Exploring Badlands National Park With A Camper

Badlands National Park is a rugged natural wonder, attracting around a million visitors annually. Covering 244,000 acres of South Dakota, the park offers camping, biking, horseback riding, and scenic drives. There are two established campgrounds within the park: Cedar Pass Campground and Sage Creek Campground. Cedar Pass is the larger of the two, with 96 sites, and offers amenities such as showers, flushing toilets, shaded picnic tables, and potable water. Sage Creek is more primitive, with 22 free, first-come-first-served campsites, and does not allow generators or campfires. In addition to these campgrounds, backcountry camping is permitted anywhere within the park without a permit, as long as the site is not visible from any roads or trails and is at least half a mile away.

Campground options

Badlands National Park has two established campgrounds: Cedar Pass Campground and Sage Creek Campground. There are also several other camping options outside the park and within a short drive. Campers can find more amenities at these commercial campgrounds and more spaces to park an RV.

Cedar Pass Campground

Cedar Pass Campground is the more accessible of the two campgrounds and is located near the Ben Reifel Visitor Center at the eastern edge of the Badlands Loop State Scenic Highway. This campground has 96 sites split between tent camping sites and level RV parking pads. The Badlands buttes and spires are fully visible from each site, providing quite the view at sunset.

The campground has pay showers, flushing toilets, shaded picnic tables, and potable water. The Cedar Pass Lodge and Restaurant is within walking distance of the campground and offers all visitors a hot meal, extra camping supplies, and some handmade memorabilia. Cedar Pass Lodge also manages reservations for the campground.

The Cedar Pass Campground is open seasonally, between approximately April and October, with only four group sites available during the winter off-season. It can be a sun-drenched landscape in the summer, and the campground provides shade structures for tent campers.

Many other attractions in the park are within a short driving distance of Cedar Pass Campground. With less than a 10-minute drive, campers at Cedar Pass can reach iconic trailheads like the Notch, Window, and Castle Trails.

Sage Creek Campground

Sage Creek Campground is the second campground within Badlands National Park. It's on the west side of the park's North Unit and is a primitive campground that is free to use and can provide a very authentic Badlands camping experience, including often roaming bison nearby.

Sage Creek is best suited for tent camping and small camper units with limited room to park larger rigs. The campground is off Sage Creek Road, a dirt road that prohibits motor homes and larger camper vehicles. The park service will temporarily close the road after wet weather.

Overnight visitors to Sage Creek need to pack in potable water, food, and camping equipment. The campground is only equipped with vault toilets, a few shaded picnic tables, and plenty of space to pitch a tent.

The campground has 22 sites, though there's room for more. Overcrowding has been an issue in the past few years. The National Park Service has considered implementing new regulations and/or fees.

With its vibrant beauty and communal aspect of primitive camping, the Sage Creek Campground is not only the best camping option in the Badlands but it is also one of the best campgrounds in South Dakota.

Camper van essentials

A camper van is a great way to travel and explore the world. Here are some essentials to make your camper van journey more comfortable and enjoyable:

• Kitchen essentials: A portable camping stove, such as the GSI Outdoors 2-Burner Camping Stove, is perfect for cooking outdoors. The Camp Roll Table from REI is also a great option, as it is easy to set up and provides ample space for cooking. Don't forget to bring along some basic kitchenware, such as plates, cutlery, and a sharp knife. A cast-iron skillet, like the one from Staub, is durable and easy to clean. For boiling water, the MSR WindBurner rapid water boiler is a good choice.
• Sleeping arrangements: A comfortable and warm sleeping bag is essential for a good night's sleep. The Jack Wolfskin Re Blanket +5 is a great option, as it can be used as a lightweight summer blanket or zipped together to form a double sleeping bag. A self-inflating mattress, such as the ones from Decathlon, will provide extra comfort and support. Don't forget to pack a pillow and a fleece blanket for colder nights.
• Electronics and lighting: A portable power bank, like the ECO FLOW River Pro, will keep your electronic devices charged. A USB touch light, such as the RTSU Stick Anywhere, provides lighting without drawing too much power. A headlamp is also useful for hands-free lighting, especially during night-time trips to the toilet.
• Safety and security: A fire extinguisher, such as the one from First Alert, is essential for dealing with any potential fires. A carbon monoxide detector, like the Kidde model, will alert you to the presence of deadly carbon monoxide. A roadside emergency kit, including jumper cables, tow straps, and a tire repair kit, is a must-have for any breakdowns or flat tires.
• Outdoor essentials: Camping chairs, like the Helinox Chair Zero, provide a comfortable place to relax outdoors. A portable laundry system, such as the Scrubba Wash Bag, allows you to do laundry on the go. Don't forget to pack a first aid kit for any minor injuries. Wet wipes, such as Amazon Elements, are also handy for quick freshening up when showers aren't available.
• Other essentials: A portable toilet, like the SEA FLO 2.6-gallon camping toilet, is a necessity when nature calls. A ventilation system, such as the Fan-Tastic Vent, helps keep the air circulating and regulates the temperature inside the van. A doormat will help keep the dirt and sand out of your living space.

