Best Camping in and near Badlands National Park

99% (150 reviews)

Camp in an otherworldly landscape with unique rock formations.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Badlands National Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Public campgrounds in the park

Stay at a public campground in Badlands National Park

99%

(54)

Sage Creek Campground

100 sites · RVs, Tents In Badlands National Park

98%

(43)

Cedar Pass Campground

100 sites · RVs, Tents In Badlands National Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Badlands National Park

Booked 21 times

Badlands Hotel & Campground

94 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents244 acres · Interior, SD

A Better Badlands Base Camp Just a mile from the iconic Badlands National Park, our hotel and full-service campground offers a great base camp to explore South Dakota’s Badlands, Black Hills, and the historic small town of Interior. With a variety of rooms, RV sites, and tent sites, we are ideal for couples getaways, family vacations, or traveling groups. We also offer an on-site restaurant, outdoor pool, fire pits, and complimentary WiFi. Your Badlands getaway awaits. What are you waiting for?244000

100%

(387)

Bear Den Cabins & Camp

8 sites · Lodging, Tents2 acres · Hermosa, SD

Bear Den is a small camp with 3 Glamping Tents, 2 cabins and shower house. Outdoor spaces for relaxing. We are located approximately 5 miles from Custer State Park, 11 miles from Keystone the Gateway to Mt. Rushmore in the beautiful southern Black Hills. Cabins have electricity, our tents do not have electricity. Cabins and showers are heated and open year round! All sites including 'bring your own tent' sites have access to the shower house and outdoor grilling areas. Pick a spot to pitch your own tent, one tent per space. If you have 2 tents please book 2 sites. We have 3 spots cleared. Hang your hammock in trees around the property. This option includes all access to the shower house and outdoor grilling areas!

Booked 12 times

HTR Black Hills

105 sites · Lodging, RVs10 acres · Rapid City, SD

Explore the beauty of HTR Black Hills (formerly American Buffalo Campground). This unique destination is home to Mount Rushmore as well as numerous national and state parks, local attractions, and iconic events like the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. So, stay awhile when you tour all the mountains, canyons, caves, and rock formations with the spectacular backdrop of South Dakota. Nestled under tall pine trees, in the heart of the wonderful Black Hills, our on-site recreational facilities include a heated swimming pool & hot tub (open Memorial Day to Labor Day, weather permitting), mini golf, a playground area for children, basketball court, horseshoe pits, and wooded walking trails offer something for everyone!

100%

(27)

Rustic Rendezvous

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Hermosa, SD

Semi secluded on 5 acres camping has a large cement pad with a bathroom that has shower, toilet, and sink. Nearby is Mt Rushmore, Custer State Park, Black Hills Playhouse, Rush Mountain Adventure Park, Keystone, Wind Cave, Jewel Cave, numerous off roading trails, and hiking trails, Iron Mountain Road, Needles Highway. A short drive away is Deadwood, Sturgis and Spearfish Canyon. Devils Tower and Badlands are within driving distance History in the Black Hills is unlimited, along with off roading adventures.

Cloud Nine Camping

12 sites · Lodging, Tents33 acres · Hermosa, SD

Cloud Nine Camping -The Nitty Gritty – Easy Forest Access: The campground is surrounded by Black Hills National Forest on 3 sides, meaning quick access to all the wilderness you could possibly explore. – Spacious Campsites: This is not a “cookie cutter” campground. Each campsite is unique and allows for your family to spread out comfortably. – Close Proximity to Main Attractions: We are only 7 miles from Mount Rushmore, 4 miles from Custer State Park, and 15 miles from Rapid City. – Activities Galore: There is so much to do in the central Black Hills! You can shop in Keystone, ride the mountain coaster at Rush Mountain, drive scenic routes like Iron Mountain Road, hike Black Elk Peak, and so much more. – Camping Options: We provide unique year-round experiences whether you’re camping during the summer or winter, a month-long stay or just a quick weekend trip. Let us know how we can help make your Black Hills vacation great! – Amenities: Each of our sites offers water and power hook-up (except for our few boondocking site options). We have a centrally-located dump station for your convenience. There is also an on-site, single-occupancy shower and toilet unit.

