Backcountry Camping — Badlands National Park

Permits are not currently required for overnight stays in the Badlands backcountry. Before setting out on an overnight trip contact a staff member at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center or Pinnacles Entrance Station for more information. Backcountry registers are located at the Medicine/Castle Trail Loop, Saddle Pass Trailhead, Conata Picnic Area, Sage Creek Basin Overlook, and the Sage Creek Campground.

Campfires are not allowed under any circumstances. Use a backpacking stove.

Pets are not permitted on trails, in backcountry, or wilderness areas.

The location of your campsite must be at least 0.5 miles from a road or trail and must not be visible from a roadway.

There is little to no water available in the backcountry. The small amounts of water found are not drinkable or filterable due to the high sediment content. Always carry at least one gallon of water per person per day.

All refuse must be carried out. Use the cat hole method to dispose of human waste. Dig a small hole 6 to 8 inches deep and a minimum of 200 feet from any water source. Since animals will often dig up cat holes and scatter the toilet paper, it is preferred that you pack out all toilet paper. If you must bury toilet paper, use a minimal amount and bury with at least 6 inches of soil.

Strain food particles from wastewater, pack out food scraps, and scatter remaining water more than 200 feet from any stream channel.