Can You Camp at Badlands National Park?

Badlands National Park has been a popular destination for camping and outdoor activities since its inception in 1939. The park is located in southwestern South Dakota and stretches over 244,000 acres of rugged terrain. Not only is the landscape breathtakingly beautiful, but it also offers visitors the opportunity to explore a vast array of wildlife, fossils, and geological formations.

Badlands National Park is a great place to go camping because there are plenty of campsites that offer stunning views of the Badlands formations. Campers can choose from frontcountry sites located near the main roadways or backcountry sites which require a bit more effort to reach. All campsites come with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets for convenience.

For those looking for a more rustic camping experience, Badlands National Park also offers primitive camping opportunities. Primitive camping involves pitching your tent away from developed areas with limited access to facilities such as running water or electricity. Primitive campers should keep in mind that there are no restroom facilities available in these areas so they should plan accordingly and bring their own supplies such as food and water.

Finally, Badlands National Park also offers group camping sites that can accommodate up to 30 people at once. These sites come with additional amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, grills, tent pads, and group shelters for larger groups of campers looking to spend time together in the outdoors.

In conclusion, Yes, you can camp at Badlands National Park. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious camping experience or something more rustic and remote, Badlands National Park has something for everyone. With plenty of campsites available throughout the park, visitors can enjoy all that the park has to offer while still having an unforgettable camping experience!

Photo of author

Samantha Mckinney