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    Home » Travel » US National Parks

    Published: Nov 19, 2023 · Updated: Feb 13, 2025 by JohnTillison · This post may contain affiliate links

    Cedar Pass Campground - Badlands National Park

    Cedar Pass Campground is located in Badlands National Park near the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. The campground features amazing views of the famous Pinnacles formations.

    Cedar Pass Campground Badlands National Park South Dakota

    Cedar Pass Campground - Badlands National Park

    I can easily give you three great reasons to stay at the Cedar Pass Campground.

    The first is location. You are within walking distance of the visitor center and fossil preparation lab, park amphitheater, and Cedar Pass Restaurant, which has fantastic Indian Tacos, a gift shop, and groceries.

    The second is for the great views! This campground offers scenic views of the Badlands Formations right from your tent.

    The third is the opportunity to see some of the park's wildlife, especially Bighorn Sheep

    Badlands National Park Entrance fee

    Private Vehicle: $30

    Motorcycle: $25

    Per Person: $15

    There is an entrance fee to enter Badlands National Park. Fees are listed below or you can choose to purchase your pass in advance through the link below.

    The park pass covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and for up to 4 adults for per-person sites.

    Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.

    $80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.

    2024 America The Beautiful National Park Pass

    Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.

    National Park Free Entrance Days  -Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.

    Campsite 45 Cedar Pass Campground Badlands National Park South Dakota

    Campground Information

    Number of Sites: There are 96 camp sites: 23 electrical sites, and 73 tent sites. There is an additional 4 Group Sites available

    Location in the park: near the Ben Reifel Visitor Center.

    GPS: 43.7478N,101.9452W

    Elevation: 2400′

    Camping Fees/ Campsite Fees:

    Individual sites - $28 a night for two people, $29.60 with tax and fees, and $4 a night for each additional person.

    RV sites -  $42 a night for two people, $44.39 with taxes and fees, and $4 a night for each additional person.

    Senior/Access Pass Accepted? Yes,  0Check the reservation line for current rates

    Reservations: Reserve your campsites online or call  (855) 765-0737 for more information and reservations.

    Campground Address: 20681 SD Highway 240

    Interior, SD.57750

    Latitude/Longitude: 43° 44' 38.9544" N 101° 57' 0.5796" W

     Accessible Sites: 2 ADA-accessible RV sites #12 and #20

    Pets Allowed:  Pets are allowed only on paved or gravel roads and in developed areas such as campgrounds.

    Cedar Pass Campground Badlands National Park South Dakota

    Cedar Pass Campground Reservations

    Are Campground Reservations Available? Yes

    Campground reservations can be made by calling (877)386-4383 or online at cedarpasslodge.com

    How Far Ahead can you make a reservation? Reservations can be made at least three days in advance.

    Campground Amenities

    Dump Station: There is an RV Dump Station that is $1.00

    Bear Boxes: No

    Flush Toilets: Yes

    Shower: Yes, pay showers are available

    Payphone: No

    Is wifi available? No, WIFI is available at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center and the Cedar Pass Restaurant

    Is Cellular Phone Service Available? Spotty in areas around the Ben Reifel Visitor Center

    Is the camp host available on-site? Yes. located at site #11 of the Agate Loop

    Is firewood available for purchase? No

    Fires are not permitted in the campground in Badlands National Park but you can use camp stoves and charcoal grills.

    Amenities at each campsite:

    Fire rings in the site? No. Camp stoves or contained charcoal grills can be used in campgrounds and picnic areas. When using charcoal grills, ensure the charcoal is cool prior to disposal to prevent a trash fire.

    Picnic Table in the site? Yes, the sites has covered picnic tables

    Potable Water? Yes Cedar Pass Campground Amphitheater

    Don't forget to pack

    Insect repellent is always a great idea outdoors, especially around any body of water. 

    We use Permethrin Spray on our clothes before our park trips.  Please read my article on preventing biting insects while enjoying the outdoors. 

    Sunscreen - I buy environmentally friendly sunscreen whenever possible because you inevitably pull it out at the beach.

    Bring your water bottle and plenty of water with you. Plastic water bottles are not sold in the park.

    Sunglasses - I always bring sunglasses with me. I personally love Goodr sunglasses because they are lightweight, durable, and have awesome National Park Designs from several National Parks like Joshua Tree, Yellowstone, Hawaii Volcanoes, Acadia, Denali, and more!

    Click here to get your National Parks Edition of Goodr Sunglasses!

    Binoculars/Spotting Scope - These will help spot birds and wildlife and make them easier to identify. We tend to see waterfowl in the distance, and they are always just a bit too far to identify them without binoculars.

    Cedar Pass Campground Badlands National Park South Dakota

    RV Camping at  Cedar Pass Campground

    Both electric and non-electric service sites are available but there are no full RV Hookups available with water hookup and sewer hookup.

    There are electric sites only and do not include sewer hookups and water hookups.

