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Do not rely on GPS digital navigation systems to find your way to Badlands National Park. Please note that the Visitor Center at 25216 Ben Reifel Road, Interior SD 57750 is located just off I-90.
Badlands National Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Badlands National Park offers exceptional RV camping across 2 campgrounds with nearly 120 sites, featuring 244,000 acres of otherworldly rock formations, one of the world's richest fossil beds, and free-roaming bison herds. Cedar Pass Campground provides 22 electric hookup sites with modern amenities near the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, while strategic locations like Rapid City RV rentals and nearby private campgrounds offer prime access to this South Dakota wonderland that welcomed 1.1 million visitors in 2024, making advance planning essential during peak summer months.
What Makes Badlands the Ultimate RV Destination?
Badlands National Park captivates visitors with landscapes so surreal they resemble another planet—244,000 acres of dramatically eroded buttes, pinnacles, and spires that glow pink and orange at sunrise, stretching across the largest protected mixed-grass prairie in the United States.
Famous for being the world's richest Oligocene fossil beds, Badlands has yielded remains of ancient horses, rhinos, and saber-toothed cats, with the Fossil Preparation Lab allowing visitors to watch paleontologists at work. The park sprawls primarily across two units—the North Unit accessed via the scenic Badlands Loop Road (Highway 240) and the remote South Unit within the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation—offering diverse experiences from modern facilities to primitive wilderness.
Wildlife viewing ranks among Badlands' top attractions, with herds of bison numbering around 1,200, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep scaling impossibly steep cliffs, swift pronghorn antelope racing across prairies, and the critically endangered black-footed ferret making its home in prairie dog towns. Roberts Prairie Dog Town provides endless entertainment watching these charismatic rodents pop in and out of their burrows, while patient observers may spot coyotes, mule deer, or golden eagles soaring overhead.
The park's accessibility makes it ideal for RV travelers—just an hour's drive east of Rapid City via Interstate 90, with multiple entrance points and the 30-mile Badlands Loop Road providing pull-offs every few minutes for photography, short hikes, and jaw-dropping overlooks. Trails range from easy boardwalk strolls like the Fossil Exhibit Trail (quarter-mile) to adventurous scrambles like the Notch Trail (1.5 miles with ladder climb) and the challenging Castle Trail (10 miles one-way through prairie wilderness).
The park operates year-round, though services vary by season. Summer (June-August) brings peak visitation, ranger-led programs at Cedar Pass Amphitheater, extended visitor center hours, and temperatures that can exceed 100°F. Spring and fall shoulder seasons offer milder weather, smaller crowds, blooming wildflowers or golden grasses, and excellent wildlife viewing when animals are most active. Winter transforms the badlands into a stark, snow-dusted landscape where you might have entire overlooks to yourself.
Badlands received 1.1 million visitors in 2024, modest compared to major western parks, meaning you'll rarely feel crowded even during summer weekends. The park's designation as an International Dark Sky Park ensures spectacular stargazing opportunities, with the Milky Way visible in brilliant detail on clear nights—bring a blanket and telescope for an unforgettable celestial experience.
Park Alerts (1)
RV Rentals in Badlands National Park
Transportation
Driving
Badlands National Park is easily accessed via Interstate 90, South Dakota's main east-west corridor. The park sits approximately 60 miles east of Rapid City and 330 miles west of Sioux Falls, making it a perfect addition to any South Dakota road trip.
From Rapid City: Head east on I-90 for approximately 50 miles. Take Exit 110 (Wall) or Exit 131 for the Northeast Entrance/Pinnacles Entrance. The scenic Badlands Loop Road (Highway 240) runs through the park's North Unit, accessible from either entrance. Drive time: 60-75 minutes.
From Sioux Falls: Travel west on I-90 for approximately 310 miles. Take Exit 131 near Interior for the park's eastern access point. Drive time: 4.5-5 hours.
From Rapid City Airport: Rental RVs can be picked up directly at Rapid City Regional Airport. Head east on Highway 44, then north to I-90 East. This scenic route passes through prairie grasslands with your first badlands views appearing as you approach.
