Home > South Dakota > Baja ORV

Baja ORV Area

Saturday, December 23, 2023

Trail Map

Other Names

Buffalo Gap National Grasslands, Wall Ranger District, Hurley Butte, White River, Badlands

Last Known Status

Open

This remote location offers about 480 acres of open play areas and several smooth, designated hardpacked 4x4 trails to explore. The terrain primarily consists of flat, open prairie grasslands but there are some steep and rugged hillclimbs if you are looking for a challenge.

The area is open year-round but during spring thaw or wet weather the soil can get very muddy and should be avoided since there are no trees or large rocks to attach a winch should you get stuck.

Camping is permitted and there is plenty of turnaround room for large trailers. There is no fee charged for camping or riding but there are no amenities except for an informational kiosk located near the main entrance. Bring shade and water.

Badlands Grocery is located about 6 miles east in the town of Interior. The town also has a couple cafes that include the Wagon Wheel, Cowboy Corner (lunch on weekdays, dinner on Friday and Saturday), and the Horseshoe Bar. Badlands/White River KOA is just 10 miles away and offers a full service campground with RV sites, cabins, pool, store, food service for breakfast and dinner, and propane sales.

Trail Map... Nearby ATV Trails...

REGULATIONS

Permit Required	No
Dates Open	Year-Round
Other ATV Stickers Accepted	Unknown
Spark Arrestor	Yes	A spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles.
Noise Limit	Yes
Whip Flags	Not Required
Maximum Vehicle Width	No Restriction
Motorcycles & Dirt Bikes	Permitted
ATVs	Permitted
UTV & SXS	Permitted
SUVs & Jeeps (registered)	Permitted
Dune Buggy & Sand Rail 4x4 (unregistered)	Permitted
2 Stroke Engines	No Restriction
Camping	No Restriction	(camp anywhere)
Campfires
Night Riding	Unknown
Trail Blazing	Permitted
Rule Enforcement

TERRAIN

Approx Size	480 acres (1 sq mi)
Climate Type	Plains
Elevation	2400 to 2450 ft.
Trail Maintenance	Marked, Not Rated, Lightly Maintained
Loose Dirt	Little
Hard Pack	Mostly
Sand	None
Mud	Little
Dust	Some
Rocks	Some
Trees	None
Steep Hills	Some
Water Crossings	None
Small Jumps	None
Large Jumps	None
Single Track	None
Hazards	Few	(hazards assumed marked but use caution)
Novice	Mostly
Amateur	Some
Expert	Little

TYPE OF AREA

Area	Motorized Trails

Land	National Forest

GPS POINTS

KEY SERVICES

Gasoline	1-5 Miles (E)	Cowboy Corner (605) 433-5333
Diesel	1-5 Miles (E)	Cowboy Corner (605) 433-5333
Water	1-5 Miles (E)	Badlands Motel and Campground (800) 388-4643
RV Hookup	1-5 Miles (E)	Badlands Motel and Campground (800) 388-4643
RV Disposal	1-5 Miles (E)	Badlands Motel and Campground (800) 388-4643
Campground	5-20 Miles (E)	Cedar Pass Campground (605) 433-5460
Conv Store	1-5 Miles (E)	Cowboy Corner (605) 433-5333

FEES & PASSES

Parking	(None)
Entry	(None)
Riding	(None)
Camping	(None)

RATINGS

Our Rating	Good
Recommended Stay	Full Day
Comments	(Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments)

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

Nearest City

Interior, SD

Trail Map

From: Rapid City, SD
1) Take I-90 East to Exit 110
2) Turn right (south) off the exit ramp onto SR-240, continue about 11 miles
3) Turn right (south) onto CR-C509/Conta Road, continue about 9 miles
4) Turn left (east) onto SR-44, continue about 5 miles
5) Staging area is on the left (north).