Best Cabin Camping near Badlands National Park

Like all of South Dakota, Badlands National Park enjoys sunny summers and harsh winters. While you can go at any time, this park, like most, is crowded during the summer. While getting campsites in peak season isn’t impossible, it isn’t always easy.

With only one reservable campground, getting a camping spot in Badlands is tricky. That being said, with large amounts of federal land surrounding it, free camping is abundant. However, RV campers will appreciate the availability of sites in the park that can accommodate them. Buffalo Gap National Grassland offers the best camping near Badlands National Park if you can’t snag a camp spot. For campers and roadtrippers alike, a stop (or stay) in Wall, SD, is a must.

Best Cabin Sites Near Badlands National Park (6)

    1. Cedar Pass Campground — Badlands National Park

    114 Reviews
    Interior, SD
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 433-5460

    $37 - $47 / night

    "We stayed at the Cedar Pass Campground in Badlands National Park the first weekend in March 2016. The weather was unseasonably warm, and the tourists were few."

    "It was quite larger than I expected and with it being next to the visitors center/entrance, I am glad they do not charge more!  Each site had a picnic table and most with a little shelter over it. "

    2. Badlands Hotel & Campground

    62 Reviews
    Interior, SD
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 433-5335

    $24 - $174 / night

    "Perfect location for visiting Badlands National Park. Jussstttt outside the park entrance and the Ben Reifel visitor center. Could not ask for a better location."

    "Badlands Interior Campground is located one mile south of Badlands National Park, and includes plenty of clean, level RV and tent sites, as well as teepees"

    3. Badlands / White River KOA

    59 Reviews
    Interior, SD
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 433-5337

    "As I drove through the Badlands today and saw people setting up their tents in the totally exposed Park campgrounds I was sad for them . The KOA has great shade at every tent site ."

    "We spent a few nights at the Badlands/ White River KOA as our home base while we explored Badlands National Park area."

    4. Sleepy Hollow Campground

    31 Reviews
    Wall, SD
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 279-2100

    "You can walk to Wall Drug Store if you are so inclined.

    Plenty of space to walk the dogs.

    8 miles from Badlands National Park entrance."

    "free showers, on site laundry for $1.25 wash and same to dry, swimming pool, little kids playground. we stayed in a cabin, primitive, but super clean and comfy. nice beds, you provide linens."

    5. Woodland Ranch

    1 Review
    Merriman, SD
    38 miles

    $1 - $100 / night

    "We are near the North American Pole of Inaccessibility, making this one of the most remote regions of the continent... but you'll still get cell service!"

    6. Grand River Casino and Resort Campground

    1 Review
    Interior, SD
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 845-7104

    $5 - $45 / night

    "It’s far south of Badlands NP and most people stay North in Wall or out near Rapid City.

    We’re not sure about boondocking in the regular parking lot since the casino has their own campground here."

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Recent Cabin Photos near Badlands National Park

8 Photos of 6 Badlands National Park Campgrounds


Cabin Reviews near Badlands National Park

270 Reviews of 6 Badlands National Park Campgrounds


  • J
    Sep. 1, 2021

    Badlands / White River KOA

    Nice , quiet , SHADED, not overcrowded

    I am very pleased with this Campground . As I drove through the Badlands today and saw people setting up their tents in the totally exposed Park campgrounds I was sad for them . The KOA has great shade at every tent site . The sites are spacious and there were was no overcrowding . I opted to rent one of the small Rustic cabins with AC ( no bathroom or kitchen ) in order to give my elderly dog a respite from the scorching afternoon heat . The little camping cabin is clean and comfortable, there is a small front porch with a swing . Outside there is a picnic table and fire ring . We walked through the campground this evening and there was a cool gentle breeze . Most of the tent sites were unoccupied while I believe absolutely every RV site was occupied . Definitely worth checking out this campsite and hands down better choice than the exposed unshaded sites with in the Badlands .

  • andrew The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2024

    Sleepy Hollow Campground

    A Place to Stay

    The campground is fine. FHU with cable. $65 might be steep but,....

    You can walk to Wall Drug Store if you are so inclined.

    Plenty of space to walk the dogs.

    8 miles from Badlands National Park entrance.

    COMPLAINT - not the parks fault but....they were/are doing construction on the railroad crossing that prevents you from following your navigation guide. The detour signs are terrible or non-existent. We drove down a street with cars parked on both sides, and found ourselves at road closed even thought we could see the park. We had to call and ask how to get into the park.

  • Kari T.
    Jul. 22, 2016

    Cedar Pass Campground — Badlands National Park

    View and Location Make this a Gem

    We stayed at the Cedar Pass Campground in Badlands National Park the first weekend in March 2016. The weather was unseasonably warm, and the tourists were few. Most of this campground is closed during the "off-season", so we pulled our RV into a pull-through (really, a shoulder) site in the group camp area. During our stay there was only one other person camping, and he camped with a tent. There are pit toilets there, and this time of year they were fairly clean and well-maintained. The sites in the group area are spread apart well. Each area has a covered picnic table. There are no fire pits or grills here, as the fire danger remains high most of the year. Plan to bring a gas or charcoal grill of your own for cooking if you don't use an RV. On occasion we were able to pick up the Wi-Fi from the Cedar Pass Lodge, which is located nearby, but don't plan on campsite internet. This is a rustic campground. That said, water is available at the entrance, as well as a dump station, In addition, electric hook-ups and flush toilets are available in the summer season. This is one of only two campgrounds in this national park. and the other, Sage Creek Campground, is on the far west end of the park, remote, and very rustic (and also FREE). This campground is located within walking distance of the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. Reservations open in March for the summer season, and we recommend making them, as this campground is almost always full in season. Or, visit like we did, in the off-season, which can be much more temperate for weather.