RVs of all sizes navigate Badlands roads comfortably. The paved Badlands Loop Road (Highway 240) accommodates large motorhomes and fifth wheels, with numerous pull-offs and overlooks designed for RV parking. Cedar Pass Campground accepts RVs up to 40 feet, while Sage Creek's unpaved access road limits RVs to 18 feet maximum.
Important Route Note: Sage Creek Rim Road provides spectacular wilderness access but consists of 6.5 miles of unpaved gravel that can become impassable after heavy rain or during spring snowmelt. Check road conditions at visitor centers before attempting this route with your RV.
Where Are the Best Gateway Cities for RV Rentals?
Black Hills Hub Access: Rapid City serves as your perfect base for exploring western South Dakota's attractions, positioning you 60 miles west of the Badlands with easy I-90 access. This regional hub offers full-service amenities, including Walmart, camping supply stores, RV repair services, and Rapid City Regional Airport for fly-and-drive adventures. Rapid City's strategic location lets you combine Badlands visits with Mount Rushmore (30 miles), Crazy Horse Memorial (40 miles), Custer State Park (45 miles), and Devils Tower (110 miles).
Budget-Friendly Prairie Gateway: While Wall, SD (population 800) sits just 8 miles north of Badlands' Pinnacles Entrance, most Wall-area RV rentals listed through nearby Rapid City hosts. The Wall serves as an excellent stopping point with famous Wall Drug, fuel stations, and the nearby Sleepy Hollow Campground offering convenient overnight options for travelers entering or exiting Badlands via I-90.
Parking
Badlands provides abundant RV parking throughout the park. Major overlooks along Badlands Loop Road (Highway 240) feature spacious pull-offs accommodating RVs and trailers, with designated parking at:
- Ben Reifel Visitor Center: Large paved lot with RV/trailer spaces
- Pinnacles Overlook: Popular sunset viewing with ample turnaround space
- Big Badlands Overlook: Massive parking area, rarely fills even on summer weekends
- Fossil Exhibit Trail: Accessible parking with RV-friendly spaces
- Roberts Prairie Dog Town: Pull-off parking along Sage Creek Rim Road
Trailhead parking varies—popular trails like Door Trail and Notch Trail have dedicated lots that accommodate RVs, though arriving before 10 am during summer ensures easier parking. Overnight parking is prohibited outside designated campgrounds.
Public Transportation
Public transportation to or within Badlands National Park does not exist. The park's remote location and sprawling 244,000 acres necessitate personal vehicle access. Rental cars and RVs from Rapid City Regional Airport provide the only practical transportation options for flying visitors.
Some tour companies in Rapid City offer day trips to the Badlands, but these don't accommodate RV travel logistics. Once inside the park, the 30-mile Badlands Loop Road serves as the main route, with Sage Creek Rim Road providing backcountry access for suitable vehicles.
Campgrounds and parking in Badlands National Park
Campsites in Badlands National Park
Reservations camping
Private Campgrounds
If a slightly more refined stay is in order—or if you’re not able to find a site in the park—you can find full-service campgrounds and RV parks nearby. Many of the RV-friendly establishments offer all the amenities, from pull-through spots with 30 or 50 amp hookups to primitive cabins. These parks also have dog parks, heated swimming pools, laundry facilities, convenience stores, cable television, and Wi-Fi access. Sometimes it is nice to indulge in the finer things while still staying close to the action at Badlands National Park.
Cedar Pass Campground
Cedar Pass Campground offers the most convenient Badlands base with 96 sites positioned less than a mile from the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, providing modern amenities amid spectacular Badlands views.
Open year-round with full services from late March through mid-October, Cedar Pass operates with limited winter availability when water is shut off and only vault toilets remain open. The campground features 74 standard sites and 22 sites with 30/50-amp electric hookups, all with picnic tables and shade structures protecting against South Dakota's intense sun.
Modern restrooms with flush toilets, pay showers (quarters required), and drinking water are located centrally. A dump station serves RVers for $1 per use. The amphitheater hosts ranger-led evening programs during the summer months, covering topics from fossil discoveries to prairie ecology and Indigenous history.
Sites accommodate RVs up to 40 feet, with both back-in and pull-through configurations available. Reservations are essential Memorial Day through Labor Day and strongly recommended April-May and September-October. Book through Cedar Pass Lodge (605-433-5460) or their website up to one year in advance.
