2023 Best Places to Camp in the Central Region
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COMING SOON
JULY 2022
Credit: Debi R
Location: Canyon, TX
What makes it great:
Palo Duro Canyon is the second-largest canyon in the nation and it’s located in the heart of the Texas Panhandle. Campsite choices include tent, equestrian or backpack camping areas. There are three cabins on the canyon’s rim and four Cow Camp cabins on the canyon floor.
Outdoor activities include horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking on more than 30 miles of trails. Spending your time geocaching, birdwatching or just soaking in the natural surroundings. During the summer, enjoy a live performance of TEXAS Outdoor Musical. There are also pavilions to rent for weddings, reunions or meetings.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“This park is just beautiful! The multiple campgrounds are all good. Many with electric and water. Bathrooms clean. Everything well maintained. Multiple hiking trails to explore on. Very steep and curvy main road through the park. Be ready! But it's worth it!” — Mary
“Took a chance on this SP based on state guide book. Hard to believe there is a natural canyon in Texas!” — Kenneth M
Campground Details
Price: $12-$26
Number of sites: 80
RV sites: Y
Fires allowed: Y
Pets allowed: Y
1. Palo Duro Canyon State Park — Texas
Credit: Cara B
Location: Wall, SD
What makes it great:
This camping area is the second largest protected national grassland in the country. You'll see bright hues everywhere, especially at sunrise and sunset, as well as rich wildlife, old homesteads and windmills. It's also widely recognized for its remoteness and solitude.
“The Wall” is a bucket-list item for seasoned dispersed campers. Badlands National Park is nearby and the town of Wall is your best bet for picking up supplies. Badlands, good times.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“Love, love, love this place! Park right along The Wall for the most incredible views. Just a mile from the entrance to Badlands National Park and 7 miles from the town of Wall, SD (home of the famous Wall Drug store). We stayed here for 4 nights and it was the perfect base camp for us to go see Badlands, Wall Drug, Mount Rushmore and Deadwood. Go to sleep to the sounds of coyotes and wake up to bighorn sheep just feet away from your RV!” — DestinationFreedom Y
Campground Details
Price: Free
Number of sites: Dispersed
RV sites: N
Fires allowed: Y
Pets allowed: Y
2. “The Wall” in Buffalo Gap National Grasslands — South Dakota
Credit: Eric G
Location: Medora, ND
What makes it great:
Scoria Pit is a dispersed camping paradise closeby the 70,000-acre Theodore Roosevelt National Park in western North Dakota. Campers can trek across the badlands or simply stay at the campsite and take in the quiet surroundings. Privacy and solitude are the name of the game.
The area is big-rig friendly, but should be limited to experienced operators. On clear days the views can seem unending. And the stargazing at night may be unmatched. Be wary of wildlife. After all, this is their home.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“Let me tell you, these stars were INCREDIBLE. We were fortunate to be there on a clear night (September 3) and the Milky Way was painted out for us. This is a very popular spot and it's no mystery why considering how pretty it is and how close it is to Teddy Roosevelt.” — Hannah
“We had an amazing spot on top of a hill. Could see for miles. Saw nice mule deer buck. Lots of camping spots. Empty during the day gets close to full an hour or so before dark.” — Eric G.
Campground Details
Price: Free
Number of sites: Dispersed
RV sites: N
Fires allowed: Y
Pets allowed: Y
3. Scoria Pit dispersed camping — North Dakota
Credit: Melissa W
Location: Redford, TX
What makes it great:
The biggest state park in Texas offers plenty of adventures and activities, in addition to postcard-quality views. Located on the Mexican border, you can raft or paddle on the Rio Grande or go on a bike trip across the Chihuahuan Desert. Trails are plentiful and fantastic. The wildlife that calls Big Bend home includes black bears, mountain lions, javelinas, coyotes, rattlesnakes and, of course, Texas Longhorns.
A permit is required to camp at primitive road and front country campsites and in the backcountry zone. Day-use visitors must obtain a permit before entering the park. Gathering firewood is prohibited, so you must bring your own. And be prepared for a rocky ride to your campsite!
