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Badlands/Cedar Pass
Overview
Cedar Pass Campground serves as the primary base for exploring the rugged beauty of Badlands National Park. Located near the heart of the park in Interior, South Dakota, this campground offers a unique opportunity to stay amidst the dramatic geologic formations that define the region. It is managed by a park concessionaire and provides a mix of RV and tent sites, allowing travelers to experience the high prairie ecosystem and ancient fossil beds directly from their campsite.
Location & Surroundings
The park is situated in a high-desert environment characterized by striking sedimentary rock formations and expansive grasslands. Staying here puts you within walking distance of the Ben Reifel Visitor Center and the Cedar Pass Lodge. The surrounding landscape changes colors throughout the day, offering incredible views of deep canyons and jagged spires. Because of its remote location, the area experiences extraordinary dark skies, making it a premier destination for stargazing enthusiasts and night-sky photographers.
Amenities & Park Features
While the park maintains a rustic atmosphere, it provides essential comforts for RV travelers. There are nearly 100 sites, many of which are equipped with electric hookups to accommodate various power needs. Each site features a picnic table sheltered by a windbreak to provide relief from the wind and sun. While full sewer hookups are not available at individual sites, the campground provides access to a convenient dump station and potable water. Modern restrooms with flush toilets are located on-site, and showers are available nearby.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The campground is perfectly positioned for outdoor adventure. Just a short drive away, visitors can explore the Notch Trail and Door Trail, which offer some of the most famous views in the park. For those interested in history and science, the Fossil Preparation Lab allows you to see paleontologists at work. A trip to the nearby town of Wall to visit the legendary Wall Drug Store is a popular day trip, as is the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, which offers a unique glimpse into Cold War history.
Who This Park Is Best For
Cedar Pass is an ideal choice for nature-focused RVers who prioritize scenery and location over resort-style amenities. It is perfect for travelers who want to wake up to the sound of wildlife and the sight of bighorn sheep or bison roaming nearby. Because it accommodates large rigs but lacks a pool or playground, it is best suited for adventurous couples and families looking for an immersive national park experience. If you enjoy quiet evenings under a blanket of stars, this is the perfect South Dakota stopover.
Amenities
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User Reviews
Claudia Moore
We stayed at a Cedar Pass lodge Cabin for 3 nights. It exceeded all expectations! It was very clean, with a comfortable bed, and nothing could beat the view from the back window! I got up every morning to watch the sunrise and saw so much wildlife just from the porch. I will definitely be staying here again. A true gem in the middle of a beautiful setting!
Dave K
Great campground and very friendly and accomadating staff. Cedar pass lodge is just a short walk away and offers great Sioux tacos. The showers are 8 min for $1.00 and are warm and clean. The views are amazing especially in the morning or the evening. The layout and the way you park your RV are a little different than most parks, but it didn't really bother us as we had a small travel trailer.
Joseph Garland
Great place to go camping in Badlands. The restaurant has decent enough food. I got the chicken tenders. Service was excellent and you can have a beer as well!
Branko Stevanovic
By far the most relaxing place, accommodations are unbelievable and location to die for. Best part is waking up in the morning for sunrise and hearing all the birds. HIGHLY RECOMMEND
Nick Bibs
We stayed during the off-season and did dry camping. It was nice even without the electric or water. Wish they had bathrooms available during this time. They had all the bathroom lights on but it was all locked. There were a lot of cars that showed up throughout the night to park for a few hours which made us a little concerned. Would have been nice to see a park ranger do a drive through.