Rates (2025):
- Standard tent/RV sites: $28 per night
- Electric hookup sites: $42 per night
- Group sites (up to 10 people): $42 per night
- Additional persons beyond site capacity: $4 per night
Cedar Pass Lodge, located adjacent to the campground, offers the park's only restaurant and gift shop, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner during operating season (late March through mid-October). The lodge also provides cabin accommodations for those not RV camp.
Important: Fires are prohibited throughout Badlands National Park due to extreme prairie fire danger. Portable propane grills and camp stoves are permitted. Pets allowed on leash (6 feet maximum) in campground but prohibited on trails.
Discover more RV parks and campgrounds in Rapid City for additional South Dakota camping options.
First-come first-served
Backcountry Camping
If you’re ready for a little one-on-one time with nature, park your RV and head out for some backcountry camping. As long as you’re a half-mile out from park roads and trails, and not within the line of sight of buildings or other structures, you can camp anywhere in the park. Educating yourself on the topography of your chosen area, including traveling with topography maps or a GPS are strongly recommended.
Alternate camping
Cedar Pass Lodge
If you’re in search of the comfort of everyday life, but craving the action of the Badlands, don’t sweat. You can have your cake and eat it too (if you’re willing to pay the price of course). At the Cedar Pass Lodge Cabins, you will have access to air conditioning and heat, a mini-fridge, microwave, hairdryer, and even a television. You can indulge without the guilt because these cabins are locally built and constructed to the highest eco-standards. You’ll have to leave your four-legged friends at home though, as there are no pets allowed in the cabins.
Badlands / White River KOA
Badlands/White River KOA provides resort-style camping just 5 miles from Badlands National Park's Interior Entrance, combining proximity with full-service amenities.
Located in the tiny town of Interior, SD, this award-winning KOA offers 100+ shaded sites nestled along the White River. The secluded, heavily wooded setting contrasts beautifully with the stark badlands landscape, providing cool respite after days of exploring the park.
RV sites include both back-in and pull-through configurations (most pull-through), accommodating rigs up to 70 feet. Full hookups feature 30/50-amp electric service, water, sewer, cable TV, and Wi-Fi. Select sites include KOA Patios with picnic tables, chairs, and propane grills.
Amenities include a heated seasonal swimming pool, miniature golf course, bike and 4x4 UTV rentals, modern restrooms with free showers, laundry facilities, and a well-stocked camp store. The on-site snack bar serves breakfast burritos, Indian tacos (reflecting local Lakota cuisine), buffalo burgers, and other regional specialties during peak season.
Pet-friendly with a designated dog area and pet washing station. The campground offers planned activities, including kids' crafts and ice cream socials during the summer. Open late April through mid-October, with exact dates varying annually.
Book early for the July-August peak season. This KOA represents the closest full-service campground to Badlands National Park.
Sage Creek Campground
Sage Creek Campground provides a remote, free wilderness camping experience in the park's northwest corner, accessed via unpaved Sage Creek Rim Road.
This primitive campground offers 22 sites on a first-come, first-served basis, with NO water, NO electric hookups, and NO dump station. Pit toilets and covered picnic tables constitute the only amenities. Potable water is available 12 miles away at Ben Reifel Visitor Center—bring containers to fill before heading to Sage Creek.
RVs over 18 feet are PROHIBITED due to the narrow, winding gravel access road and tight campground turnarounds. This restriction doesn't apply to horse trailers, as the campground includes designated equestrian sites. Generators are strictly prohibited.
Sage Creek's remote location provides exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities—bison frequently wander through the campground (give them a wide berth!), prairie dogs create entertaining colonies nearby, and night skies showcase the Milky Way in stunning detail thanks to zero light pollution.
Access Warning: Sage Creek Rim Road (6.5 miles unpaved) may temporarily close after winter storms, spring rains, or periods of heavy precipitation. The road becomes muddy and impassable when wet. Always check current road conditions at visitor centers before attempting access.
This campground suits adventurous RVers with smaller rigs seeking solitude, primitive camping experiences, and world-class stargazing. Not recommended for first-time visitors or those requiring modern amenities.