100%

(23)

B gravel pit.

1 site · RV, Tent1500 acres · Wall, SD

This ranch is the home of children's book author Cowgirl Annie. This site is in an abandoned gravel pit so you will be parking on a sandy gravel base. There are cottonwood stands close by that you can hike through to the river. A wide variety of wildlife live in this area, so no telling what you may see or hear. You will have a big area to yourselves. I have tried to plan areas so you won't be disturbed by other campers. Wall Drug and the Badlands National Park are about a twenty-minute drive.

83%

(3)

Battle Creek Camping Resort

9 sites · Lodging40 acres · Hermosa, SD

BCCR arrived in the late summer of 2023. We have RV sites and glamping options spread out over 80 acres, in the foothills of Hermosa, South Dakota. We are a family owned and operated glamp ground. We provide a unique experience for families, couples and solo travelers to unplug and unwind. We do not have Wi-Fi nor televisions at our campground. We are known for our stargazing friendly environment which is why we do not have street lights. We love to see kids outside riding their bikes and making lifelong friends with other guests. This has been one of the most rewarding compliments that we continue to receive. Each glamp site has a gas and wood fire pit. Families gather around the campfire at nights, roasting smores and telling stories. The laughter is pure joy and memories that will last a lifetime. The lodges, domes and tents that we have are fully furnished with linens, towels and a fully stocked coffee bar. Our most praised amenity is our bath house. This features private full restrooms with individual sinks, showers and toilets. We strive to provide a family friendly campground. Therefore, our quiet hours are from 10pm to 7am. No loud music or disruptions to other guests, of any kind, are allowed. At any time during your stay, you need assistance, please reach out by phone call, text or email. We thank you for choosing to stay with us and are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of your families memories. Check In: Check in time is 4:00-9:00pm MST. We are self-check in but it is very dark when the sun goes down and the phone service can be spotty. Please reach out asap if you know you may be arriving late so we can be prepared to assist if needed. Calls after 11pm, will go to voicemail and be returned the next day. Check Out: Please do not leave us, but if you must go, please check out by 11:00am MST.

100%

(38)

