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Recreation Region: Buffalo Gap National Grassland

Pinnacles Dispersed Camping Area

Located south of Wall, South Dakota and just outside of Badlands National Park’s Pinnacles Entrance Station, this popular dispersed camping location offers beautiful views of the surrounding area. 

Tan rough badlands formations with yellow grass in the back ground. Brown bighorn sheep ram walking away from camera.
Image shows a scenic view that is a section of the Pinnacles Camping Area. There are light tan rugged badlands formations. There is a blue sky with white clouds. Off in the distance is a trailer camper that appears dark in color.
Image shows a brown wooden post that has a Forest Service shield and a camping icon both in white on it. In the background is yellow to green grass. The sky is clouded.
Image shows a Forest Service sign in brown and white. It says Restoration in Progress Please Do Not Disturb. Below it is another sign that states No Motor Vehicles. The background is dirt ground with a clouded sky.
Image shows the entrance to a Forest System Road 7158. Within the photo is a road marker, a sign that states to Please Stay on the Trail, another sign saying Entering National Grassland. There are also two tires posted next to the cattle guard that is at the entrance of the road. The road is brown dirt. There is grass that is green and yellow with a clouded sky.
Image shows an entrance to a road. The road is a brown dirt road with green and yellow grass on either side. The sky is blue with white clouds. Tehre are two tall communication towers in the distance.
Image is of a dirt road going that serves as the main road through the Pinnacles Dispersed Camping Area. There is green and yellow grass on both sides of the road. The sky is clouded. In the distance are some campers.
Image shows tan badlands formations which are part of the scenic view at Pinnacles. There is green and yellow grass with a blue sky and white clouds. Two tall communication towers are in the distance.

Reservations

Sites are first-come, first-served. This is a very popular area; plan accordingly.

General Information

Camping Details: 

  • There are 70 designated camping sites available. Each is marked with wooden posts.
  • Vehicles are encouraged to park next to camping posts.
  • A 14-day stay limit applies year-round.

Things to Know Before You Go:

  • Respect other users.
  • Report any violations to the Wall Ranger District or National Grasslands Visitor Center in Wall.
  • For emergencies dial 911.
  • The Badlands formations are breathtaking but unstable. The sediments crumble easily, leading to falls and injuries.
  • Exercise caution along the edge and closely supervise children.
  • Adverse weather including serve thunderstorms, rain, hail, and strong winds can arise very quickly. The Pinnacles area is very exposed and is best enjoyed in fair weather.

Open year-round

  • A 14-day stay limit applies year-round.
  • Pack out all garbage and use local private dump stations for wastewater.
  • Check for local fire restrictions on Buffalo Gap National Grassland. https://www.blackhillsfirerestrictions.com/
  • Maintain a safe distance from wildlife and livestock. Cattle are grazing in the area between May and September. Bighorn Sheep visit the area often.
  • Avoid driving in wet conditions to prevent resource damage. 

Must be on leash or under strict voice control. 

Contact Phone: 605-279-2125

A picture of the Wall Ranger District's office.

Wall Ranger District

Address: 710 Main Street Wall, SD 57790
Phone: 605-279-2126
Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday (mountain time). Hours vary so please call ahead. (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Directions

Located 6 miles south of Wall, SD off of Highway 240. Use Forest System Roads (FSR) 7158 and 7170 to access campsites. 

Coordinates: 43.89300, -102.22897

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Restroom information is not currently available for this site.

Recreation Opportunities

Hiking Hiking Biking Biking

Day HikesDay Hikes

Day Hikes Info

Visitors often day hike in the area either over open country or along Forest System Road (FSR) 7158 and 7170. 

Biking - MountainBiking - Mountain

Biking - Mountain Info

Mountain biking is allowed over open country. However, electric bikes are only allowed on motorized vehicle roads and trails. 

Last updated May 16th, 2025

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