towers, and we chose to go right towards the 2nd tower. This area is known as "the table" and the spot right on the edge is awesome, with magnificent views overlooking pinnacles in Badlands NP. We could walk out of our door and easily walk on top of the pinnacles to overlook the "hunting grounds" below. The cats loved playing in the grassland and it was incredibly peaceful. An added bonus: full verizon signals and plenty of over-the-air television due to the proximity of the towers. Best Free camping site, yet!
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Verizon 4G
The RV Nomads would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
Page 27 of 27
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