Experience Badlands National Park overnight and enjoy its breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, colorful flowers, bountiful wildlife, and rugged scenery from one of two campgrounds available in the park: Cedar Pass Campground and Sage Creek Campground.

Open year-round, both campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis and rarely fill to capacity. No reservations are required or accepted, except for group camping. Camping is limited to 14-days at both campgrounds. No showers or electrical/water hookups are available in the park.

Due to fire danger, campfires are not permitted in either campground and collection of wood is prohibited. However, camp stoves or contained charcoal grills can be used in campgrounds and picnic areas. When using charcoal grills, ensure the charcoal is cool prior to disposal to prevent a trash fire.

Detailed information particular to each campground is located below.

Roberta M. Gorman - NPS Photo

Cedar Pass Campground campsites are level with covered picnic tables.

Cedar Pass Campground

Located near the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, the Cedar Pass Campground has 96 level sites with scenic views of the badlands formations. Forever Resorts manages the campground. For additional information contact Cedar Pass Lodge, Badlands Inn and Camping by clicking here.

Camping fees are $14 per night and can be paid at the automated fee machine, located at the campground's entrance. The fee machine will issue a camping permit. Cold running water, flush toilets, and covered picnic tables are available. A dump station is available for a $1.00 fee per use.

Cedar Pass Campground Map and Regulations (204 KB PDF)

A limited section of the campground is open during the winter months.

Roberta M. Gorman - NPS Photo

Group campsites in the Cedar Pass Campground can accommodate organized groups.

Group Camping

Four campsites are available in the Cedar Pass Campground for organized groups with a designated leader. The nightly fee is $3.00 per person with a minimum fee of $30 per site.

Advance reservations are required and can be made by contacting the Cedar Pass Lodge, Badlands Inn and Camping at the following address:

Cedar Pass Lodge
Reservations:  877-386-4383
20681 South Dakota Highway 240
Interior, SD 57750

Reservations for the busy summer season are accepted beginning the first week in March of each year.

Riley Sain - NPS Photo

Camp in the Sage Creek Campground, gateway to the Badlands Wilderness Area.

Sage Creek Campground

Bison often wander through this primitive campground, located on the west side of the park's North Unit, near the Badlands Wilderness Area. Access is located off of the Sage Creek Rim Road, an unpaved road that may temporarily close after winter storms and spring rains. The road provides limited turnarounds for large recreational vehicles. Camping is free of charge. Pit toilets and covered picnic tables are available, but no water is available on-site. A portion of the Sage Creek Campground is designated for horse use.