Black Hills and Badlands National Park Camping
The southwestern corner of South Dakota is highly underrated. From the colorful badlands, yellow-green grasslands, and pristine prairies of Badlands National Park to the forested hills, rugged mountains, and clean lakes of Black Hills National Forest this region offers ample opportunities for exploration.
Not only are the landscapes impressive but the abundant wildlife can’t be missed! Driving through this region is like embarking on an American Safari as bison approach your car window, prairie dogs chirp in the distance, a bighorn sheep stares deep into your eyes, and an antelope runs through the grasslands.
This South Dakota region is well known for its hiking, fishing, birdwatching, swimming, boating, fossil searching, historic sites, and of course, camping. There are many developed and dispersed camping options throughout Black Hills National Forest and Badlands National Park.
Use this guide to find some of the best campsites in the region and book an Escape Camper Van so you can travel in style and comfort while exploring the wonders of South Dakota.
Understanding the Different Types of Camping Options
When embarking on your Badlands and Black Hills camping trip it’s important to understand the different types of campgrounds you’ll come across and how to acquire a spot at each one.
From reserving an established campsite months in advance to pulling off a dirt road to wild camp at the last minute, these are some guidelines to help you choose the best camping option for your style of travel.
Established National Park & National Forest Campgrounds
Camping at an established campground in Badlands National Park or Black Hills National Forest is a great option for easy access to the park.
Established park campgrounds range in their amenities but often have running water (at least seasonally), toilets, and picnic tables. Of course, check the campground details before heading out to confirm these amenities.
Established sites are in designated areas and dues are paid to the park. Some are first come, first serve but during the busy season, many established park campgrounds require reservations in advance at recreation.gov. Reservations generally open 2 weeks to 6 months in advance.
Established Private Campgrounds
Established private campgrounds are often located just outside of national parks and national forests providing easy access from highway travel. These privately owned campgrounds range from family mom-and-pop sites to chain campgrounds across the country.
These campgrounds have a range of amenities and vary drastically. Some only have basic camping facilities with a general store, others have a pool, spa, restaurant, golf course, and more. When choosing your campground you can read into these amenities.
It’s often best to book these campgrounds well in advance to secure a spot, especially during the busy season.
Dispersed Camping
Dispersed camping, also known as wild camping, primitive camping, free camping, or boondocking involves camping outside of designated camping areas. Think of driving down a dusty dirt road and in ideal circumstances, finding a flat spot with a beautiful view overlooking a scenic landscape. These spots are off the beaten track.
Dispersed camping spots are common on National Forest Service land and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. Generally, it’s easier to find dispersed camping spots out west where there is more access to free public land compared to the East Coast.
When dispersed camping don’t plan on any amenities or services. The Leave No Trace “pack it in, pack it out” and “take only photos, leave only footprints” mindset applies here. Pack plenty of water and plan to manage and remove all your human and personal waste.
The goal is to leave these dispersed camping areas pristine so people continue to have free public access for years to come.
To find free camping you have to do a bit of research to find the best (legal) spots. Some apps like iOverlander, The Dyrt, and Campendium offer great suggestions.
Parking Lots
The most glorified camp spot: the big parking lot. While these aren’t the most aesthetically appealing camping options they can help you out in a pinch. Of course, there are no services in parking lots so you must pack up all your trash and rely on gas stations and public bathrooms for personal needs.
It’s best to ask for permission to park overnight and sleep in your camper van in a parking lot to avoid a scary knock on your window in the middle of the night.
Lay low when camping in parking lots. Don’t cook outside your vehicle. Avoid having lights visible from outside your Escape Camper Van. Don’t set up chairs outside to hang out. It’s a privilege to park overnight at a store or gas station so be respectful so these privileges are not taken away.
Badlands National Park Camping
Badlands National Park is located in the southwest corner of South Dakota. Home to bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, foxes, reptiles, birds, and more you’re in for an exciting adventure.
