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Best Equestrian Camping near Badlands National Park

186 Reviews

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.

Map showing campgrounds near Badlands National Park, South DakotaExplore the Map

Best Equestrian Sites Near Badlands National Park (5)

    1. 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."

    2. 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."

    3. Sage Creek Basin Camp

    3 Reviews
    Wall, SD
    9 miles

    "This location is Sage Creek Basin Overlook and trailhead. It is beautiful up here at higher elevation. 4g and 5g cell service is available here on Tmobile. There are no toilets."

    4. French Creek Camping Area

    5 Reviews
    Fairburn, SD
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (605) 745-4107

    "All sites are walk-in tent only.

    The only issue we experienced were the horse flies but this would not deter us from staying again."

    "Great views all around with a pleasant stream running through, BLM road behind the site for a stroll/potential free camping. The BLM road was not passable mid-october due to flooding."

    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!"

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Badlands National Park

1 Photos of 5 Badlands National Park Campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Badlands National Park

186 Reviews of 5 Badlands National Park Campgrounds

  • Lucille W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 27, 2020

    Sage Creek Campground

    Easy, breezy, beautiful

    The other reviewers had it right. 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. Doesn’t feel too crowded though. Tons of tents, vans, and car campers fit into this somewhat small but open space. Bison are common visitors. Plus, there is a prairie dog town right in the center of the loop the road creates in the camp. They are so fascinating to watch! There are two basic but clean restrooms. Several pic nic tables with small shade shelters. A nearby creek for water filtering / road trip baths. Make sure to bring lots of water or a filter people! We saw folks asking around for extra water. Be prepared. Definitely would highly recommend for anyone traveling through South Dakota. Badlands National Park is so unique and so special.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 10, 2022

    Badlands Hotel & Campground

    Great Access to BLNP

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

  • P
    Aug. 6, 2018

    Badlands Hotel & Campground

    Great views!

    We had a FHU site for our travel trailer. The sites are level, although a bit close to each other. There is some shade which was welcome! We had great views of the Badlands National Park since this campground is located just outside the park. Bathrooms are a bit dated, but adequate.

  • Adam J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2023

    Badlands Hotel & Campground

    Great, conveniently located campground

    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. It was always quiet and the folks running it were extremely nice and accommodating.

  • B
    Jul. 11, 2021

    Badlands Hotel & Campground

    It’s the location and value, remember that

    You want hookups close to Badlands National Park? This is your place, and the price is good too. If you want to whine about amenities and cable TV, keep driving into the night.

    Electricity and water is shared so some sites have water and electric on the “other” side (passenger side), but I was able to reach without any extensions. The kids and I loved jumping in the above-ground pool,which was nice and cool on a hot day.

  • Mercuric M.
    Jun. 13, 2025

    Sage Creek Campground

    Rolling hills spotted with juniper trees.

    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. The campground and surrounding area are idyllic rolling hills spotted with juniper trees with crags of the badlands as a backdrop.  There are often buffalo roaming about and plenty of prairie dogs.  There are trash receptacles and clean pit toilets.  Some of the sites have wind / sun blocks at the picnic tables.

  • Ruby W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 28, 2020

    Sage Creek Campground

    Free Camping IN the Badlands

    A crowded, but nice, site right in Badlands National Park! A great scenic drive in on awesome and well maintained gravel roads. Large loop site with tons of space for tents and parking. Definitely noisy, but well worth being inside the park. Overall well maintained bathrooms, tons of little trails, and a creek nearby. Stunning sunset views and distant views of Badland choss formations! One thing to mention—there is a massive prairie dog CIVILIZATION living in the campsite, so be prepared for squeaky little neighbors.

  • Andrew D.
    Aug. 16, 2023

    Badlands Hotel & Campground

    Nice place on way to YNP August 2023

    This park is clean, and just outside of Badlands National Park.  The pool was great per our Grand-kids.  Liked swimming and seeing Badlands at the same time. 

    The only problem the sites are short, but big rigs still parked here and intrude onto the road a bit.  I had to back out of my pull through site as the rig across from me had his motorcycle parked in front and was partially on the road. But I don't blame the park for this but the camper.

  • Sam C.
    Jun. 11, 2018

    Sage Creek Campground

    Sage Creek Campground May 15-17

    Sage Creek is a primitive campground located in the interior of The Badlands National Park. The campsites are first come first serve and are free to use. However there are only two pit toilets for the entire camp and no water is available so bring your own is a must. Buffalo continually frequent the campground so storing food away a night is a must. There are also limited trails in the badlands but sage creek campground is a great starting point for backcountry trips but following sage creek into the interior.

Guide to Badlands National Park

Horse camping near Badlands National Park in South Dakota offers a unique opportunity to explore stunning landscapes while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse campers, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and hit the trails.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • At Sage Creek Campground, you can enjoy wide-open spaces and basic trails, perfect for a leisurely ride through the prairie dog town.
  • The Badlands Hotel & Campground is just a mile from the park entrance, making it an ideal base for exploring the park's scenic trails on horseback.
  • French Creek Camping Area offers a peaceful setting with access to horse trails, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like

  • Woodland Ranch provides electric hookups and clean facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay for both you and your horse.
  • At Sage Creek Basin Camp, you can find a relaxed atmosphere with fellow campers, although it lacks amenities like water and electricity.
  • Badlands Hotel & Campground features full hookups and a convenient store, making it easy to stock up on supplies for your equestrian adventure.

Tips for equestrian camping near Badlands National Park in South Dakota

  • Bring plenty of water and supplies, as many campgrounds, like Sage Creek Campground, do not provide drinking water or electric hookups.
  • Be prepared for basic amenities at places like French Creek Camping Area, which offers pit toilets but no showers or trash services.
  • Keep your horse close at Sage Creek Basin Camp, where buffalo may wander through the area, adding to the unique experience of camping in the Badlands.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Badlands National Park is Sage Creek Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 117 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Badlands National Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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