Camping near Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park has some of the most rugged landscapes and good wildlife viewing in South Dakota. Sage Creek Campground inside the park is basic - you won't find running water, but there are vault toilets and picnic tables available. The spot gives you a back-to-basics camping experience right in the middle of the Badlands terrain. Cedar Pass Campground is a bit more developed with electric hookups at some sites, which isn't common in most national parks. They run night sky programs at the amphitheater there too. If you want to camp with fewer neighbors, Buffalo Gap National Grassland has open camping with clear views of the Badlands formations. The area gives you plenty of space to yourself. When camping near the Badlands, you need to follow rules like the 14-day maximum stay and properly dealing with your trash. Fire bans happen regularly, so check what's allowed before you go. You'll likely see bison, bighorn sheep and lots of prairie dogs while you're in the area. Most campers find spring and fall most comfortable with better temperatures and smaller crowds than summer. Summer days often hit above 90 degrees, so bring plenty of water and sun protection. Winter camping works if you bring the right cold-weather gear. The Badlands camping experience is pretty different from most other parks, regardless of which spot you choose.

Best Camping Sites Near Badlands National Park (31)

    1. Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping

    137 Reviews
    Wall, SD
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 279-2125

    "Amazing sunrise, easy to find, beautiful views, only ones there, minutes from Badlands National Park entrance and FREE!!"

    "This is a great location for camping. They recently built up this campsite with gravel and wood logs for more defined sites. There is about 20 sites here and most can fit long RVs."

    2. Sage Creek Campground

    117 Reviews
    Wall, SD
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 433-5361

    "Sage Creek is a sweet little spot within Badlands National Park. Definitely pay your park entrance fee! BUT it’s true - this spot is completely free. Lots of people dig this spot."

    "This is a managed Badlands National Park campground.  It is FREE first come first serve and rustic. There is no water available so come prepared."

    3. Cedar Pass Campground — Badlands National Park

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

    $37 - $47 / night

    "Great location in the amazing Badlands National Park.  No hookups but pleanty of water spigots.  Clean bathrooms and pay showers.  No shade or privacy but great views of the surrounding park."

    "in open area of the Badlands National Park"

    4. Badlands Hotel & Campground

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

    $24 - $174 / night

    "Close and convenient spot for easy access to Badlands National Park."

    "This is a great campground just a mile outside of Badlands National Park. I stayed for a week and really enjoyed it. The campground has full hookups and a 24 hour laundry room."

    5. The Wall Boondocking Dispersed

    36 Reviews
    Wall, SD
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 279-2126

    "The winds can get really high so don’t park too close to the edge. This was a great location for visiting Badlands National Park and going to Wall Drug."

    "This is a maintained boondocking area a few miles outside of the Badlands National Park entrance off of rt.240 with designated camp spots. Some spots are level others less so, such is the life."

    6. Badlands / White River KOA

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

    "This campground is busy because of its location to the Badlands National Park...so expect people. They offer a lot here...Full hookups with water and cable tv."

    "This tree-filled campground is very near the entrance to the Badlands National Park. Trees large enough to provide shade - what a luxury in the Badlands area!"

    7. 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."

    "Close to Badlands National Park. Just 8 miles to beautiful sunsets. Walking distance to town, Wall Drug, and restaurants. Campground is as others have stated; a bit tired. Pool is still closed."

    8. Buffalo Gap National Grassland

    19 Reviews
    Wall, SD
    8 miles

    "Boondocking with no bathrooms/showers/water Located just outside Badlands National Park and Wall in Buffalo Gap Spots have no shade or electricity"

    "Take a right at the tv towers and drive in to the rim of the wall. Free disbursed camping a mile north of the entrance to the Badlands National Park."

    9. Badlands Boondocking Area

    6 Reviews
    Wall, SD
    6 miles

    "Wall Dispersed Camping near Badlands National Park is a great spot for anyone looking to boondock with awesome views and a peaceful atmosphere."

    "Beautiful BLM 14 day camping just outside Badlands National Park. I saw a herd of bison coming in. Good Verizon cell phone signal."

    10. Badlands Boondocks

    7 Reviews
    Wall, SD
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 233-2800

    "The Forest service is managing the area so people cannot park right at the edge of the cliff like in times past. It is safer for people & prevents more erosion from the top of the cliff."

    "Just outside Badlands Nat’l Park. Great view and found a level site."

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Showing results 1-10 of 31 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Badlands National Park

628 Reviews of 31 Badlands National Park Campgrounds



Guide to Badlands National Park

Camping near Badlands National Park, South Dakota, offers a unique experience with stunning landscapes and a variety of campgrounds to choose from. Whether you're looking for a rustic experience or a more established site, there's something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Explore the Badlands: The park is famous for its dramatic landscapes and hiking trails. Many campers enjoy the breathtaking views and wildlife sightings. One visitor at Cedar Pass Campground said, "Cedar Pass Campground in Badlands National Park offers 96 scenic sites with amenities like flush toilets and summer coin-operated showers."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for bison, prairie dogs, and other wildlife. A camper at Sage Creek Campground mentioned, "Woke up to a buffalo 30 yards from my tent. Other people said they walk right thru camp."
  • Stargazing: The clear skies in the area make for excellent stargazing opportunities. A camper at Buffalo Gap National Grassland noted, "Amazing views. Stayed for 1 night and the wind was absolutely insane! Be prepared for that!"

