The unique and somewhat eerie-looking rock formations that make up Badlands National Park in South Dakota make it an interesting place to enjoy outdoor recreation. Two campgrounds offer campers a place to stay in the Park, while nearby, you’ll find plenty of hiking and biking opportunities.
Cedar Pass Campground
As you enter the Park, you’ll see Cedar Pass Campground. All of the Park’s developed trails start within a few miles of the campground. The 100-site RV and tent camping area provides water, flush toilets and picnic tables. The campground stays open year-round, but no campfires are allowed in the Park due to the extremely dry conditions. The campground also offers a dump station, but no hookups or showers. Nearby hiking trails include the Fossil Exhibit, a .25-mile trail that gives you glimpses into the extinct animals that used to live there. Or, you can try the 1.5-mile Notch Trail. The trail takes you through a canyon, then you climb a steep ladder and travel along a ledge to reach expansive views of the White River valley. The trail can be very dangerous after heavy rains.
Sage Creek Primitive Campground
This campground offers primitive camping in the Sage Creek wilderness area about 35 miles from the Park entrance. You can bring horses to this campground, then ride in the nearby hills. Or, you can forge your own hiking trail starting from the campground. The campground offers primitive toilets and picnic tables, but you must bring your own water.
Backcountry Camping
The Sage Creek Wilderness offers backpackers a great place to start an overnight hiking adventure. You can leave your car at the primitive campground, then follow Sage Creek as it flows into the hills. Backpackers are allowed to camp anywhere in the Park as long as it’s at least a half-mile from roads or trails and not visible from Park roads. You’ll need to carry a cooking stove, since no open fires are permitted. Plus, bring plenty of food and water, and plan to carry out your trash. No permits or fees are required for backcountry camping, but signing trailhead logs is recommended.
Activities
Grab your bike and enjoy the incredible scenery as you ride on any of the paved roads of the Park. Several smaller hikes, ranging from easy to strenuous, offer more exercise near Cedar Pass. The .75-mile Door Trail gives you a taste of the area’s geology while providing plenty of exercise on the moderately strenuous path. Or, you can take the 5-mile, moderately easy Castle Trail as it wends its way through the Fossil Exhibit and on through some of the rock formations the Badlands are known for. The seldom-used trail offers plenty of wildlife sightings.
Preparation
You’ll need a National Park pass to enter Badlands National Park; passes are available at the entrance stations. Maps, trail guides and other information are available at the Ben Riefel Visitor Center at Cedar Pass. Pick up groceries, gas and last-minute camping supplies outside the park, just a few miles from Cedar Pass Campground.
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