  • Susan & Kevin W.
    Jul. 12, 2022

    Badlands Hotel & Campground

    Perfect proximity

    Perfect location for visiting Badlands National Park. Jussstttt outside the park entrance and the Ben Reifel visitor center. Could not ask for a better location. The campground is a no frills, perfectly adequate base for exploring the area. 30 amp (some sites have 50) and water with a dump station. The staff is super friendly and there is a small store and cafe. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Sites are gravel and pretty level. Can’t beat it for $38/night! We had a spot at cedar pass for one night and extended here because it wasn’t worth moving (see pic of how close they are to one another) and CP doesn’t have water hookups.

    The views are spectacular from the campground. Great spot for sunrises, sunsets and stargazing.

  • Carlyne F.
    Feb. 11, 2021

    Cedar Pass Campground — Badlands National Park

    Cedar Pass Campground, SD

    Located within Badlands National Park, this campground couldn’t be more conveniently located to nearby hiking trails and all the Badlands has to offer. There is a visitors center with a small store in walking distance. Our site was essentially along a road, so privacy is limited, but you get your own awning and picnic table. The bathrooms weren’t heated and it was about 5 degrees which made our showers uncomfortable. The showers require quarters, but there is a no change machine. Use the vending machine to make change instead.

    Tent camping is allowed all year, but most guests were staying in RV’s.

  • Abby M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2021

    Cedar Pass Campground — Badlands National Park

    Very nice!

    This campground was very nice!  It was quite larger than I expected and with it being next to the visitors center/entrance, I am glad they do not charge more!  Each site had a picnic table and most with a little shelter over it.  There are rest rooms and trash bins.  While there is barely any bushes/trees to separate you from neighbors, there is still some space but be prepared to hear the noises around you.  It's about a mile from the big parking lot with the established trails that Badlands NP has.  I had  bars of LTE via AT&T here.

  • Meghan H.
    Jul. 6, 2018

    Sleepy Hollow Campground

    great!

    free showers, on site laundry for $1.25 wash and same to dry, swimming pool, little kids playground. we stayed in a cabin, primitive, but super clean and comfy. nice beds, you provide linens.

  • William S.
    Oct. 17, 2021

    Cedar Pass Campground — Badlands National Park

    The campground that knows to get out of the way

    Badlands National Park is a breathtaking treasure, and this site is smart enough to know that.

    Built on an open plain, it offers a 360° view of the rocky hills, arranged so that nothing spoils that.

    The site itself is simple: shaded picnic tables at each site, but no campfires (propane fires allowed while cooking).

    There are toilet buildings with plumbing and showers, and a sink for washing dishes. However, when I was there, the water faucets for drinking wither didn’t work or provided only drips.

    There’s a soda machine on site, and the gift shop/restaurant is 1/2 mile down the road.

  • Tom S.
    Sep. 30, 2016

    Cedar Pass Campground — Badlands National Park

    Great view from the campground!

    I visited the Cedar Pass campground in Badlands National Park with my brother. We arrived in the middle of the afternoon and got a good location on the side of the camp. The campground was packed by the time we finished setting up our tent.

    The camp is completely open and there is basically no privacy between campsites. No trees. Nothing. It was really windy the day and night we were there. Since there is nothing blocking the wind in the open campground, make sure to secure your tent well if the weather is bad.

    Each campsite has a picnic table and a small thing covering it. There is also a bathroom with running water and flushing toilets. It's not the cleanest bathroom I've seen, but I wasn't completely afraid to use it either. It's a lot better than a pit.

    One of my favorite things about the campground is the view you have near the front of the park. It's incredible. Especially in the morning as the sun is rising. I'm adding a star to my review from what I would rate it for this reason alone.

    As far as the park is concerned, my favorite locations were Pinnacles Overlook, Ancient Hunters Overlook, Yellow Mounds Overlook, and Panorama Point. You can drive through the park in about half a day. If you have young kids, be careful in some of the spots. After seeing it again as an adult, I now know why my dad was so strict about leaving the car in some areas.


Guide to Badlands National Park

Cabin camping near Badlands National Park offers a unique blend of comfort and adventure, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the stunning landscapes of South Dakota while enjoying the amenities of a cabin stay.

Explore the Badlands National Park

  • The Badlands / White River KOA is conveniently located for easy access to the park, making it a great base for exploration.
  • Just a mile from the park entrance, Badlands Hotel & Campground offers a peaceful retreat after a day of hiking and sightseeing.
  • For those looking to enjoy the local scenery, Woodland Ranch features beautiful grasslands and canyons, providing a scenic backdrop for your cabin stay.

Cabin Camping Prices and Amenities

  • Prices for cabin camping in the area typically range from $65 to $100 per night, depending on the campground and amenities offered.
  • Sleepy Hollow Campground provides full hookups and a small shop, making it a convenient choice for families.
  • At Badlands Ranch and Resort, guests can enjoy beautiful views and a friendly atmosphere, although it’s important to note that some amenities may be limited.

Activities for Cabin Campers

  • Cabin campers at Grand River Casino and Resort Campground can enjoy fishing and scenic views right on the water.
  • Families will appreciate the proximity of Sleepy Hollow Campground to Wall Drug, offering fun dining and shopping options just a short walk away.
  • For those interested in local culture, Woodland Ranch hosts guests seeking to learn about Lakota traditions and lifestyle, enhancing the cabin camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Badlands National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Badlands National Park is Cedar Pass Campground — Badlands National Park with a 4.2-star rating from 114 reviews.

What is the best site to find cabin camping near Badlands National Park?

TheDyrt.com has all 6 cabin camping locations near Badlands National Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.