The best way to see Badlands National Park is by staying right in the middle of it! Camping in this park is incredible — you’ll love being surrounded by the unique rock formations as you spend a night under the stars.
You’ll find several options for camping in Badlands, so let’s talk about your options so that you can have an amazing stay in the park.
What You Need to Know About Camping in Badlands
- Each standard campsite only accommodates six people. If you have a larger group, you will need to book two campsites or a group site.
- There is a 14-day stay limit.
- Any first-come, first-served sites should be claimed first thing in the morning during the summer months! Plan your trip so that you can get to the campsite early before it fills.
- A maximum of 2 vehicles is allowed at each campsite (RVs, 5th Wheels, and trailers count as a vehicle).
- Pay showers are available at the Cedar Pass Campground.
- Fires are not permitted while camping in Badlands. Charcoal grills and camp stoves are permitted, but open fires are not because of the high fire danger in this park.
This article contains information on the frontcountry camping options in the park — meaning the campgrounds you can get to in your car. If you’re hoping to do some backpacking, learn more about your backcountry options here.
Getting to the Campgrounds in Badlands
Take a look at this map to make sure you know how to get to the campgrounds before you hit the road. You’ll find the Cedar Pass Campground near the Cedar Pass Lodge and the Sage Creek Campground on the dirt road west of the Pinnacles Entrance.
How to Get a Campsite in Badlands
The Sage Creek Campground is available on a first-come, first-served basis, so you’ll want to get to the campground as early in the day as you can to snag an open spot.
The Cedar Pass Campground is a reservation-only campground close to the main sights in Badlands National Park. Make your reservation in advance because these sites do fill, especially during the busy summer months! The park starts to accept reservations as early as the first week of March for the upcoming season.
To choose your ideal campground, take a look at the in-park options below:
Cedar Pass Campground
The Cedar Pass Campground is close to the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, so it’s easy to attend ranger programs and hike the most popular trails in the park, such as The Notch or the Cliff Shelf! You’ll also be camping near the Cedar Pass Lodge, which serves hot meals.
Cedar Pass is the main campground in Badlands, so you’ll want to make your reservations as far in advance as you can.
Open Season: Year-round
Max RV Length: 50 feet
Generators: Allowed from 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Reservations Required: Yes, reservations can be made here.
Hookups: Electric only
Dump Station: Yes
Fee: $23 per night for two people and $4 extra per adult beyond two people.
Number of Sites: 96
Pets Allowed: Yes, but please review Badlands’ Pet Policy.
Restrooms: Flush toilets and running water. Pay showers are located nearby.
Wheelchair Accessibility: Yes, two sites.
Planning a trip to Badlands can be overwhelming.
How do you make a solid plan if you’ve never been to the park before? How do you keep everyone in your group excited and engaged?
You can spend hours on the internet searching for things to do, but you still won’t find the insider tips and first-hand knowledge that I’ve gained from working as a park ranger.
If you’re hoping to see the best sights without getting stuck in traffic, circling parking lots, or being surrounded by people, check out this South Dakota Parks Itinerary.
You will see all of the can’t-miss spots, plus get lodging and dining guides, driving directions, and insider tips!
Sage Creek Campground
The Sage Creek campground is completely free, and sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. It is located down a dirt road about 12 miles from the main park road. You won’t be near the main sights in the park while camping here, but Badlands is small enough that it only adds a few extra minutes of driving to stay at this campground.
The Sage Creek Campground is ideal if you’re bringing horses with you, as there are four horse corrals that you can use.
Open Season: Year-round
Max RV Length: 18 feet
Generators: Not Allowed
Reservations Required: No, first-come, first-served only.
Hookups: No
Dump Station: No
Fee: Free
Number of Sites: 22
Pets Allowed: Yes, but please review Badlands’ Pet Policy.
Restrooms: Pit toilets and no running water.
Wheelchair Accessibility: No
If you can’t get a campsite in the park, you’ll find some good boondocking options just outside of the park.
More Badlands Trip Planning Information
South Dakota Parks Itinerary — a detailed hour-by-hour sightseeing schedule.
How to Get to Badlands — the best airports and roads in the area.
How Many Days Should I Spend in Badlands? — itinerary ideas.
The Best Time to Visit — what to expect during each month of the year.
Weather, Hours, and Closures — important weather info and common closures.
Where Should I Stay? — the best options in and around the park.
8 Things You Can’t Miss on Your First Visit — the top 8 spots.
The Best Easy Hikes — the perfect trails for kids, wheelchairs, and beginners.
The Best Things to Do — activities for every adventurer.
The Ultimate Badlands Trip Planning Guide — everything you need to know.
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