There are many options for camping in Badlands National Park. There are two established national park campgrounds as well as plentiful primitive camping providing you follow backcountry camping rules. The only region that doesn’t allow backcountry camping is the South Unit where park borders frequently cross private land.
Established Badlands National Park Campgrounds
The two established campgrounds in Badlands National Park offer the opportunity to stay among the wildlife and scenic grasslands and badland formations.
Cedar Pass Campground is a 96-site campground near the Ben Reifel Visitor Center in Badlands National Park. Its open season is from late March through mid-October. In winter limited spots are available with no services.
The campground has flushing toilets, potable water, a dishwashing station, and pay showers. There are no water or sewer hookups for campers.
Campfires, charcoal grills, and collecting firewood are prohibited due to the fragile prairie grassland. You can use portable propane grills to cook at your campsite.
Cedar Pass Campground is managed by the Cedar Pass Lodge and Restaurant located right next store. You can buy non-perishable foods, camping supplies, hot meals, and souvenirs there.
Sage Creek Campground is a great first-come first-serve Badlands National Park campground. It’s located near the northern part of the park and has 22 sites.
Reaching Sage Creek Campground requires driving an unpaved road. This road closes after winter storms and spring rains. Vehicles with trailers, motor homes, and recreational vehicles longer than 18 feet are prohibited.
The campground has pit toilets and picnic tables with shade covers. There is no water.
Campfires and collection of wood are not permitted due to the fragile environment. Camp stoves and contained charcoal grills are allowed. Make sure charcoal is cool before disposing of it to avoid trash fires.
Badlands National Park permits backcountry camping throughout the park as long as you are a half mile from any road or trail and your tent is not visible from any trail or roadway.
Of course, this means you’ll have to leave your Escape Campervan behind for the night as you embark on this adventure but it’s a great opportunity to camp among the badlands and starry night sky away from the crowds.
Some popular areas for backcountry camping in Badlands National Park are:
- Deer Haven
- Sage Creek Wilderness Area
While permits are not needed to backcountry camp in Badlands National Park it’s a good idea to check in about your travel plans for safety. There are backcountry registers at the Medicine/Castle Trail Loop, the Saddle Pass Trailhead, the Sage Creek Campground and Basin Overlook, and the Conata Picnic Area.
There is no water access when backcountry camping. Even if there are small flows of water it is not safe for drinking even if filtered because of its high sediment content. Carry at least a gallon of water per person per day.
Pack topographic maps and download offline maps before heading into the region. Understand how to use and navigate with these maps.
Camping Near Badlands National Park
There are several campgrounds located within a 10 – 20 minute drive of Badlands National Park. Many are near the city of Wall where you can stock up on groceries and camping supplies. These are some options near the park.
Badlands Hotel & Campground is located right outside Badlands National Park, only a 3-minute drive from the park entrance. It’s open for the season from April 25 to October 13.
The campground has an outdoor pool, fire pits, wifi, and an on-site restaurant. Campsites vary from full-hookup RV options to primitive tent areas. Running water, flushing toilets, hot showers, and laundry are available for all campers.
Sleepy Hollow Campground and RV Park is located right in Wall, a 10-minute drive from the Pinnacles Entrance Station of Badlands National Park and not far from Buffalo Gap National Grasslands.
There are both RV and tent campsites available. The campground is open from May 1 to mid-October. There is wifi, a dog park, and water and electric services.
Bin2Quinn Campground is a cozy family-owned and run campground less than 20 minutes from the eastern entrance into Badlands National Park. The campground has tent sites with picnic tables and RV sites with water and electric hookups.
The campground has a hang-out area where you can get to know other campers. It’s located right on Tennyson Reservoir where you can kayak, hike, or fish. Kayaks are available for rent.
French Creek Campground is located in Buffalo Gap National Grassland. The Buffalo Gap National Grassland offers plentiful opportunities for dispersed camping but French Creek Campground is a small developed campground with very basic amenities.
