Glamping sites near Badlands National Park provide elevated comfort in an area where summer temperatures frequently exceed 100°F and winter lows can drop below zero. Located approximately 75 miles east of Rapid City, most glamping accommodations sit within the mixed-grass prairie ecosystem that characterizes this region of South Dakota. Visitors should account for limited cell service throughout much of the area, particularly in the more remote western sections of the park.
What to do
Stargazing opportunities: The Badlands area offers exceptional dark sky viewing conditions. Campers at Badlands White River KOA frequently mention the astronomical viewing. "I would definitely recommend going star gazing at night in the Badlands it's one of the best places to see the stars!" notes reviewer Anne G.
Local dining excursions: Some glamping properties are positioned near small towns with dining options. "What did rock was how close we were to one of two restaurants in Interior. They had great coffee and good breakfast! We went every morning," shares Beatrice G. about staying near the town while visiting the park.
Wildlife viewing: The prairie and badlands formations support diverse wildlife including bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and coyotes. "You could hear coyotes and other animals out in the hills and the river nearby. It was very peaceful," reports one camper who stayed at a property along the White River.
What campers like
Swimming pools: During hot summer months, some glamping sites offer pools as a welcome amenity. At Woodland Ranch, guests appreciate having water recreation options. According to Zach H., "The pool was over chlorinated but was clean and well kept," providing relief from summer heat.
Cultural experiences: Several glamping properties offer opportunities to learn about regional history. "I've been happy to host guests of all kinds for the past 20+ years from hunters to cultural tourists seeking to learn more about Lakota traditions and lifestyle," explains Terry from Woodland Ranch, highlighting educational opportunities available.
Store amenities: Many glamping operations maintain on-site stores for necessities. "The store had a little bit of everything which was nice," notes Janet P., regarding the convenience of having supplies available without driving to distant towns.
What you should know
Seasonal insect considerations: Mosquitoes can be particularly troublesome during wet years. "Pack deet bug spray and long sleeves. This year was a wet one and everywhere in the Badlands is mosquito heaven," advises Brian W., emphasizing preparation for potential insect issues.
Limited shade: The natural prairie landscape means limited tree cover at many sites. As Janet P. observed at Badlands Heritage Guest Ranch, "Many of their sites offered little shade, which was a big downfall given the heat out there."
After-hours check-in: For late arrivals, some properties have systems in place. "Arrived after hours to our packet waiting for us with directions to our designated camp site," reports Samuel V., noting the convenience for travelers with flexible schedules.
Tips for camping with families
Recreation options: Several glamping locations provide activities specifically for children. "Loved that it had options for kids like mini golf, bikes, unfortunately we came after season but they do have a very big pool!" explains Anne G., highlighting amenities that can entertain younger visitors.
Bathroom facilities: When glamping with children, bathroom quality becomes particularly important. "Modern and clean bathrooms and showers," notes Zach H., though another visitor mentioned, "The bathrooms were okay. They frequently were backed up."
Wagon wheel camping areas: Some properties feature specialized tent areas for families. "One thing that was pretty cool was an area called the 'wagon wheel'. It was an area for tents that is walled off and has a kitchenette area available," describes Andrew S., pointing out accommodations designed for group camping.
Tips from RVers
Pull-through site availability: RV travelers appreciate the spacious sites at certain locations. "The pull through sites in the back of the park were huge," notes Zach H., describing the roominess at a KOA property near the Badlands.
Hookup options: Electrical capacity varies between glamping operations. "I do wish they had a different spot for tent campers and vehicle campers because we didn't have electrical capacity because we were surrounded by RVs," mentions Beatrice G., highlighting how site allocation can impact the camping experience.
Weather preparation: Strong winds can affect larger vehicles and structures. One camper reported, "One night was so windy that I thought our tent was going to fly away with us in it," underscoring the importance of secure anchoring for all camping equipment in this open prairie environment.
