Thing to Do
Campgrounds
Experience Badlands National Park overnight in one of its two established campgrounds: Cedar Pass Campground and Sage Creek Campground. Enjoy the stunning sunsets, incredible night skies, and breathtaking sunrises from the comfort of your tent!
The Cedar Pass Campground has 96 level sites with scenic views of the badlands and is located near the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. Cedar Pass Lodge manages the Cedar Pass Campground. For additional information, including questions about reservations and fees, contact the Cedar Pass Lodge or by calling (605)-433-5460.
Sage Creek Campground is a free, first-come first-serve campground with 22 sites located on Sage Creek Rim Road, an unpaved road that may temporarily close after winter storms and spring rains.
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.
Camping in Cedar Pass Campground is limited to 14 days. The campground is open year-round with limited availability in the winter season. Due to fire danger, campfires are not permitted in this 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.
Four group campsites are available in the Cedar Pass Campground for organized groups with a designated leader. Reservations for the busy summer season are accepted beginning the first week in March of each year.
Cedar Pass Lodge manages the Cedar Pass Campground. For additional information, including questions about reservations and fees, contact the Cedar Pass Lodge or by calling (605)-433-5460.
Sage Creek Campground
Sage Creek Campground is a free, first-come first-serve campground with 22 sites located on Sage Creek Rim Road, an unpaved road that may temporarily close after winter storms and spring rains. Motor homes, pull behind trailers, and other recreational vehicles greater than 18 feet in length are prohibited. This limitation does not apply to horse trailers. A portion of the Sage Creek Campground is designated for horse use.Pit toilets and covered picnic tables are available, but not water. Potable water is available at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center.Generators are not permitted. Due to fire danger, campfires are not permitted in this 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.
- Pets are allowed only on paved or gravel roads and in developed areas such as campgrounds.
- Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet at all times.
- Pets are not allowed on trails or in public buildings. Leaving an animal unattended and/or tied to a fixed object is prohibited, as well as a danger to your pet.
- Pet etiquette dictates always cleaning up animal waste and disposing of it in trash receptacles.
- Service animals are an exception to most pet restrictions and are allowed on trails and in public buildings. Service animals must be kept on a leash at all times and, due to potentially infectious wildlife diseases, are not allowed in areas with prairie dog colonies. Please note that there is an active prairie dog colony in Sage Creek Campground.
- Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.
The Sage Creek Campground offers a rustic camping experience with no water available onsite. The area has accessible vault toilets, although the terrain in and around the campground is rough.