Camping in Badlands National Park: Which Campground to Choose, Reservations & Rates

By Victoria Boissonade · Data: National Park Service · ← Complete guide Badlands

There are two official campgrounds, permitted backcountry camping, and a few private options nearby. Camping in Badlands National Park is straightforward, which makes choosing easy. The short answer is yes, you can sleep in the park. Cedar Pass takes reservations on recreation.gov, while Sage Creek is free but primitive. Here's the full breakdown.

Campgrounds in the park (2)

• Campground Sage Creek Campground first come, first served · 22 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Cedar Pass Campground see NPS · 96 sites Directions ↗

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Can You Camp Inside Badlands National Park?

Yes. Badlands National Park has two NPS-managed campgrounds that are open year-round. Dispersed camping is prohibited outside designated sites in the park's developed areas. The Stronghold District in the northwestern part of the park is the only area open to backcountry camping, with a free permit.

Campgrounds Inside the Park

Cedar Pass Campground

Cedar Pass is the park's main campground, located in the eastern part of the park just a short walk from the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. It's our recommendation for a first visit or a family trip.

• Sites: about 96 tent and RV sites
• Services: paid showers, flush toilets, drinking water, and a dump station
• Electrical hookups: available at some sites
• Season: open year-round, although some sites close in winter depending on weather conditions
• Rate: about $22 per night without hookups, or $28 with hookups
• Reservations: through recreation.gov, up to 6 months in advance

Cedar Pass's location is hard to beat. The trailheads for the easiest hikes are within walking distance, and the sunset over the multicolored clay formations, viewed from the sites at the back of the campground, is worth the trip on its own.

Sage Creek Campground

Sage Creek is a primitive campground tucked into the prairie in the western part of the park, right in bison country.

• Sites: about 22 sites
• Services: pit toilets only, with no drinking water or showers
• Hookups: none
• Season: open year-round
• Rate: free
• Reservations: not available, first come, first served

Sage Creek is the campground for people who really want to disconnect from the world. When we visited in September, a herd of about 40 bison crossed the campground at dawn, about 330 feet from the tents. It's hard to find a more immersive experience. The tradeoff is that you need to bring all your water, since there are no supplies available on site.

RVs and Trailers: What You Need to Know

Cedar Pass is the only campground fully equipped for large motorized vehicles. The hookup sites work for standard RVs. Check the length restrictions for each site on recreation.gov before booking, since they vary. The dump station is available on site.

Compact vehicles can technically reach Sage Creek via Sage Creek Rim Road, an unpaved road, but large RVs and long trailers are not recommended. Our Badlands RV camping guide covers road and equipment requirements in detail.

Camping Nearby: Private Campgrounds Outside the Park

When Cedar Pass is full, which is common on July and August weekends, private campgrounds in Wall and Interior fill the gap. Badlands Hotel & Campground offers tent and RV sites with hookups a few miles from the main entrance, at comparable rates. Our Badlands lodging guide lists all the lodging options in and around the park.

Backcountry Camping

Backcountry camping is allowed in the Stronghold District. The rules are strict and nonnegotiable:

• A free permit is required. Pick it up at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center before you leave.
• Camp at least 0.5 mile from any road and away from marked trails.
• Fires are prohibited. Gas stoves only.
• Water: bring everything you need. There are no potable water sources in the backcountry.

This option is for self-sufficient hikers who want to immerse themselves in the Badlands' lunar landscape without seeing another person. Our Badlands hiking guide details the routes that work with backcountry camping.

How and When to Reserve a Campsite in Badlands National Park

For Cedar Pass, go to recreation.gov. The reservation window opens 6 months before your arrival date. Weekends from mid-June through late August often sell out within the first few hours. Here's a practical tip: turn on availability alerts on the site and book as soon as the window opens, preferably in the morning.

May, September, and October offer much better availability, along with noticeably more comfortable camping temperatures. Our best time to visit Badlands National Park guide breaks down each season based on your tolerance for heat and crowds.

Sage Creek does not accept reservations. Arrive in the early afternoon to have the best choice of sites.

Rates: How Much Does a Night of Camping Cost in Badlands National Park?

You also have to pay the park entrance fee: $30 per private vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, or $15 per person entering on foot or by bicycle. If you visit several national parks during the year, the America the Beautiful Pass, which costs $80 and is valid at all federal recreation sites, quickly pays for itself. Our National Park Fees & Passes page explains entrance fees and the passes available.

Camping Safety and Good Practices

Badlands National Park has no bears, but the park has its own safety rules.

Bison: herds roam freely throughout the park, including around the campgrounds. Keep at least 82 feet away at all times. A bison can charge without warning and run 31 mph. Never feed them or try to approach them for a photo. Our Badlands wildlife guide explains how to behave around the park's large wildlife.

Rattlesnakes: they live in rocky areas and clay formations. Look before placing your hands on a rock, and never put your fingers into crevices.

Extreme heat: in summer, temperatures regularly reach 104 to 117°F. Plan on at least 3 to 4 liters of water per person per day, avoid going out between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., and hit the trails early in the morning.

Thunderstorms and tornadoes: severe storms are common from June through August, with a risk of hail and, more rarely, tornadoes. If there's a weather warning, get to your vehicle or a sturdy building immediately. Avoid ridgelines and open areas during lightning. Our Badlands weather guide covers the risks month by month.

Cool nights: even in summer, nighttime temperatures can drop in Badlands National Park. A three-season sleeping bag is still recommended.

Which Campground Is Right for You?

Families with children: Cedar Pass, without hesitation, for the showers, restrooms, and proximity to the Visitor Center. Our Badlands family travel guide complements this guide.

RVers: Cedar Pass, with a hookup site reserved through recreation.gov.

For a true nature experience: Sage Creek, with free camping, bison-filled prairie, and starry skies, or backcountry camping in the Stronghold District, where a permit is required.

Without a reservation during peak season: plan to arrive at Sage Creek in the early afternoon, or head to a private campground in Wall.

Find the full park context in our complete Badlands guide.

Frequently Asked Questions