Glamping near Philip, South Dakota provides a strategic base for exploring the nearby Badlands National Park while enjoying more amenities than traditional campsites. Located in western South Dakota where prairie meets badlands, this region experiences extreme temperature variations with summer highs reaching 100°F and winter lows well below freezing. The area sits at approximately 2,200 feet elevation and receives limited annual rainfall, creating challenging but rewarding camping conditions.
What to do
Night sky viewing: The Badlands area offers exceptional stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. One visitor at Badlands / White River KOA noted, "I would definitely recommend going star gazing at night in the Badlands it's one of the best places to see the stars!"
Wildlife watching: Early mornings and evenings provide opportunities to spot prairie dogs, bighorn sheep, and bison. A camper reported, "You could hear coyotes and other animals out in the hills and the river nearby. It was very peaceful."
Agate hunting: The riverbeds near glamping sites contain colorful agates and other interesting rocks. Pack small tools and containers for collecting specimens during day excursions.
Badlands hiking: Visit during cooler morning hours to explore the unique geological formations. "We camped here while we hiked the Badlands for several days," shared one visitor who appreciated having a comfortable base to return to after exploring.
What campers like
Swimming options: The summer heat makes water access essential for comfort. A reviewer at American Inn & RV Park mentioned, "The pool was very refreshing and helped to cool off," highlighting the importance of this amenity during hot weather.
Convenient dining access: Several glamping locations offer food services or proximity to local restaurants. One camper noted, "We were close to one of two restaurants in Interior. They had great coffee and good breakfast! We went every morning."
Shade availability: Trees provide crucial relief from the intense summer sun. "The sites were all nice with lots of trees around. The pull through sites in the back of the park were huge," reported a satisfied visitor.
Spacious accommodations: Many glamping options provide generous living space compared to traditional tents. "When we had it in 'sleep' mode we easily had our queen sized air mattress in there and still had about another twin sized area to put our stuff."
What you should know
Mosquito preparation: Insect repellent is essential, particularly in wet years. A camper at Badlands Heritage Guest Ranch warned, "Pack deet bug spray and long sleeves. This year was a wet one and everywhere in the Badlands is mosquito heaven."
Limited cellular service: Many glamping sites have spotty coverage. Prepare for minimal connectivity during your stay.
Extreme weather planning: The region experiences sudden weather changes. A visitor recalled, "One night was so windy that I thought our tent was going to fly away with us in it."
Seasonal operations: Most glamping facilities close during winter months. According to campground information, Badlands / White River KOA operates from "Apr 17 to Oct 4" while American Inn & RV Park runs from "May 1 to November 1."
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Look for glamping sites with recreational facilities. "Loved that it had options for kids like mini golf, bikes, unfortunately we came after season but they do have a very big pool!"
Bathroom facilities: Family-friendly sites typically offer clean, modern restrooms. A reviewer noted, "Modern and clean bathrooms and showers. The pool was over chlorinated but was clean and well kept."
Arrival timing: For less stress when traveling with children, plan ahead for check-in procedures. One visitor at American Inn & RV Park shared, "Arrived after hours to our packet waiting for us with directions to our designated camp site."
Kitchen access: Some glamping options include food preparation areas. "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."
Tips from RVers
Reservation assistance: Staff can help solve travel problems. One RVer explained, "We traveled straight from Michigan to the Badlands with plans to camp in the park, however, the National Park was full. Within minutes this KOA had a site reserved for us at a cheaper rate."
Site selection: Request specific areas based on your needs. "Great location if you are visiting the Badlands. The sites were all nice with lots of trees around. The pull through sites in the back of the park were huge."
Hookup verification: Confirm electrical capacity before booking. A tent camper observed, "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."
Access considerations: Some directions may route you through the national park. "We found it odd that our directions sent us through the national park to get to the campsite," noted one camper, suggesting verifying the best route before arrival.