Seasonal activities in Badlands National Park
Winter
Yellow Mounds Overlook
Sandstone yellow is just one of the many colors that visitors can see while observing the rock formations. These colors are exceptionally brilliant during sunrises and sunsets or after rain. The rock formations at this overlook aren’t as prominent as other overlooks, but you don’t go to the Yellow Mounds Overlook to see rocks; you go to see the variation of colors, and once you see the colors, you will not be disappointed. At this overlook, there are several signs which explain where the different colors came from, and the educational information adds to the whole color-viewing experience. While you are at the Yellow Mounds Overlook, look to see the ancient remains of a primordial jungle which grew from a long-dry seabed.
Loop Road
This two-lane road is surprisingly broad, so it should probably be the first stop on any Badlands RV tour. This winding, scenic highway gives visitors an excellent view of the surroundings. It’s fun to pass by attractions and look forward to experiencing them up close. Your schedule will be full before you know it. The Loop Road offers excellent views of the park’s two signature landscapes: prominent rock formations and flat grasslands. Please adhere to the speed limit, and watch for herds of mountain goats, deer, and other wildlife; they usually don’t pay attention to the nuances of the vehicle code.
Badlands Wall
This rock formation extends through much of the park, but some of the best views are just northeast of the Visitor Center on Highway 377. The Visitor Center may also be one of the best places to park your rig. The Wall is visible from I-90, and the closer you get, the more impressive it becomes. The horizontal lines along the rock remind visitors that the formations have been here for millions of years, dating back to ancient times when most of the area was underwater. Today, the Wall still teems with wildlife and plants. Most visitors consider a trip to the Wall to be an other-worldly experience, and it’s easy to see why.
Big Badlands Overlook
As visitors enter the park from the east, Big Badlands Overlook is one of the first sites they will come upon, and what a sight it is. The eroded, canyon-like rock faces alternate between shades of sandstone red and beige. Many prominent pinnacles are interspersed among the signature flat-top canyon rocks. In addition to the flat-tops, there’s also a flat bottom, which indicates that water meandered through these rocks for millions of years before finally drying up.
Door Trail
One of the first hiking trails on many people’s agendas is the Door Trail. The trail begins adjacent to a large, RV-friendly parking lot, so it’s easy to get hiking. The trail is well-marked, making it ideal for hikers of all ages and skill levels. The trail itself is flat and easy to hike; a metal boardwalk even covers the first part of the path. Just off to the side of the boardwalk, there are many places to explore. Hiking through delightful bottle canyons is one of the reasons people enjoy Door Trail. In less than a half-hour, you’ll get the lay of the land and see what other opportunities await. We reckon that’s why they call this the Door Trail because the pathway opens up so many scenic views.
Spring
Biking
Feel free to haul the bikes on the back of the rig when you visit in the spring because the Badlands are bursting with open roads. Although bicycles are only allowed on the designated paved, gravel, and dirt roads within the park, the bike restrictions won’t hinder the scenic vistas that you are bound to encounter along your ride. The curving roads wind past rugged buttes, tall spires, and open grasslands. For a leisurely ride, check out the Sage Creek Loop, and watch for wildlife along the way!
Castle Trail
One of the longest trails in the park is about a ten-mile round-trip hike. It goes through steep rock formations as well as lush grasslands. The trail is fairly flat and easy to navigate. It’s also one of the few trails with bathroom facilities along the route, and that can be a big plus after a long hike. There are also several shortcuts for those who want (or need) to abbreviate their time on the Castle Trail. Of course, there are also numerous photo opportunities of the signature tower-like rock formation on this trail, so be sure to pack your camera with you.
Wall Drug Store
Wall Drug, located in Wall, South Dakota, is a legendary shopping center that attracts visitors by posting hand-painted signage along South Dakota interstates and highways hundreds of miles from the actual store. One of the most popular signs boasts that Wall Drug has free ice water, a concept developed in the 1930s to help attract travelers who were heading to and from Mount Rushmore. Today, Wall Drug is much more than a drug store; it’s an experience. Visitors to Wall Drug can eat lunch at the cafe, search for the giant animatronic dinosaur, ride a jackalope, buy souvenirs, and yes, even get free ice water. Wall Drug isn’t your average store. There is so much to see and do at Wall Drug that you will need more than an hour or two to see everything.
