Badlands National Park Camping Guide
Welcome to the Badlands National Park Camping Guide.
Here you will find camping and campground information including dates the campgrounds are open and the facilities offered to campers staying in the park.
Here you will find camping and campground information including dates the campgrounds are open and the facilities offered to campers staying in the park.
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| Backcountry Camping | Campgrounds | Group Camping |
Campgrounds
There are two campgrounds in Badlands National Park, Cedar Pass and Sage Creek Primitive Campgrounds. Both these campgrounds are open year round. Cedar Pass is first come first serve, but will take reservations for group camping. Saga Creek is a primitive camping area and is first come first serve.
| Campground | Open | Close | Sites | Dump Station | Laundry | Showers | Groceries | Service Station | Approx Fill Time | RV Length |
| Cedar Pass | All Year | - | 100 | Yes | 2.5 Miles | No | 2.5 Miles | 2.5 Miles | Early PM | Unk |
| Sage Creek Primitive | All Year | - | 15 | No | 15 Miles | No | 15 Miles | 15 Miles | Early | Small |
Cedar Pass Campground is located just inside the entrance to Badlands National Park. Water, flush toilets and tables are available April through September. At dates other than those listed, chemical toilets and water are available. The fee is $ 10.00 per night with a 14 day limit during the regular season. Off season fee is $ 8.00 a night. The closest town is Interior, SD.
Sage Creek Primitive Campgrounds is located 35 miles from the park entrance. There are pit toilets and tables. No fee is charged, 14 day maximum stay. The closest town is Wall, SD. RV camping is possible, dirt road leads to campgrounds, but the road is drivable. Access may be restricted in winter due to weather.
No open campfires are allowed.
Group Camping
Group sites can be reserved by writing to the park, calling or by fax, include group leader, number in group and dates. Group size must be 10 or more and the cost is $ 2.50 per person with an minimum fee of $ 25.00. Write to, call or fax:
Group Camping
PO Box 6
Badlands National Park
Interior, SD 57750-0006
Phone: 605-433-5233
Fax: 605-433-5404
Backcountry Camping
Backcountry camping is permitted. No fee or permit is required, but providing information to a ranger and signing trailhead logs is recommended. Backpackers may camp anywhere in the park that is at least .5 mile from any road or trail and not visible from park roads. Because only the Castle Trail strays far from the main road, most backpackers set out cross country on routes of their own. In this case, topographic maps are strongly recommended, if not essential. In the North Unit, the 64,250 acre Sage Creek Wilderness is ideal for backpackers. Leave your car at the primitive campground, and follow Sage Creek into the wilderness.
No Open Fires are permitted due to the fire hazard risk. Carry your own stove, food and water, and bring it all out with you plus a little extra. Leave it better than you found it, please.
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