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“If you are looking to get out into the backcountry of Big Bend and truly experience its vast remoteness & beauty, then this is one of the best places to do just that. The hiking is incredible & the wildlife is amazing.” — Matt T
“We camped at Yedra 1 for 2 nights during our trip to BBNP, Guadalupe Mountains NP, Carlsbad Caverns NP. This was our favorite spot of the whole trip and in my top 3 camp spots I've ever been to.” — Melissa W
Campground Details
Price: $10-$16
Number of sites: 51
RV sites: Y
Fires allowed: Y
Pets allowed: Y
Credit: Rob M
Location: Terlingua, TX
What makes it great:
This destination RV park is located on 40 acres in the heart of the Big Bend Region in West Texas. All sites have excellent views of Bee Mountain and rugged desert landscapes. Despite those features, RoadRunner is just walking distance from restaurants and excursions.
The entrance to Big Bend National Park is just four miles away and Big Bend Ranch State Park is 15 miles. The ghost town of Terlingua is also nearby. There’s an off-leash dog park, community fire pit and community games like cornhole, horseshoes, ladder golf, Giant Jenga and Yardzee.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“Stunning location with full hookups and the option to Boondock for a little bit less per night if you have the ability. The owner is very friendly and the park is very well-maintained.” — Josh M
“Absolutely loved this place. It was very quiet and the skies were amazing. I was able to take some amazing pictures at night. Will stay again if we pass through again.” — Tate R
Campground Details
Price: $40-$75
Number of sites: 20
RV sites: Y
Fires allowed: Y
Pets allowed: Y
5. RoadRunner Travelers RV Park — Texas
Credit: hannah S
Location: Custer, SD / Black Hills National Forest
What makes it great:
Big Pine Campground is, surprise surprise, surrounded by towering pine trees, creating a lovely and shady atmosphere. Seclusion and serenity are in full supply. It’s the ideal campground for visiting the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota and is conveniently located near Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Jewel Cave, Wind Cave National Park, Custer State Park, the Mickelson Trail and more.
There are primitive sites, tent sites, camper cabins, a retro trailer that sleeps three available to rent, picnic tables, fire pits and two bath houses with hot showers. To pass the time, there are video games to play in the game room and the more traditional horseshoes and volleyball. Firewood and ice are available to purchase.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“This campground is perfect! So quiet, so beautiful, so perfect! Trees everywhere, level gravel sites, full hookups, close to everything, bathrooms/showers are clean and well kept.” — Tracey S
“We stayed here for 4 days while checking out the local area over the summer. We really enjoyed it. Our site was a pull-through and we had a whole hillside area to ourselves.” — Tina
Campground Details
Price: $27-$99
Number of sites: 90
RV sites: Y
Fires allowed: Y
Pets allowed: Y
6. Big Pine Campground — South Dakota
Credit: Jordan H
Location: Valentine, NE
What makes it great:
Smith Falls State Park is Nebraska’s newest state park and is home to its highest waterfall. A trail takes you on an historic bridge across the serene Niobrara River, a National Scenic River, to the top of the falls. The river is perfect for canoeing and kayaking, among other outdoor pursuits. The Jim McAllister Nature Trail is ideal for an educational hike.
The Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge and Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area are nearby. Smith Falls State Park offers primitive camping, but on the north side of the river there’s tent camping, picnic sites, restrooms, concessions and pay showers.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“Stopped off at this park for a pass through and really enjoyed it. They have trails and boardwalks leading to the fall, and also a nice information and shop room. There are camp sites with no hookups, and easy access to the river for a little tubing. Hidden treasure out in Northwest Nebraska.” - Edward K.
“The family was here this past weekend and all I can say is BEAUTIFUL! The falls are majestic, the river is serene, the camp spots are big, quiet nights, stunning stars, just a real treat for the family! This is a new favorite for us and we will be back for sure!” - Pat V.
“Perfect hiking areas. Primitive camping. Wonderful and well built trail up to the tallest waterfall in Nebraska” - Camden O.