The Night Sky
For those of us who will never see the dark side of the moon, the night sky over the Badlands National Park is perhaps one of the most stunning sites to behold. Whether you’re sleeping under the stars or just stepping out of the Airstream to take a gander, be sure not to miss our galaxy’s bright display. Since there is absolutely no light pollution near the Badlands, the sky is incredibly dark and the stars are big and bright, especially during no-moon periods. The clear and cold winter nights are the best times to peer into the universe. Guides are usually available to point out constellations, but you can always brush up on your astronomy to help you locate some of your favorite constellations.
Ben Reifel Visitor Center
The Ben Reifel Visitor Center is one area of the park that’s open year-round, so it’s a go-to resource in winter. Trust us when we say that you’ll be stopping by the Visitor Center more than one time during your trip. Rangers can tell you which areas of the park are popular during the winter, and which areas are off-limits altogether. The spacious parking lot has plenty of room for RVs and also offers views of the Badlands. Inside, there are two water bottle-filling stations. The Ben Reifel Visitor Center is also the only place in the park that offers the highly-sought-after National Park Cancellation Station, the place to get your National Park Passport stamp. While you are meandering around, stop and talk to a ranger, or pick up a postcard or a Badlands National Park pin.
Fossil Exhibit Trailhead
Like the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, this attraction is popular, especially during the coldest months of the year. The geological history of the Badlands is worth learning about, and kids of all ages like this exhibit because it is educational and informational. During your visit, ask about a ranger-led talk about fossils, and after the talk, send the kids to explore the outdoor boardwalk in search of the fossils they learned about. While kids may or may not find any fossils, they’ll gain a better perspective on nature.
Summer
Paleontology Lab
If you’re in the area in the summer months, be sure to pop into the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. Park your RV in the Visitor Center parking lot and head inside to check out the working paleontology lab. The lab is open from mid-June through September, and it gives visitors a chance to see paleontologists in action. This presents an excellent opportunity to learn more about fossils found in the park, and you will be surprised to learn that some of the discoveries are not as old as you may think! The paleontology lab is suitable for a wide range of ages, so it’s an activity that families can enjoy.
Burns Basin Overlook
In an already rugged and desolate park, there are areas even more desolated than others. Burns Basin Overlook is one such area. If you want to visit Burns Basin, talk to a ranger about navigating your RV or the best ways to see this part of the Badlands because this part of the park cannot accommodate oversized vehicles. There are steep ravines among almost all of the rocks. These features make for outstanding sightseeing, but they create difficult walking or climbing surfaces, even for wildlife. The rock crevices capture light and shadow in ways that other parts of the Badlands cannot equal. Yet with all these ravines, the tops of the rocks are almost mesa-like, so it’s easy to see how water painstakingly carved these rocks over millions of years.
Sage Creek Rim Road
If you think you’ve seen a wind-swept plain before, trust us, you have not. It’s simply incredible to think of what centuries of wind and water can do to a landscape. Sage Creek Rim Road is a dirt trail, but it’s not nearly as challenging as Sheep Mountain Table Road. The Sage Creek Rim Road is just a little dusty. Well, maybe it’s really dusty. The prairie grass in this area attracts more buffalo than in any other part of the park. Many of these creatures cannot see or hear well, so they meander freely through the grasslands. If you see bison, make sure you keep a safe distance from the beautiful but unpredictable creatures. Park rules mandate that all visitors stay at least 100 feet away from wildlife.
Sunrise and Sunset
The prettiest times of the day at Badlands National Park are during sunrise and sunset. The sky is spectacular as the sun wakes up and again when the sun goes to sleep, and no words can describe the colors of the rock formations during the dawn and twilight hours. Two-dimensional photographs only tell part of the story, so instead of relying on photos of the Badlands during sunrise and sunset, sneak out of your motorhome to witness the beauty for yourself. The dim light dances on the rocks and helps to create the iconic images often seen in photos capturing someone riding off into the sunset. Once you watch one sunrise, you will want to watch every sunrise during your RV road trip.