Sites are available first come, first served and have picnic tables and toilets. There is no water.
If the French Creek Campground doesn’t suit your fancy you can search around for wild camping options throughout the national grassland.
It’s hard to miss Wall Drug. You’ll see signs for miles before reaching the town of Wall, just outside of Badlands National Park. It is THE tourist trap of the area but it’s one you don’t want to miss. From wild-west-themed souvenirs to its famous donuts, it’s worth stopping in. There are shopping and dining options galore.
There are many reports that Wall Drug Camper Parking allows overnight camping. There are no services available at the lot but if you’re looking for a quick, non-committing night to stay this is an easy option.
**For Wall Drug to continue allowing overnight parking for campers it’s very important to respect the area. If you have to go to the bathroom, find an open gas station or store. Do not leave any trash. Lay low and don’t draw attention to yourself. These parking privileges can be revoked at any point.
Black Hills National Forest Camping
Black Hills National Forest covers about 1.2 million acres of land. It’s made up of mountains, forested hills, grasslands, and lakes. The national forest is home to Mount Rushmore National Monument and Crazy Horse Memorial and the forest sits adjacent to Custer State Park, Wind Cave National Park, and Devils Tower National Monument.
There are bountiful camping options throughout the region with established Black Hills National Forest Campgrounds, private campgrounds, dispersed camping, and campgrounds in the adjoining parks.
Established Black Hills National Forest Campgrounds
There are 30 national forest campgrounds in Black Hills National Forest totaling nearly 700 sites! These campgrounds have varying amenities. Most campgrounds have vault toilets and potable water during the peak season from May to October. The campgrounds do not have any hook-ups or showers.
Bismark Lake Campground is in the southeast part of Black Hills National Forest just a 20-minute drive from Crazy Horse Memorial and 30 minutes from Mount Rushmore Memorial. It’s open from late May to October. Book reservations in advance.
During the off-season, a few sites on the right side of the campground remain open and are free to use on a first-come basis.
Horsethief Lake Campground is a beautiful campground located alongside Horsethief Lake and minutes from Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial. Sites have picnic tables, fire rings, drinking water, and vault toilets.
The campground is open from late May to early September. The area is great for bird watching, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and horseback riding.
Oreville Campground is located just outside Custer State Park and right next to Crazy Horse Monument. The campground is surrounded by aspen groves, ponderosa pines, and grasslands. Sites have picnic tables, campfire rings, vault toilets, and water available seasonally. Oreville Campground is open from mid-May through early September.
Pactola Reservoir Campground is located on the shores of Pactola Reservoir, the largest and deepest reservoir in Black Hills National Forest. It’s the perfect spot for scenic views, hiking, fishing, kayaking, and boating.
The Black Hills National Forest campground is open from mid-May to early September. Sites have flushing toilets, drinking water during the peak season, fire rings, picnic tables, beach access, a boat dock and ramp, and a marina.
Dutchman Campground is located more centrally in Black Hills National Forest. Deerfield Reservoir is within walking access from campsites. It’s open from late May to early September.
The campground has vault toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings. There are no electric hookups.
Private Campgrounds
The private campgrounds in Black Hills National Forest are often family-run. They generally have more amenities and services than the forest service campgrounds.
Lake Park Campground & Cabins is located right in Rapid City, 20 minutes from Black Hills National Forest and an hour from Badlands National Park. It’s a perfect place to stay in between all the natural wonders while also having easy access to the fun downtown of Rapid City.
It’s located right on Canyon Lake with access to walking trails, kayaking, and fishing. Campsites have picnic tables, water, free hot showers, wifi, 24-hour laundry, shady trees, and an outdoor grill area for cooking.
Whispering Pines Campground is a family-run campground in Black Hills National Forest. It’s not far from the Pactola Reservoir, home to hiking, birdwatching, swimming, and boating. The campground has running water, showers, picnic tables, and fire rings. There is a heated saltwater pool, a general store, and wifi.