Campground Details
Price: $15
Number of sites: 36
RV sites: N
Fires allowed: Y
Pets allowed: Y
7. Smith Falls State Park — Nebraska
Credit: Georgina
Location: Daingerfield, TX
What makes it great:
Daingerfield State Park, in the eastern part of Texas near the tri-state area with Arkansas and Louisiana, is known as the Cathedral of Trees with its magnificent maples, oaks and pines.
The 80-acre Daingerfield State Park Lake offers water activities like swimming, fishing, boating and paddle boating and the Rustling Leaves Nature Trail circumnavigates the water. Dry activities include hiking, birding and geocaching. There are also historic cabins to rent.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“Me and my husband had a great time and experience at the DF state park! Bathrooms were clean, the park was in great shape, and the trails were great to walk through and enjoy the scenery.” — Chloe Q
“Very quiet but lively park, almost all the sites were occupied for the weekend. Friendly park ranger and store personnel. All amenities were kept up with. We enjoyed hiking, biking and even an ice cream from the park store.” — P
Campground Details
Price: $10-$25
Number of sites: 58
RV sites: Y
Fires allowed: Y
Pets allowed: Y
8. Daingerfield State Park — Texas
Credit: Michael M
Location: Hinton, OK
What makes it great:
This campground is one of Oklahoma's best-kept secrets despite being on the world-famous Route 66. All sites are level and have full hookups, and half are pull-throughs. A good portion of the reviews you’ll find make mention of the hospitality and kindness of the owners, Carol and Danny.
Territory Route 66 is more of short-term stopover than a destination, but isn’t traveling Route 66 what it’s all about? It’s easy in, easy out, and located about a half hour outside of Oklahoma City. It’s a rural location but not too far from everything you need to restock and refresh for your cross-country trip.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“Thoughtfully placed lighting made it feel very safe. Small enough that it’s pretty quiet. The main building is very clean and has several toilets/showers and coin op laundry machines.” — Katia M
“Arrived late after the office was classed. They were nice to leave me a flier and information with my name on it on the office door. Facilities were clean and nice.” — Michael D
Campground Details
Price: $15-$39
Number of sites: 18
RV sites: Y
Fires allowed: Y
Pets allowed: Y
9. Territory Route 66 RV Park & Campgrounds — Oklahoma
Credit: Mark A
Location: Merriam, KS
What makes it great:
Walnut Grove is just 10 minutes from downtown Kansas City. It’s a perfect place to stay outside the big city with hot showers, clean restrooms, a laundromat and a dump station with full hook-ups at each lot. The Wi-Fi is solid throughout the whole park.
Save money by staying at Walnut Grove so you can spend it at all the casinos that are within a 15-minute drive. They are very up front about being a basecamp for big-city fun, as they call themselves The Gateway to Kansas City. They will provide free coffee in the morning to see you on your way.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“Nice quiet park with good sized gravel lots. Pet friendly and close to KC shops and stores.” — Misty B
“The gentleman at the desk was exceptionally pleasant, even with a lady reminiscent of an early-90s Rosanne Barr screeching at her child about an ice cream sandwich.” — Justin G
Campground Details
Price: $62-$131
Number of sites: 50
RV sites: Y
Fires allowed: Y
Pets allowed: Y
View the 2023 Best Places To Camp Regional Awards winners by region.
10. Walnut Grove RV Park — Kansas
2023 Best Places to Camp in the Central Region
The Central Region of the United States, top to bottom, has some of the most unique terrain you’ll find anywhere on Earth. There’s dispersed camping in the badlands of North and South Dakota, or you can float down the Rio Grande while staying at Texas’ Big Bend Ranch State Park on the Mexican border.
Topping the list of the 2023 Best Places to Camp in the Central Region is Palo Duro Canyon State State Park in Texas, which boasts the second-largest canyon in the country.
Check out these and the rest of this year’s Best Places to Camp Regional Award winners in the Central Region, which are based on reviews and ratings from The Dyrt’s vast community of campers.