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Reviews

Sage Creek Campground


User Reviews

Hal Eckhart

October 30, 2025

Sage Creek is definitely not for everyone, but I love it. Pit toilets and no water aren’t the most fun but it’s a pretty good way to keep some of the riffraff away. Being a somewhat inconvenient distance from anywhere is also a big plus because you’ll have a much more intimate experience with wildlife and nature, especially compared to the enormous campground on the east side of the park. It gets crowded, but if you get there early, you’re likely to find a site. Afternoons are generally hot, so be prepared. A tarp can help, especially if you score a site with a shelter. Steer clear of the bison. They’ll wander into your site, so be prepared and keep your distance. One of the campers got head butted just after we left the campground this year.

Kayla Colvin

October 27, 2025

Very windy. Not every spot had a covered table. The covers did not block the wind. We got some excellent night time photography and it felt safe. Plenty of vault toilets. The coyotes made wonder background noise and didn't bother campers.

Aaron Denbow

September 17, 2025

Drove from Maine with my wife. We did Badlands then Yellowstone. Needless to say after staying at Badlands for 3 days then driving to Yellowstone and staying there for 4 days...we went back to Badlands and stayed for another 4 days!...we tent camped and hiked. Absolutely love Sage Creek!!!!!!....hot as hell but in a nice dry way unlike the heat you get in Maine. Wildlife everywhere and waking up to prairie dogs and over 100 bison is just next level.

cheyenne prestil

September 02, 2025

Staying here was the highlight of our trip. Such a cool experience having the bison walk right through your campsite!! We woke up to one breathing right outside our tent. If you give them space and move slowly they are fine, and eventually go on their way. The prairie dogs were fun too. It was very quiet at night and the night sky was beautiful! The bathrooms were clean as well.

Michael

August 19, 2025

Great free campground. Bison walking through the camp in the morning was great fun. Bison guarding the pit toilet in the dark and being aggressive towards me was less fun. Everyone cleared out around 8-10am, if you get there around then you'll have your pick of sites. We arrived at like 10pm and scooped up the last campsite.

Valerie Jane Garske

November 13, 2021

Nice Lots of animals. Keep it nice. It’s a circle in the NP

Brittany Shroyer

October 12, 2021

Our family spent three magical nights tent-camping in this remarkable place. Living amongst buffalo and coyotes and hares and prairie dog friends (say hi to "Lou" the prairie dog town mayor...he's a chatty one) combined with exploring the riverbed and hiking up trails made this an unforgettable stay. DO bring water as the closest place to refill is the visitors center more than 20 miles away. Do make friends with your neighbors and share resources and stories. Do respect the animals and keep your distance. And DO save us a spot because we will be back sooooon!

Jess H

September 28, 2021

Sleeping right next to prairie dogs and waking up to bison was amazing, along with the beautiful scenery. Free and everyone was respectful of typical campground courtesies. Two bathrooms on site and some trails to explore there too.

Thomas Benedetti

August 01, 2021

Prarie dogs here aren't afraid of you, so they're all friendly and close. Tons of bison and other animals. Scenery changes drastically. Nice breeze. Cool at night and not too hot during the day. Great place to stay.

Danielle Soulier-Kelley

July 22, 2021

I stayed here for one night on my way to Wyoming. This hidden campground is in the valley of the badlands where you are surrounded by nature, prairie dogs and Buffalo who roam through camp. I saw four who came through camp so be on the lookout and keep pets on a leash at all times. I pulled in around 630-700p and most spots were filled. It does get busy so if you want a good spot, especially one of the few that come with a canopy, then I would plan to arrive earlier in the afternoon. Either way, plenty of space to pull up and park for the night. I was awoken with a beautiful sunrise over the ridges and everyone who stayed here were polite and kept to themselves. It is truly a good stay if you’re looking for free camping. Two areas to use the restroom and service is okay. I have Verizon and I had decent service in some spots. No electrical hookups but who needs electricity when you’re surrounded by gorgeous nature.