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful landscapes. One visitor at The Wall Boondocking Dispersed said, "Fabulous! Views and several spaces both on the edge of grassland dropping off into the badlands wall."
  • Free Camping Options: Many campgrounds, like Buffalo Gap National Grassland, offer free camping, which is a big plus for budget travelers. A camper shared, "What this spot has going for it is the amazing views."
  • Community Feel: Campgrounds often have a friendly atmosphere. A camper at Sage Creek Campground mentioned, "What a sweet little spot! This is a 22 site, first come first served campground."

What you should know:

  • Windy Conditions: Many campers report strong winds, especially at dispersed sites. One camper at Buffalo Gap National Grassland said, "Tends to be a bit windy, but this is a beautiful place to stay."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like The Wall Boondocking Dispersed, have no drinking water or toilets. A visitor noted, "There is zero privacy, so be prepared for that."
  • Busy Seasons: The campgrounds can fill up quickly during peak seasons. A camper at Cedar Pass Campground mentioned, "If you want to stay in the park and explore the Badlands this is a great location."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Established Campgrounds: Sites like Cedar Pass Campground offer amenities like flush toilets and showers, making it easier for families. A camper said, "The campground is very clean and every evening there is a program prepared by the rangers."
  • Plan for Wind: If you're tent camping, be prepared for windy nights. A camper at Sage Creek Campground shared, "It caused our tent to cave in and I ended up sleeping in the car."
  • Wildlife Safety: Teach kids to respect wildlife. A visitor at Sage Creek Campground advised, "Be respectful!!!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Road Conditions: Some roads can be rough, especially for larger RVs. A camper at The Wall Boondocking Dispersed noted, "Roads are rough but doable."
  • Look for Level Sites: Many RVers prefer campgrounds with level sites. A visitor at Badlands Hotel & Campground said, "Level sites. Hookups are a little wonky."
  • Be Prepared for Heat: Summer temperatures can soar. A camper at Badlands / White River KOA mentioned, "The pool was small and cloudy but needed as it is so hot."

Camping near Badlands National Park, South Dakota, is an adventure filled with natural beauty and unique experiences. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's a spot waiting for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping options are available near Badlands National Park?

Camping options near Badlands National Park range from free dispersed camping to developed campgrounds. Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping offers free sites on graveled areas with defined spots that can accommodate RVs, located just 2 miles from the park entrance. For those wanting amenities, Sleepy Hollow Campground provides full hookups with cable TV about 8 miles from the park entrance and within walking distance to Wall Drug Store. Additional options include the Badlands Boondocking Area on BLM land with 14-day stays, Buffalo Gap National Grassland for boondocking, and private options like Badlands Hotel & Campground and Badlands/White River KOA for more services.

Where are the campgrounds located in Badlands National Park?

Inside Badlands National Park, there are two main campgrounds. Cedar Pass Campground is located in the heart of the park with stunning views of the surrounding badlands formations. While it doesn't offer hookups, it provides water spigots, clean bathrooms, and pay showers. Sage Creek Campground is situated in the western section of the park and is completely free to use after paying the park entrance fee. This primitive campground is popular with tent campers, van dwellers, and those in smaller vehicles. Both campgrounds offer unique perspectives of the park's distinctive landscape and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Do I need reservations for camping in Badlands National Park?

Reservation requirements vary by campground in and around Badlands National Park. For Cedar Pass Campground inside the park, reservations are recommended during the busy summer season (May-September) as it can fill quickly. Sage Creek Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation option. For dispersed camping areas like Badlands Dispersed Camping and The Wall Boondocking Dispersed, no reservations are needed - sites are available on a first-come basis. Private campgrounds near the park, including Badlands Hotel & Campground and Sleepy Hollow Campground, typically accept or require reservations, especially during peak season.

Are there different types of camping accommodations in the Badlands area?

The Badlands area offers diverse camping accommodations to suit different preferences. For those seeking amenities, Badlands Hotel & Campground provides full hookup sites for RVs with level spots and some shade. Free primitive camping is available at Buffalo Gap National Grassland, which offers boondocking without facilities but spectacular views of the badlands. Inside the park, Cedar Pass has basic facilities with water and restrooms but no hookups. The area also features dispersed camping options with varying levels of accessibility for different vehicle types. Tent campers will find suitable spots at Sage Creek, while larger RVs might prefer the developed sites at Sleepy Hollow or the graveled areas at Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping.