About Cedar Pass Campground — Badlands NP
The Badlands look like another planet — eroded buttes, spires, and pinnacles in shades of pink, purple, and
white. Cedar Pass Campground sits in the heart of this ancient seabed landscape with bison, bighorn sheep, and
prairie dogs as neighbors and some of the darkest skies in South Dakota.
Highlights
- Bison herds visible from camp and roads
- Notch Trail — dramatic canyon hike
- Prairie dog towns throughout the park
- Door and Window Trails — easy access to dramatic formations
- World-class fossil beds (Oligocene era)
Directions & How to Get There
From Rapid City, SD: Take I-90 E to Exit 131 (Interior/Badlands), then SD-240 S for 7 miles to the Ben Reifel
Visitor Center. Cedar Pass Campground is adjacent to the visitor center. From Sioux Falls: Take I-90 W
approximately 3.5 hours to Exit 131.
Nearby Attractions
- Notch Trail (1 mi)
- Fossil Exhibit Trail (0.5 mi)
- Window Trail (0.1 mi)
- Mount Rushmore (80 mi)
- Wind Cave NP (70 mi)
Insider Tips
- Combine with Wall Drug (iconic kitsch stop) and Mount Rushmore for a classic South Dakota trip
- Buffalo/bison are wild — stay in your car when they approach the road
- Summer heat can reach 100°F — carry water and sunscreen
- The Badlands at sunset and sunrise turn extraordinary colors
Best Time to Visit
Best months: May–June, September–October
Season: Year-round
Access difficulty: Easy access
What to Pack for South Dakota Camping
- Navigation: downloaded offline maps, compass, and GPS device
- Water: at least 3 liters per person per day (more in desert parks)
- Food: bear canister or use provided bear boxes where required
- Shelter: 3-season tent, rain fly, and ground tarp
- Clothing: moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layer, waterproof shell
- First aid kit: including blister treatment, pain reliever, and any personal medications
- Sun protection: SPF 50 sunscreen, wide-brim hat, UV-blocking sunglasses
- Lighting: headlamp with extra batteries, lantern for camp
- Safety: whistle, emergency bivy, and knowledge of your emergency exit route