South Dakota isn’t on most people’s list as a top travel destination, but this hidden gem is a must-see for overlanders. From rolling hills to giant caverns, the landscape is diverse and less crowded than states like Colorado and California.
We drove a Tune M1 across Colorado and Wyoming to visit South Dakota’s best spots, and we’re excited to share our tips.
Why is South Dakota a Perfect Overlanding Destination?
Public lands! There are 5 million acres with ample places to camp and recreate across South Dakota. You won’t have to get there early to grab a spot either as it’s much less crowded. Take your time finding a backcountry campsite with a great view because setting up your Tune M1 pop-up camper takes just a few minutes. We ended up finding our spots in the evening and had dinner cooking on the campfire in no time.
Tune Outdoor cares deeply about our public lands. We support organizations such as Outdoor Alliance and Protect Our Rivers to ensure these lands are protected and kept clean for visitors. Visit https://www.outdooralliance.org/ to join the movement and advocate for conservation.
South Dakota’s public lands (see all on this interactive map):
- Black Hills National Forest*
- Custer National Forest*
- Buffalo Gap National Grassland*
- Fort Pierre National Grassland*
- Grand River National Grassland*
- Badlands National Park
- Wind Cave National Park
*dispersed camping allowed
Where to Camp for Free in South Dakota
You can camp for free in any of the dispersed camping spots listed above. We tested a few of these spots out and added our favorites here.
Buffalo Gap National Grasslands
Located just five minutes from the Badlands National Park entrance near Wall, SD, this area is filled with dozens of free spots. Each spot is located on the prairie with a great view of the Badlands just over the cliff. The road is bumpy, but the Tune M1 handles it well.
We set up the Tune M1 along with the Kammok Outpost and our Ladder Kit. This setup was perfect for this spot as the ground is relatively flat but a bit muddy. Being able to relax in the Kammok hammock kept us off the ground while still being able to enjoy the outside. At sunset, we climbed the ladder to the roof of the Tune M1 to enjoy the view of the badlands.
Deerfield Lake
This picturesque lake is located in the Black Hills National Forest. There is a designated campground, Dutchman Campground, if you’d prefer to have amenities, but we opted for a backcountry spot. It was completely empty, free and had plenty of spots off the Deerfield Cove Rd to park.
After a great night camping, we headed down to the lake to fish and explore the area. The River Smith River Quiver mounts to the outside T-Track of the Tune M1 and makes it simple to grab your pole. Personal watercraft, such as fishing boats and kayaks, are allowed in the lake and seemed to work best for fishermen as they could reach the deeper areas easily.
Activities in South Dakota
Badlands National Park
Have you ever wanted to be within feet of a wild bison? Badlands National Park is home to one of the largest herds of bison in North America. Along with bison, you’ll see thousands of prairie dogs and possibly some big horned sheep.
This National Park is unique as it has an Open Hiking Policy, which means you’re allowed to hike off-trail. There are miles and miles of hills and formations to explore. There are, of course, some marked trails such as the Notch Trail and Castle Trail if you’d prefer a guided experience.
While you’re in the park, take note of the history around you. The Badlands were originally named by the Oglala Lakota people who called the area mako sica, which translates to “bad lands.” The Oglala Lakota people are inextricably linked with South Dakota’s history. This land is sacred to the tribe, and it’s important to understand its history when exploring the beautiful landscape.
Custer State Park
One of the most beautiful areas in the state is actually not a National Park. This state park has unique rock formations, clear lakes, and multiple scenic drives. If you’re a fan of fishing, swimming or climbing, Custer State Park is a must-see.
Sylvan Lake is a small lake with ample recreational opportunities. There are swimming spots with a small beach and places to launch kayaks and SUPs. Fishing is also permitted and you can find bait and the general store right next to the lake.
If you’re into rock climbing, Custer State Park is known for its wild climbs through narrow spires and quartz crystals. There are over 700 climbs in the park ranging from trad to bouldering. Here’s a list of climbs rated by difficulty and type: https://www.mountainproject.com/area/106058091/custer-state-park
Wind Cave National Park
While this National Park doesn’t have as many hiking trails or scenic views compared to others, it does have one of the largest cave systems in the world. The coolest part? It’s mostly undiscovered and an additional three miles are uncovered on average each year.
This is an accessible National Park (with plenty of parking for your Tune truck camper) and cave tours that are wheelchair accessible. If you’re up for something that requires more exercise, we recommend the Natural Entrance Tour or the Candlelight Tour.
Conclusion
The Tune M1 truck camper is designed for tough trails and cozy nights. South Dakota, with its ample overlanding areas, is a great place to adventure with your camper. It can get you to the perfect backcountry camp spot, take you right up to a climbing area, and make getting an early start simple. When you’re ready to move onto the next activity, there’s no need to worry about making the bed first. Just put the canopy down, lock up, and you’re ready to hit the road.
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