Black Hills & Badlands Sunrise&Set

9 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Hermosa, SD

Greetings! We're thrilled to extend a warm welcome to our peaceful slice of secluded paradise, on the Dancing Phoenix Farm. **Before your arrival, we ask that you familiarize yourself with the rules outlined upon booking. Also, please ensure you arrive NO LATER THAN 7PM to secure your reservation.** **PLEASE TAKE A SCREENSHOT OF THE WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS, AS YOU WILL LOSE PHONE SERVICE ON YOUR WAY. PLEASE TRUST OUR DIRECTIONS, VS. ENTERING IT INTO YOUR GPS AND CROSSING YOUR FINGERS. YOU WILL GET LOST** To facilitate a smooth check-in process, we ask that you send us a text message an hour before your arrival, as cell phone reception is unreliable in our remote location. If you have any doubts or questions on how to get here, reach out to us BEFORE you head toward the site, and well before 7pm, as we will close all campsites at 7pm. Originally from the city, we now find ourselves fully immersed in life at The Farm, situated amidst gently rolling land in the Southwestern Grasslands of South Dakota. Your campsite is located about 15 minutes in from SD44, and approximately 45 minutes from Rapid City. You will be driving on a dirt/gravel road to get to us. You may want to put your vehicle in 4wd to get to your site, given the uneven terrain on the dirt road that takes you to your campground. The location is perfect for a quick overnighter, if you're visiting South Dakota's nearby nature sights and parks. Our family lives on the property, and we're happy to help answer any questions or concerns. This is a working farm, and you may see us on the pasture, upgrading and maintaining. We're glad to share with you and happy to have you "ghost us" as we work, if that's an interest of yours. Be sure to flag us down if you need anything. ABOUT OUR CAMPGROUND Pitch your tent, park your RV/camper, bus or other ride on our pasture and enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the rolling hills of Hermosa, the Black Hills, Badlands and unobstructed sunrise and sunset views. Children and leashed pets are welcome, at no additional cost. To give you a glimpse into the experience that awaits, take a moment to watch a video review of our MORLA site by Precious Kofi, a former guest who visited during the Spring of 2023, when we resided and hosted in Colorado. You can find the video here: {https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvyzVA3Tzjk&t=1157s}. Your site is equipped with a table for you to enjoy your meals outdoors, and a nearby water spigot is available for your convenience. Your campsite is located in the wild and rustic, sometimes windy, plains of South Dakota, and may not be for everyone. We can experience extreme weather in all seasons. When you stay with us, you will get the experience of camping in the middle of nowhere, South Dakota - wild, raw, sometimes windy and rugged. It's an amazing experience to be had - with stunning views and a feeling of freedom that's hard to find in more urbanized locations. While here, you may encounter badgers, coyotes, deer, pronghorn, wild turkeys, frogs/toads, turtles, voles, bull snakes, rattlers, owls, creepy-crawlers - and you may experience annoying mosquitos and flies during the hotter summer season. We have a friendly barn cat, HERO, that may visit you as well. Please don't feed the beasts or approach any wildlife! Would you like to sample our homemade booch (kombucha)? Just ask! As stewards of the land, we're delighted to share this natural sanctuary with you to enjoy. Stargazing on the site can't be beat, and you may even catch a UFO or alien... if you're aligned! We've had guests liken their experience here to visiting another planet. We attribute this to the unique ambiance of our home and location. Photo enthusiasts will enjoy some amazing and breathtaking photo-worthy scenery and views. Please come prepared with blankets and sleeping bags, as nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing. Be prepared for travel and camping in sometimes extreme winter cold. Be sure to check out the local forecast before traveling. Of course, we will be happy to refund any weather-related cancellations. If you'd like to start your day with a complimentary cup of instant coffee or herbal tea delivered to your site between 5-7 am, simply let us know your preference the night before. We offer a brown-bag style breakfast/snack for $5, as well. Your choice of a couple farm-fresh hard-boiled eggs with Meusli, yogurt with Meusli - or an English muffin/butter, with mixed nuts. If you have Food Forest/Permaculture, farming, gardening or Back to Eden experience and are interested in contributing to our farm - we welcome your discussions and ideas, with short or long term arrangements. We're in the process of building a small country store on the property. Reach out If you'd like to purchase handcrafted items for yourself, or as gifts. We make shower steamers, homemade tinctures, balms, herbal oils and jewelry/gift items made from our kombucha scobies - along with organic items we make from items we collect around the farm. We also offer for purchase items such as 16 oz. propane, children's books written by Susi (featuring our adorable Bull Terrier, Makai), half dozen farm-fresh eggs (if the chicks are in the mood), MayaMoon Ceremonial Cacao, extra basic sleeping bag, and a Duraflame firelog. Hipcamp messages, email, and texts are the best way to reach us, as cellular reception is limited. Help us maintain the pristine beauty of our surroundings by tidying your campsite and removing all trash before departure. "Leave no Trace" campers, please. ABOUT THE AREA Local amenities, including mini grocery stores and gas stations, can be found in the town of Hermosa, located about 35 minutes away. For a wider range of options and services, Rapid City is located about 45 minutes from your campsite. Check out the property photos for some 'things to do nearby' suggestions. **In summary, once again: **Before your arrival, we ask that you familiarize yourself with the rules outlined upon booking. Also, please ensure you arrive NO LATER THAN 7PM to secure your reservation.** **PLEASE TAKE A SCREENSHOT OF THE WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS, AS YOU WILL LOSE PHONE SERVICE ON YOUR WAY. PLEASE TRUST OUR DIRECTIONS, VS. ENTERING IT INTO YOUR GPS AND CROSSING YOUR FINGERS. YOU WILL GET LOST** To facilitate a smooth check-in process, we ask that you send us a text message an hour before your arrival, as cell phone reception is unreliable in our remote location. If you have any doubts or questions on how to get here, reach out to us BEFORE you head toward the site, and well before 7pm, as we will close all campsites at 7pm. We look forward to connecting!