Prairie Dog Colonies
Prairie dogs love the sunshine and warmer weather, and even though they spend most of the day underground, they still love to sun themselves during the warm fall daytime hours. These animals are somewhat used to people, so they don’t immediately run off when cars come around the corner. These animals are hopelessly cute. They’re chubby and active, and they always put a smile on your face. If you go at the right time of day and get lucky, you may see hundreds of these creatures at one time. The Roberts Prairie Dog Town is one of the best places to catch a glimpse of these adorable creatures. The prairie dog colony is a short distance from the RV-friendly Loop Road. Prairie dogs’ fur blends in with the landscape, so look closely or you may miss them.
Saddle Pass Trail
This trail is only about a quarter of a mile long, but it’s steep uphill almost all the way. Watch out for slick spots and loose gravel. Those skilled enough to complete the trek will be rewarded with a scenic view from the top. This hike is especially nice in the fall with the accompaniment of the crisp autumn air. The rock formations are partially rounded and partially craggy. That combination makes for one of the best views in the entire park, so don’t forget to pack your camera in the RV to capture the stunning views.
Fall
White River Valley Overlook
The White River Outlook is a labyrinth-like group of rock outcroppings that tower over the surrounding flat land. It’s an awe-inspiring site in summer when the sun is brighter and the days are longer. During the summer, the light allows you to spend time picking out details in the rocks that cannot be seen at other times of the year. That combination of rich grasslands and protective rocks helps explain how so many Native American cultures could survive, and even thrive, in what appears to be a barren wasteland that’s prone to extreme temperatures. Several self-guided trails help visitors get from one part of the White River Valley to the other, and there are plenty of scenic overlooks which provide great photo opportunities as well as large RV parking spots.
Big Foot Pass Overlook
Chief Big Foot (Spotted Elk) was one of the last great Lakota Sioux leaders. His band of Miniconjou Indians may have crossed the area, now known as Big Foot Pass, right before the controversial battle of Wounded Knee in 1890. Spotted Elk probably selected his route because, even though it’s very rocky, the hills are slightly rounded and easier to navigate. The Big Foot Pass Overlook has a wide view of Spotted’ Elk’s route, and the overlook provides visitors one of the most colorful stops along the Badlands National Park tour. Don’t forget to bring your camera with you so you can capture the green hue of the sagebrush and the golds, reds, and other colors of the rocks.
Prairie Wind Overlook
Talk about a home where the buffalo roam. This area of Badlands National Park is one of the most active in terms of wildlife. Bison, mountain goats, longhorn sheep, prairie dogs, and other animals meander all over the plains. Many of these animals are not particularly shy, so it may be possible to get up close and personal, but please don’t get near any of the animals, no matter how friendly they may seem. Humans are dangerous for wildlife, and wildlife can be dangerous for humans. Aside from the wildlife, the Prairie Wind Overlook is known for its signature metal boardwalk that crosses the sea of prairie grass. The sweeping view of the seemingly endless prairie gives today’s visitors an idea of what yesterday’s visitors might have seen.
Sheep Mountain Table Road
The word road may be a bit misleading, especially for those trying to navigate a big rig. The road is not much more than a wide dirt trail. In fact, the last part of the road allows only high-clearance vehicles. Sheep Mountain Table Road is one of the highest points in the entire park. It is very peaceful, and one of the least-visited parts of the park, probably because getting there requires a bit of effort. The serene atmosphere offers plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing, especially in the mornings and evenings. The high-level, wide-angled view lets you take in much of what the park has to offer, and when you’re in South Dakota, the wide-angled views can’t get much wider.
Notch Trail
Notch Trail is one of the most challenging trails in the park, so it is not for everyone. It’s especially tricky after rain. After climbing up a steep log ladder, hikers reach a notch in the rocks. This position offers an outstanding view of the entire White River Valley, but don’t stop at this view because you are not done yet. Most of the trail is well-marked with posts and reflectors, but some of the back stretches may have rather faint trail markings. Watch out for a very steep drop off at the end of the trail. We usually recommend that people tackle this trail fairly early in their trips, weather permitting of course. By tackling the hardest trail first, some of the other trails in the park won’t seem nearly as daunting.
