The Ultimate Guide to Camping in Badlands National Park

Badlands National Park may not see as many visitors as the Grand Canyon or Yosemite, but trust us, that’s a good thing. The Badlands’ striking landscapes are noticeably less crowded, making it easier to enjoy the beauty and solitude of the park’s striped rock formations and dramatic canyons. Then, there’s the wildlife—bison, bighorn sheep, and golden eagles, to name a few.

It’s a corner of South Dakota that draws people from around the world, who make the journey to drive on Badlands Loop Road, hike on the Notch Trail, or spend time examining the myriad fossils that have been uncovered in the park.

The truth is, a day here just isn’t enough, and since the park showcases an entirely different side at night—one that includes clear skies and a full view of the Milky Way—it only seems right to sleep under the stars. Luckily, there are plenty of options, from established campgrounds and RV hookups to rugged backcountry camping. To help you get started, here’s everything you need to know about Badlands National Park camping.

Cedar Pass Campground

If you’re looking for a camping experience with all the amenities (showers, water, groceries), head to Cedar Pass Campground, where you’ll find 96 sites, including RV spots with electric hookups and cabin rentals at the nearby Cedar Pass Lodge. This seasonal campground, open from late March to October, is your best bet for a full-service stay—there’s an on-site restaurant, pay bathrooms and showers, drinkable water, and a gift shop and general store that sells groceries and camping supplies.

Camping at Cedar Pass Campground starts at $37 a night for a non-electric site and goes up $47 per night for electric and group sites. There’s also a nearby dump station. Reservations must be made in advance.

Sage Creek Campground

If setting up your tent near a giant RV isn’t what you had in mind, you might be happier at Sage Creek Campground, a free, first come, first serve campground with 22 campsites. The campground is located off the unpaved Sage Creek Rim Road (which also makes for a beautiful drive), and campers should note that the road can close after rain or storms.

If you have an RV that’s 18 feet or smaller, you’re in luck, but those with bigger rigs will need to go elsewhere. All guests at Sage Creek Campground have access to covered picnic tables and pit toilets, but not water. Campers can either pack their own or drop by the Ben Reifel Visitor Center to use the bottle-filling station.

Backcountry Camping

Those looking for a true immersion in nature that’s far from other campers have plenty of options. Backcountry camping is permitted anywhere within Badlands National Park—no permit needed—as long as the campsite isn’t visible from any of the park’s roads or trails and is at least half a mile away. So, basically, you’re free to set up camp almost anywhere within the park’s 244,000 acres.

If the sheer number of options feels overwhelming, keep in mind that most backcountry campers tend to head to Deer Haven, a network of game trails that crisscross a juniper grove and various other scenic spots. Another popular destination is the Sage Creek Wilderness Area off Sage Creek Rim Road. The area is inhabited by bison, so simply hop on one of the game trails and walk until you find a spot that’s a half-mile from the road and out of sight.

A backcountry camping permit isn’t required, but the park recommends that you contact a staff member at Ben Reifel Visitor Center or Pinnacles Entrance Station and let them know where you’re headed. You can also pick up a topographic map. You’ll need to bring a backpacking stove (campfires are not permitted) and at least a gallon of water for every day you plan to be out. In addition, you’ll have to pack out your trash and toilet paper.

In general, the best and safest time to go backcountry camping in Badlands National Park is September and early October, after the summer thunderstorms have passed and the temperature begins to drop.

Badlands National Park Camping Regulations

Badlands National Park operates on a cashless system, which means entry fees can only be paid by mobile or electronic payment. Entrance passes can also be purchased in advance at Recreation.gov. Campfires are not permitted anywhere in Badlands National Park, due to fire danger, but you can bring your own camp stove or contained charcoal grill to use at the campgrounds and picnic areas. In the backcountry, backpacking stoves are allowed.

Potable water is available to campers within Cedar Pass Campground, but those who set up shop at Sage Creek Campground or in the backcountry will need to bring their own water (one gallon per person per day is recommended). Drinking water is also available at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. Visitors are strongly warned against drinking any water found in the park because of the high sediment content.

Badlands National Park Camping Tips

Within the park, you’ll find both paid and free camping, as well as campgrounds that require reservations and those that don’t. Those looking to set up camp at the more established Cedar Pass Campground or the Cedar Pass Lodge will want to reserve a spot well in advance by booking online or calling (605) 910-9246 for the campground and (855) 765-0737 for the lodge. If you’re open to sleeping at a spot without showers, running water, and flushable toilets, you can take advantage of Sage Creek Campground’s first come, first serve style. Camping here is free, but campsites are limited, so you might want to show up early.

The weather in Badlands National Park can vary greatly. Summers are often hot and dry with occasional thunderstorms, while the park typically sees between 12 and 24 inches of snow during the winter months. In short, summers can be hot, with temperatures as high as 116 degrees Fahrenheit, and winters can be cold. The best time to camp is in late spring, late summer, or early fall, when evening temperatures are typically cool, but not cold. Keep in mind that June tends to be the wettest month. Lastly, no matter when you visit, make sure to come prepared with layers of clothing, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and plenty of water.