97%

(19)

Bunkhouse Campground

3 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Kadoka, SD

This is just a little triangle of land on the edge of a small town with three full camper hookups. It is a convenient semiprivate location on your way to your destination. We are located “where the Badlands Begin” 20 minutes from the Badlands National Park. We are a tiny spot, 3 campers max, most likely just one possibly two campers, with a few trees, a couple pf picnic tables and a firepit. Kadoka is a safe, quiet, small ranching community. There is a small grocery store on main st. It is open Mon thru Sat from 9 to 6. Main street is also home to the post office, a laundromat and a flower shop. The city bar with on and off sale options is also located on main street. There is a subway and cafe ( the Sunset Grille) both located on the hwy 73 entrance to town. Kadoka has a city park with a swimming pool, covered picnic area and children's playground . The pool is open weekdays June and July. One last thing, Kadoka is a small town with volunteer fire and rescue teams. If there is a fire or car wreck, the siren will go off and continue until the volunteers arrive. It will stop, and you don’t need to do anything. It’s one of those things you get used to when you live here, but is a bit startling if you are not accustomed to it.

71%

(12)

Home Ranch LLC

1 site · RV, Tent1500 acres · Wasta, SD

This ranch is the home of Cowgirl Annie. It has had two movies about the Battle of the Little Bighorn filmed on it. The Lytle's raise Red Angus cows and Alfalfa hay. The ranch has Juniper trees in the river breaks and cottonwoods in the river valley. A wide variety of wildlife and birds can be found on the ranch. Visitors will likely get to see deer and hear the coyotes howling and observe other critters. This ranch is over 1500 acres. Campsite is about a mile off of Interstate 90. Wall Drug and the Badlands National park are about 20 minutes away. Visitors are encouraged to hike and play in the river. There are plenty of good areas to play hide and seek along with logs to climb on. There isn't much light pollution so you can enjoy stargazing on a clear night. Attractions in the Black Hills are about 60 miles away.

100%

(5)

Woodland Ranch

25 sites · Tents2000 acres · Allen, SD

Warnings: 🛻1) All roads are difficult, you should have 4x4 if you want to visit us. 🌚2) We do not have signage, lighting, toilets or showers. You must be comfortable using the maps provided and it is highly suggested you show up before sunset. 🐺3) Unfortunately, there are neighbor dogs who can enter the property, and while they are not dangerous, they may initiate conflict with your dog if you have a dog. Enjoy a retreat in one of the most remote regions of the United States. This one thousand-acre ranch is part of a 7th generation legacy. The ranch is surrounded on three sides by a complex network of creeks and canyons full of wildlife. Learn more about this land: Woodland Ranch is surrounded by creek stream canyons on 3 sides. This canyon system fills a pond at one of our primary campsites. Our family has managed this ranch since 1970. We are tribal members happy to share the natural beauty and discuss the history and current developments of our area. There are turkey, deer, elk, and bison for those interested in hunting. We have a resident hunting guide available to show you around. We also have an abundance of wild sage, plums, and other herbs.

75%

(4)

Home Ranch

1 site · RV1500 acres · Wasta, SD

Home Ranch LLC rents property from ranchers to provide nature experiences to campers that want to getaway from the crowds. This property provides access to juniper canyons that are home to a wide variety of wildlife on over 1000 acres. You can almost always see some deer, a variety of birds: including ducks, geese, great blue herons, and eagles. Meadowlarks and coyotes can usually be heard daily. The campers can also enjoy wading or fishing in the Cheyenne River that borders the property on the west side. The river is just a short hike through the cottonwood covered bottoms that show signs of raccoon and beaver activity. Children can enjoy climbing on logs, playing hide and go seek in the trees or throwing rocks in the river. The sunrises and sunsets can be quite spectacular. The ranch also allows for some star gazing at night. Feel free to bring your telescopes. If Campers arrive in April or May they can go on a calving tour to see the newborn calves. If coming in June through August campers could catch a tour to put out mineral and salt for the cattle in summer pasture or maybe ride along in the haying process.( These tours would not happen on a daily basis.) Every day is different on a ranch. Home Ranch tries to spreadout the campsites so campers don't feel like others are intruding on their space and interrupting their quite time to enjoy nature. Sometimes depending on the weather (rain) you may be asked to move your camper to a different site on the ranch to avoid being stuck in the mud. The town of Wall (home of Wall Drug) is about a 15 minute drive. the Badlands National Park is about 25 minutes from the campsites. Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park and other tourist spots are about one and a half hours driving time.