Camper van vs tent

Badlands National Park offers a variety of camping options, from established campgrounds with amenities to rugged backcountry camping. While the article does not specify whether camper vans are allowed, it mentions RV hookups and parking pads, suggesting that camper vans should be permissible. It is always a good idea to check with the park for specific regulations and restrictions.

Now, here is a comparison of camper vans and tents:

Camper Van vs. Tent:

The choice between camping in a camper van or a tent depends on various factors, including comfort, setup, roominess, temperature regulation, cost, and more. Here is an in-depth look at these factors to help you decide which option is better for you:

• Comfort and Quality of Sleep: In a camper van, you have a bed already set up, along with pillows, blankets, and sleeping bags. In a tent, you can also achieve comfort by bringing air mattresses, foam pads, or camping pads, but it may require more effort and space.
• Efficiency of Setup and Breakdown: Camper vans are extremely convenient in this regard. As soon as you find a flat spot and park, you are ready to camp. Tents, on the other hand, vary in their setup complexity and the time required. Some modern tents can be set up in seconds, while larger tents may take longer and require a more extensive flat area.
• Roominess: Both camper vans and tents can feel cramped depending on the number of occupants and their heights. In general, tents are rated for a certain number of people, but for more comfort, it is recommended to go one person less. Similarly, in a camper van, one person under six feet tall will have more space than a taller person or a group.
• Temperature Regulation: Both tents and camper vans have their challenges with temperature control. Tents offer better ventilation with mesh windows, while vans may have vents, fans, and windows but can still get stuffy. Vans with air conditioning/heating units provide the best climate regulation but may be more expensive.
• Cost: Tent camping is generally more affordable than camper vans. Tents and sleeping bags can be found at low prices or second-hand, while camper vans require a more substantial investment, including vehicle price, maintenance, fuel, and campsite fees.
• Mobility: Tents offer the ultimate mobility for backpacking and hiking trips, allowing you to travel light and reach remote areas. Camper vans also provide mobility, but they are limited to accessible roads and may have challenges with manoeuvring and parking in tight spaces.
• Protection and Quietness: Camper vans excel in providing insulation and security, allowing you to lock yourself inside and reduce outside noise. While modern tents may have features like magnets to reduce zipper noise, they are generally noisier and less secure than vans.
• Viewing Wildlife: Tent camping often brings you deeper into the wilderness, increasing your chances of encountering wildlife. Camper vans offer comfort and safety but may not provide the same level of immersion in nature.
• Privacy: Both options have their advantages here. Tents offer more privacy when camping in commercial or crowded campsites, while camper vans provide more privacy when camping in remote or scenic locations.

Camper van rental

There are two campgrounds inside the park: Cedar Pass Campground and Sage Creek Campground. Cedar Pass is the larger of the two, with 96 sites, and is equipped with running water, flush toilets, and electrical hookups. Sage Creek is a primitive, remote campground that can accommodate only a dozen RVs and does not allow generators due to fire hazards.

If you're looking to rent a camper van, you can find options in Rapid City, such as:

• 2023 Winnebago Revel Class B 4X4
• Black Hills Adventure Van
• Onward! AWD Vandoit Adventure Van: High-Roof LIV model

These camper vans can sleep between 2 to 3 people and typically cost between $75 to $150 per night.

When planning your trip, keep in mind that the weather in Badlands National Park can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from -40F to over 100F. Late spring and early fall are considered the best times to visit, as many nearby attractions and campgrounds are closed during other seasons.

Camper van parking

Cedar Pass Campground

Cedar Pass Campground is the larger of the two campgrounds, with 96 sites available for tents and RVs. It offers electric hookups for RVs, as well as wind blocks, shaded picnic tables, showers, toilets, and water access. Cedar Pass Lodge and Restaurant is within walking distance and offers additional amenities such as a hot meal, camping supplies, and handmade memorabilia. The campground is typically open seasonally from April to October, with only four group sites available during the winter off-season. Reservations are required and can be made online or by phone.

Sage Creek Campground

Sage Creek Campground is a more primitive option with 22 free, first-come-first-serve campsites. It is located off Sage Creek Rim Road, an unpaved road that prohibits motor homes and larger camper vehicles. This campground is best suited for tent camping and small camper units as there is limited room for larger rigs. Sage Creek does not offer hookups or restrooms with running water, but it does provide vault toilets, shaded picnic tables, and plenty of space for tents. Campers will need to bring their own potable water, food, and camping equipment. The road to Sage Creek Campground may close temporarily after wet weather.

In addition to these two campgrounds within the park, there are several other camping options located just outside Badlands National Park, offering more amenities and spaces to park an RV. These include Badlands Interior Motel and Campground, Badlands/White River KOA, Sleepy Hollow Campground & RV Park, and Lake Park Campground & Cottages.

Frequently asked questions