Dispersed Camping in Black Hills National Forest
There are many opportunities for dispersed camping in Black Hills National Forest. Finding these sites requires a bit of searching and map skills but they’re free of fees and usually away from the crowds!
Your best chance at finding these sites is searching for pullouts along dirt or gravel roads. A few standard rules to follow are you must camp at least 100 feet from any water sources and a half mile from any developed recreation sites including picnic areas and campgrounds.
You must obey signs prohibiting overnight parking and camping. Open campfires are not allowed throughout most of the region due to the fragile, dry environment.
Custer State Park Campgrounds
Custer State Park is located in the southeast part of the Black Hills. It’s a wildlife reserve and the perfect place for any outdoor adventure offering opportunities for swimming, biking, hiking, camping, fishing, or relaxing.
Custer State Park is home to 8 established campgrounds. The campgrounds open between April and May and stay open through October or November. Sites allow both campervans and tents. Most campgrounds have flushing toilets, drinking water, and showers but check the details to see what amenities exist.
Some of the campgrounds are located near lodges with restaurants and a shop while others are basic in remote parts of the park.
Wind Cave National Park Camping
Wind Cave National Park is home to one of the most complex cave systems in the world. The surrounding landscape is home to plentiful bird and wildlife viewing among the pine forests and open prairie.
Elk Mountain Campground is the only campground in the park. It’s one of the few options open year-round with limited sites available during the off-season from early October to mid-May. Campsites have picnic tables, fire rings, drinking water, and vault toilets.
Best Time of Year for a Black Hills and Badlands National Park Camping Trip
The weather varies drastically throughout the Badlands and Black Hills region of South Dakota. From temperatures well over 100 degrees in the summer to deep snow and freezing temperatures in the winter it’s important to prepare for your trip. Here are some guidelines when choosing the season for your Badlands and Black Hills camping trip.
Spring
Spring is a great time to visit southwest South Dakota. Snow melts away, wildflowers bloom, and temperatures begin to rise. Between March to May, the temperatures rise quickly with highs between 50 – 70 degrees on average.
Black Hills National Forest is a little cooler in the spring because it’s located at a higher elevation but it’s a nice time to explore the area before the busy summer crowds arrive!
Summer
Summers get pretty hot in the Badlands and Black Hills areas of South Dakota. While average temperatures list the upper 80s it’s not uncommon for temperatures to hit the 100s. Remember, there’s no shade in the Badlands!
The national forest is a bit more comfortable during the summer but popular sites like Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse draw many visitors so expect crowds. Make sure you book campsites well in advance!
Fall
As crowds decrease so do temperatures. September is usually still pretty warm averaging in the 80s. By November temperatures average between the 40s – 50s.
Fall leaves begin to change in the Black Hills National Forest. The Badlands still look pretty similar but with less traffic and comfortable temperatures animals graze aplenty. It’s a good time to explore the parks.
Winter
With temperatures dropping below freezing and snowstorms rolling in, you really have to do some planning if you want to visit Black Hills and the Badlands in the winter. Most campgrounds close, although some still allow a place to park for free and without any amenities.
Seeing the forest and badlands blanketed in snow is a beautiful site but road closures are more common so check the road conditions before you head out.
Because Black Hills National Forest is at a higher elevation, winter offers opportunities for skiing and snowboarding!
Why Rent an Escape Campervan for your Black Hills and Badlands National Park Camping Trip?
An Escape Camper Van is the perfect way to explore and camp throughout Black Hills National Forest and Badlands National Park. If you plan to move around a lot throughout your trip you don’t want to have to set up a tent every night and pack it up every morning. Instead, you can throw everything you need in the van and hit the road!
The Denver Escape Camper Vans pick-up location is about 6 hours from the Black Hills and Badlands region making the drive from Denver a perfect South Dakota Road Trip!
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