The best camping near Badlands National Park guide

Overview

About

On the edge of South Dakota’s Black Hills region, Badlands National Park’s unique terrain is otherworldly. While many visitors opt to drive through the park on the Badlands Loop Road, this gives you a mere taste of the park. If you opt for a camping experience instead, you’ll enjoy round-the-clock views of the badlands as the appearance of the craggy eroded buttes changes with the sunlight. Watch for roadside bighorn sheep and prairie dogs. After dark, the view changes to the dark skies above, as the park is perfect for stargazing. Combine your adventures in the region with visits to Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore, and the kitschy Wall Drug for an ultimate road trip.

Notable campgrounds

Best for RVs: Cedar Pass Campground offers 96 tent camping and RV sites with electric hookups. Flush toilets and covered picnic areas are available.
Best for off-grid adventures: Sage Creek Campground offers 22 free, first-come-first-serve campsites along Sage Creek Rim Road, an unpaved road with limited accessibility. Pit toilets are offered here.
Best for wilderness camping: Backcountry camping is allowed in the park with no permit required.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Badlands National Park camping is especially popular on weekends and holidays and during the summer peak season.
A concessionaire operates Cedar Pass Campground. Reservations may be made through the Cedar Pass Lodge website or by phone.
Sage Creek Campground only allows RV camping for pull-behind trailers shorter than 18 feet.
Campsites with hookups are not available in the off season, typically running from late October to early April. Dry camping is offered.

When to go

The Badlands experience changes with the seasons. Spring and fall offer pleasant conditions, though spring may get a slow start and winter snows arrive early due to the northern latitude. Summer brings warm temperatures and sunny skies, and shade is limited in the barren park. Bring sun protection, especially if you will be biking or hiking. Shaded picnic tables may be found near camping spots. During the winter, park visits slow down, giving you some solitude, but campers need to be prepared for freezing temperatures and frequent snow.

Know before you go

In Sage Creek Campground, generators and campfires are not allowed.
Sage Creek Campground does not have hookups or restrooms with running water. Potable water is available at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center.
Cedar Pass Lodge also offers cabin rentals and rooms in the Badlands Inn.
While many hiking trails are available, open exploration is also allowed.

99%

150 ratings · 60 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

We have been multiple times while living in the Midwest. Amazing views around every corner. Each time we went it felt like an entirely new experience.

A

Amelia P.

4 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

😍 sunset is gorgeous

K

Kelly A.

7 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

I was a kid when I went here

B

Benjamin T.

12 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

Has been on my bucket list and does not disappoint. Best thing is the loop where you can drive and see all the viewpoints!

M

Maisyn G.

2 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

windy

Cedar Pass Campground

we camped

Lindsay L.

19 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

The badlands is such an underrated park, I wish we would have spent more time here but we had a packed schedule. The colors and rock formations are so interesting and like nothing else I have seen before!

M

Makayla H.

5 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

Cool colors!

L

Linda M.

19 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

Cool rock formations and lots of great hikes!

M

Mitchell B.

6 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

Got a grade 2 ankle sprain, totally worth it though

R

Rick M.

8 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

Sage Creek Campground

Epic!

Jordan C.

45 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

Beautiful red rocks!

C

Courtney S.

5 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

Sage creek wilderness loop, its a backcountry trip. You can do it in 1 night or hell a day if you're confident doing 20 miles like that. Best way to do it would be 2 nights out there, split to 7 miles a day and stay at the peak for the last night if you can. Stars are incredible.

S

Sam P.

5 reviews