Camper submitted image from Sage Creek Campground - 1
View All
Camper submitted image from Sage Creek Campground - 2
Nature
Camper submitted image from Sage Creek Campground - 3
Animals
Camper submitted image from Sage Creek Campground - 4
Camping
Camper submitted image from Sage Creek Campground - 5
Roads

Free Camping Collection

Established Camping

Sage Creek Campground

93 Reviews

About

National Park Service

Badlands National Park

Sage Creek Campground is a primitive campground. There is no charge to stay here and camping is available on a first come first serve basis. The campground rarely fills to capacity.

Reservation Info

Sage Creek Campground is first-come first-serve

Suggest an Edit

The Dyrt Alerts

Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

Learn More

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

Rent an RV near Wall, South Dakota

Find RVs Nearby

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

54%
37%
10%
10%
10%

4.5

out of 5

93 Reviews

Nate R.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Nov. 12, 2023

Free camp in Badlands!

It is a area about the size of a city block that you camp in the middle of and park around. It is popular so try not to show up late. Plenty of tent camping inside the loop. Parking can be and issue. By 9.pm some small RVs came and couldn't find space left to park. Vault toilets, trails, some picnic tables, scenery. Woke up to a buffalo 30 yards from my tent. Other people said they walk right thru camp. Prairie dogs everywhere, so watch your step for holes. I got yelled at by a prairie dog on my hike up the hill lol. Our stay was short but enjoyable.

Sitedidn't see any numbers
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Sage Creek Campground by Nate R., November 12, 2023
  • Review photo of Sage Creek Campground by Nate R., November 12, 2023
  • Review photo of Sage Creek Campground by Nate R., November 12, 2023
Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Oct. 5, 2023

Free!

Great free campground in the Badlands Wilderness area. Follow Sage Creek Rd and watch for signs for the campground. Made it no problem in a 26’ motorhome, but it is a 12 mile dirt road with a lot of washboard so things get rattled and covered in fine powdery dirt. Totally worth it though because on the way out you get amazing views from the top along the ridge of Badlands plus bison, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, coyotes, and hundreds of prairie dogs along the road on the way. 

The campground is a loop that has parallel parking around it and sites are designated by numbered posts. There is a horse camp area to one side and toward the right as you pull in and many people just made up spots not in the loop but behind the bathroom and along near the horse camp, so if you made the long drive out you should have at least somewhere to squeeze in for the night.

There are picnic tables, some which are covered and two pit toilet bathrooms. Also there is garbage and recycling. There is no water here so be sure to bring enough as temps can get quite hot. Some reviews mention the wind being an issue and though it was windy at first it died down and was calm all night. 

It was nice when we were there in late Sept. There were plenty of empty spots in late afternoon but filled up through the evening. Bison frequently come through the campground and use the posts to scratch themselves. Don’t be an idiot though (we saw some of that) these are huge wild animals and do not want selfies with you! 

There were also a lot of coyotes that came through at night so be aware if you have a pet. 

Weak and spotty cell reception with ATT and Verizon and no TMobile.

Site25
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Sage Creek Campground by Laura M., October 5, 2023
  • Review photo of Sage Creek Campground by Laura M., October 5, 2023
  • Review photo of Sage Creek Campground by Laura M., October 5, 2023
  • (7) View All
Emily T.
Reviewed Sep. 22, 2023

best camping spot ever

Wild animals everywhere, you're camping on the ground with the prarie dogs, lots of rabbits, birds, and bison coming through the campground as well. Next to the campground is a small walk up a steep hill to get good overlooks, and trails down to the creek with fossils.

  • Review photo of Sage Creek Campground by Emily T., September 22, 2023
  • Review photo of Sage Creek Campground by Emily T., September 22, 2023
  • Review photo of Sage Creek Campground by Emily T., September 22, 2023
  • (8) View All

Location

Sage Creek Campground is located in South Dakota

Detail location of campground

Directions

The campground is located in the Sage Creek Wilderness. It is accessible only via the Sage Creek Rim Rd which is accessible either by Highway 44 or Highway 240.

Address

Sage Creek Campground
Wall, SD 57790

Coordinates

43.893146 N
102.414254 W

Open in Google Maps