Top 9 Camping Spots In Badlands National Park, South Dakota

camping near badlands national park
Louise
Louise 
Published
| 4 min read

For adventurous souls and camping enthusiasts, Badlands National Park is the place to be. Geologic structures such as Chadron Formation, Brule Formation, Rockyford Ash, and Sharps Formation will make your trip here worth it. You can also hike trailheads such as Saddle Pass Trail, Cliff Shelf Nature Trail, and Door Trail if you’re up for more adventures. Thanks to the lack of pollution in the area because of its rich flora and fauna, expect to see a fantastic view of the Milky Way and different constellations at night. Aside from all that, there are many other exciting things to see and do in Badlands National Park, and choosing the right spot to set up camp is an important factor in your stay. Check below for our list of the top camping spots in Badlands National Park, South Dakota.

RV Campgrounds & RV Sites

1. Sage Creek Campground

Sage Creek Campground after the rain
Source: Photo by Flickr user Loren Kerns used under CC BY 2.0

Sage Creek Campground is one of the most popular campgrounds for tourists longing for a free adventure. It provides 22 campground sites, all well-equipped with modern comforts. For one, there are stoves and grills where you can whip up some meals, and picnic tables where you can relish them. Pit toilets are also provided, however, water isn’t available on-site. Don’t worry, though, as you can get potable water at the nearby Ben Reifel Visitor Center.

Sage Creek Campground

Address: Wall, SD 57790, United States map

2. Cedar Pass Campground

Camping spots in Badlands National Park, South Dakota.
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Runner1928 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Cedar Pass Campground is just a five-minute walk away from Cedar Pass Lodge, where you can grab some camping supplies, meals, and local souvenirs. Aside from a convenient location, the campground offers three different accommodations: tent camping, group camping, and RV sites, all of which are available from April to October.

The tent camping sites include a shaded picnic table, showers and bathrooms, and easy access to meals at Cedar Pass Lodge and Restaurant. Meanwhile, the RV sites have a 14-night limit and the group camping sites allow up to 10 people a site.

Cedar Pass Campground

Address: 20681 SD-240, Interior, SD 57750, United States map

Website

3. Badlands Interior Campground

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If you’re looking for a convenient camping experience in an equally convenient location, you can set up camp at Badlands Interior Campground. This site provides full hookups, shower rooms, and a fire pit for campers’ utmost comfort.

Location-wise, the property is just 1 mi (1.6 km) away from Badlands National Park. It is also located near an amphitheater where campers can enjoy shows and programs to pass the time. Additionally, it is close to attractions such as Praire Homestead, Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, and Wounded Knee.

Badlands Interior Campground

Address: 900 SD-377, Interior, SD 57750, United States map

Website

Nearby RV campgrounds & RV sites

4. Badlands Boondocking Area

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This site will surely bring your camping experience a different kind of excitement. It is located near the city of Wall and is just a minute or two from the entrance to Badlands National Park. Here, there are unlimited spaces where you can park your RV for free. Camping at this site would be best during the summer season.

Aside from camping, you can also enjoy numerous other activities in the area, such as enjoying some ice cream and looking for souvenirs at Wall Drug Store. Additionally, viewing sites such as Pinnacles Overlook and Steer Pasture Overlook can also be easily visited from here.

Badlands Boondocking Area

Address: SD-240, Wall, SD 57790, United States map

5. Sleepy Hollow Campground & RV Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Sleepy Hollow Campground on Monday, May 17, 2010

Sleepy Hollow Campground & RV Park has 59 RV sites that can make camping with friends and family comfortable and memorable. This site is located near the entrance to Badlands National Park and Buffalo Gap National Grasslands, making for easy access to Badlands’ top attractions. Aside from that, it also welcomes pets, so you can enjoy your trip with your fur babies. Amenities such as showers and laundry facilities are conveniently offered here, as well.

Sleepy Hollow Campground & RV Park

Address: 118 W 4th Ave, Wall, SD 57790, United States map

Website

6. Minute Man RV Park & Lodging

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Have a comfortable rest after a long day of traveling with your family in Minute Man RV Park & Lodging. This RV and campsite property has a quiet and friendly ambiance that provides both electricity and water. For the RV sites, full-service hookups are offered. As for tent sites, fire pits and access to shower and laundry facilities are provided.

Minute Man RV Park & Lodging

Address: 21295 SD-240, Philip, SD 57567, United States map

Website

7. Kadoka Kampground

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Kadoka Kampground is complete with the amenities and basic needs that will make your trip to South Dakota a comfortable one. The property has restrooms and showers for all guests to use. Pets are also allowed on the site, so fur parents can let their babies tag along. If you’ve exhausted the nearby hiking trails, dip in the pool for a relaxing swim or a fun time playing water games with your family and friends.

Kadoka Kampground

Address: 700 Bayberry Street Kadoka, SD 57543, United States map

8. Elk Mountain Campground

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Elk Mountain Campground is located at the edge of a forest and open prairie. This site gives you a chance to be surrounded by the different plants and wildlife of the Black Hills, perfect for those visiting to experience nature to the fullest.

This property has 62 sites for you to camp in, though you’ll have to be quick as reservations are done on a first-come, first-served basis. Toilets are available all year round for its campers. There is also an amphitheater that is open in certain seasons, offering educational programs for everyone.

Elk Mountain Campground

Address: 26611 US-385, Hot Springs, SD 57747, United States map

Website

9. Badlands / White River KOA Holiday

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

New supersize deluxe patio sites, just opened 2015 season.

Posted by Badlands / White River KOA Holiday on Friday, March 4, 2016

Staying at Badlands / White River KOA Holiday offers camping experiences, a nature getaway, and a chance to meet new friends along the way. This site provides plenty of fun summer activities for all ages. You can do a nature walk, play mini-golf, go cycling, birdwatching, and swimming, or have a campfire. There is also a dog park on-site where your fur baby can play with other dogs.

Badlands / White River KOA Holiday

Address: 20720 SD-44, Interior, SD 57750, United States map

Website

Savor a camping adventure in South Dakota

Choosing to have a fun summer adventure with your loved ones or alone is an experience everybody should have at least once in their lifetime. The Badlands area in South Dakota is just the place for that. Make sure to stay among one of the top camping spots in Badlands National Park, South Dakota, to have an incredible and comfortable time in nature.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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