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Map showing campground location near Cedarville, California
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Cedar Pass Campground

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Within Modoc National Forest, Cedar Pass Campground provides free first-come, first-serve camping along a creek that flows directly through the sites. The US Forest Service facility features basic amenities including picnic tables, fire pits, and pit toilets, though campers must pack out all trash since no services are provided.

A creek runs alongside several campsites, creating natural sound that masks most road noise from passing traffic. Cell coverage varies significantly by carrier, with Verizon showing minimal service while AT&T provides limited but usable connectivity for basic communication. The campground accommodates RVs up to 17 feet, though one reviewer successfully used a larger 26-foot Class C motorhome. Snow can block the eastern entrance during winter months. For additional forest camping, Stough Reservoir Campground sits nearby along the same mountain corridor.

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Map & DirectionsCedar Pass Campground is located in California near Cedarville

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

41.56000099 N
120.29400028 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

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Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Cedar Pass Campground

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3.0

out of 5

2 Reviews

Reviewed May. 16, 2023

Great and Free

Sweet little free USFS campground that is open (previous review and Google maps list this as permanently closed). Campground is free and first come first serve. It’s very basic- there are picnic benches and fire pits at each site, as well as several pit toilets throughout the campground, but otherwise there are no services. There’s no host and no trash service and the sites aren’t even marked or numbered. 

The Verizon phone had basically no service, just some sporadic in and out, but practically unusable. The cell booster didn’t help. The ATT phone has some service, not great, but usable for texting and light browsing. 

The creek runs right through the campground and some of the sites are just right on the water. The sound of the creek drowns out most of the noise from the road (except for the big trucks), so you have the perfect scenario of easy access from the road but not much road noise. There were no other campers when we stayed here on a Saturday in mid May. One person was here to walk her dogs for a bit but otherwise we had the whole place to ourselves. There was still some snow on the ground and it looks like there’s a second entrance to the east but that road was blocked by snow. The website says that the vehicle limit is 17ft, but I’m not sure why. We had plenty of room for our 26ft class c. I could see large class As or 5th wheels having trouble navigating the narrow forest roads.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Cedar Pass Campground by Laura M., May 16, 2023
  • Review photo of Cedar Pass Campground by Laura M., May 16, 2023
  • Review photo of Cedar Pass Campground by Laura M., May 16, 2023
  • (12) View All
Showing results 1-2 of 2 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make reservations for Cedar Pass Campground in Badlands National Park?

Cedar Pass Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system in place. This free USFS campground requires campers to self-register upon arrival. During peak summer months, arriving early in the day is recommended to secure a site. For current availability information or to confirm reservation policies, contact Badlands National Park directly or check the National Park Service website before your trip.

What is the layout of Cedar Pass Campground and how are sites arranged?

Cedar Pass Campground features a simple layout with basic campsites positioned along a small creek. Each site comes equipped with picnic tables and fire pits. The campground is designed with several pit toilets distributed throughout the grounds. Sites are arranged in an accessible manner, though the campground maintains a rustic, natural setting. The layout is straightforward and conducive to both tent camping and smaller RVs, with easy access to the surrounding natural features of Badlands National Park.

What do visitors say about their experience at Cedar Pass Campground?

Visitors appreciate Cedar Pass Campground for its simplicity and beautiful setting next to a creek. Campers enjoy the free camping opportunity and basic amenities that include picnic benches, fire pits, and pit toilets. The location receives positive feedback for its accessibility and natural beauty within Badlands National Park. While the campground is quite basic without luxury amenities, most campers find this adds to its charm and authentic outdoor experience. The peaceful setting and proximity to park attractions make it a valued destination for those seeking an immersive Badlands camping experience.

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