Volunteers Bring New Life to Pinnacles Dispersed Camping
Twelve new campsites • 1,000 ft of fencing • Prairie restored in time for National Grasslands Week
Just outside Badlands National Park, the once-trampled Pinnacles prairie is breathing again. In one week of sweat-equity, volunteers with Wilderness Volunteers, BHPFA, and the U.S. Forest Service carved out safe, signed campsites and let the grasslands start healing.
Why the Fix Was Urgent
The makeover…
Closes 10 rogue sites
To protect campers from eroding cliff edges and protect the view for all.
Adds 12 marked pads
Newly cleared, level, easy-to-find, and first-come / first-served (still free).
Strings 1,000 ft of split-rail fencing
Steer RVs and other vehicles away from fragile soil crusts. Keeps the grass in the grasslands.
The work done by the volunteers helps protect wildlife, gives the land a chance to heal, and improves the camping experience for everyone. We couldn’t have done it without them.
Christy Bentley, Recreation Manager for Buffalo Gap National Grassland
The Action
From June 1–7, 2025, volunteers from Wilderness Volunteers, supported by BHPFA and the U.S. Forest Service, built:
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10 designated campsites
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A family-friendly picnic area
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Protective fencing & signage
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Native grass and wildflower restoration
The Impact
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Safer camping zones for folks & critters
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Land space to recover and regenerate
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A model of sustainable dispersed camping
The project was funded in part by the National Forest Foundation and Athletic Brewing Two for Trails Grant
Learn more camping at Pinnacles and recreation opportunities on Buffalo Gap National Grassland.
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