Badlands Hotel & Campground accommodates pets at all 80 tent, RV, and cabin sites just one mile south of Badlands National Park. The campground features full hookup sites, water and electric sites, and primitive tent camping areas where pets can stay with their owners. Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the property, with a designated pet walking area in the grassy loop trail at the back of the campground. The sites are fairly level with picnic tables and above-ground fire rings, though the campground gets quite windy at times which may require extra attention when camping with pets. Staff may restrict fire usage during high wind conditions for safety. Pets are allowed to run off-leash in the designated trail areas behind the property, making this a popular option for travelers with energetic dogs.
Buffalo Gap National Grassland provides multiple dispersed camping options where dogs are welcome to join their owners in exploring the rugged landscape. Several free boondocking areas including Buffalo Gap Dispersed Camping, The Wall Boondocking Dispersed, and Badlands Boondocking Area all permit pets with proper supervision. These areas lack facilities such as water, electricity, or designated pet waste stations, so campers should pack all necessary supplies for their animals. The sites can experience extreme weather conditions including sudden thunderstorms with high winds that have damaged tents in the past. Morning provides the best opportunity for wildlife viewing with pets, though owners should remain vigilant for rattlesnakes which are common in the grasslands. The campground keeps grass short specifically to reduce snake encounters near campsites.