    There is an RV Dump Station available for $1.00

    RV Electric Sites have 30-amp and 50-amp hook-ups

    Generators:  Generators are allowed except during quiet hours

    Escape Campervan in front of a hotel

    For a fun adventure check out Escape Campervans. These campervans have built in beds, kitchen area with refrigerators, and more. You can have them fully set up with kitchen supplies, bedding, and other fun extras. They are painted with epic designs you can't miss!

    Escape Campervans has offices in Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver, New York, and Orlando

    Cedar Pass Campground Badlands National Park South Dakota

    Important Dates for Campground

    The campground is not open year-round. The campground is open seasonally typically from around Early April to mid-October.

    There is a 14-day maximum stay limit

    The maximum number of people in a campsite: 6

    The number of cars per campsite: 2

    Quiet Hours: 10 pm-6 am

    Extra person fee: There is a $4 fee for each additional person per night. Children 15 years and younger stay for free.

    Cancellation Policy: Cancellations or modifications made more than 48 hours prior to arrival by 4 PM MST will be assessed a $10 fee. Cancellations within 48 hours of your arrival will result in a loss of your deposit.

    For a fun adventure, check out Escape Campervans. These campervans have built-in beds, kitchen area with refrigerators, and more. You can have them fully set up with kitchen supplies, bedding, and other fun extras. They are painted with epic designs you can't miss!

    Escape Campervans has offices in Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver, Chicago, New York, and Orlando

    Cedar Pass Campground Map

    Cedar Pass Campground Badlands National Park South Dakota

    Interested in a Guided Tour?

    There are a couple of really cool guided tours available in Badlands Natl Park.

    Badlands NP Private Tour - Enjoy a private tour of the park and stop at famous features including a stop at Wall, South Dakota. Learn about the history of the area and spend the day discovering the rare geology of the Badlands.

    Badlands Tour with Minuteman Missile NHS - Travel to Badlands National Park and explore this spectacular terrain on a full-day guided tour. Catch a glimpse of America's nuclear arsenal during the Cold War and learn about its history with your expert guide.

    Badlands Bike Tour with Lunch - Join a bike tour of Badlands National Park. Cycle around the park and learn its history from your experienced guide. Admire the spectacular scenery and wildlife as you pedal.

    Badlands Lodging near the park

    Best Western Plains Motel - Free continental breakfast, an arcade/game room, and a gym are just a few of the amenities provided at Best Western Plains Motel. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. In addition to a business center, guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.

    Econo Lodge Wall - free to-go breakfast and more. Guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.

    Super 8 by Wyndham Wall - free to-go breakfast and a business center. Guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.

    America's Best Value Inn Wall - free continental breakfast, a free daily manager's reception, and laundry facilities. Stay connected with free in-room Wi-Fi, and guests can find other amenities such as a bar and a gym.

    Days Inn by Wyndham Wall - free to-go breakfast, laundry facilities, and a gym at Days Inn by Wyndham Wall. Free in-room Wi-Fi and conference space are available to all guests.

    Click on the map below to see additional vacation rental and lodging options near the park.

    Additional Information about Badlands National Park

    Complete Guide to Badlands National Park  - Your guide to exploring Badlands National Park

    Things To Do in Badlands National Park - List of activities to do in Badlands National Park. Activities include driving the Badlands Loop Road and Sage Creek Rim Road, exploring the Ben Reifel Visitor's Center and fossil preparation lab, and attending a night sky program from one of the park ranger programs held at the park Amphitheater

    Badlands Hiking Guide - Guide to the most popular frontcountry hiking trails in Badlands National Park including the Window Trail, Door Trail, and the famous Notch Trail.

    Badlands Inn - Lodge located just 1 mile outside the park entrance near the Ben Reifel Visitor Center

    Cedar Pass Lodge and Cabins - Located near the Ben Reifel Visitor Center

    Badlands Camping Guide - Complete camping guide to camping in Badlands National Park

    Sage Creek Campground - For those who like solitude and like to get away from the crowds

    Cedar Pass Campground Badlands National Park South Dakota

    Additional National Park Service Sites near Badlands National Park

    There are several National Park Sites located in the Black Hills of South Dakota making it one of the best All-American Road Trips in America! Listed below are other parks to visit and camping options:

    Wind Cave National Park - America's first National Park set aside specifically for protecting a cave

    Custer State Park - Consistently listed as one of America's top 10 State Parks!

    Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site

    Devils Tower National Monument

    Mount Rushmore National Memorial

    Jewel Cave National Monument 

    Yellowstone National Park

    Grand Teton National  Park

    Theodore Roosevelt National Park

    Check out all of the South Dakota National Parks along with neighboring North Dakota National Parks, Montana National Parks, and National Parks in Minnesota 

    Photos of Cedar Pass Campground

    Campsite 45 Cedar Pass Campground Badlands National Park South Dakota
    Campsite 45 Cedar Creek Campground Badlands National Park

     

     

    Campsite 48 Cedar Pass Campground Badlands National Park South Dakota
    Campsite 48 Cedar Pass Campground Badlands National Park

     

    Campsite 60 Cedar Pass Campground Badlands National Park South Dakota
    Campsite 60 Cedar Pass Campground Badlands National Park

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    Filed Under: Camping, US National Parks

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