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The area surrounding the campground hosts one of the last mixed-grass prairies in the country.

Sage Creek Campground

Open

Open year-round on a first-come first-served basis. No reservations accepted. Sage Creek Rim Road is unpaved and may temporarily close after winter storms or heavy spring rains.

Red Flag Warning issued July 14 at 8:40AM MDT until July 14 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Rapid City SD

8:40 AM — 9:00 PM

...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM MDT THIS EVENING DUE TO GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FALL RIVER COUNTY AREA, NORTHERN FOOT HILLS, EASTERN FOOT HILLS, CUSTER COUNTY PLAINS, PINE RIDGE AREA, BUTTE COUNTY AREA, PERKINS COUNTY, WEST CENTRAL PLAINS, ZIEBACH COUNTY, HAAKON COUNTY AREA, BADLANDS AREA, NORTHERN CAMPBELL, SOUTHERN CAMPBELL, CROOK COUNTY PLAINS, AND WESTON COUNTY PLAINS... ....RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM MDT TUESDAY DUE TO GUSTY WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR FALL RIVER COUNTY AREA, NORTHERN FOOT HILLS, EASTERN FOOT HILLS, CUSTER COUNTY PLAINS, PINE RIDGE AREA, BUTTE COUNTY AREA, PERKINS COUNTY, WEST CENTRAL PLAINS,ZIEBACH COUNTY, HAAKON COUNTY AREA, NORTHEAST WYOMING PLAINS, AND BADLANDS AREA... * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 314, 315, 316, 317, 322, 323, 324, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329, 330, 331, and 332. * TIMING...Until 9 PM MDT this evening. * WINDS...Southeast winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Relative Humidity between 12 to 22 percent. * IMPACTS...Any fires that develop will spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

Heat Advisory issued July 14 at 3:04AM MDT until July 16 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Rapid City SD

3:04 AM — 6:15 PM

* WHAT...Heat index values between 95 and 105. * WHERE...Portions of northwestern, south central, and southwestern South Dakota and northeast Wyoming. * WHEN...Until 9 PM MDT /10 PM CDT/ Thursday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.

About

Sage Creek Campground offers a rustic, primitive camping experience in the heart of Badlands National Park's Sage Creek Wilderness. This free, first-come first-served campground features 22 sites and rarely fills to capacity, making it an accessible option for spontaneous trips. The campground sits along Sage Creek Rim Road, an unpaved road that may temporarily close after winter storms and spring rains. Facilities are minimal but functional: vault toilets (including accessible options) and covered picnic tables are provided at each site. There is no potable water on-site; campers must bring their own or obtain water at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. Due to fire danger, campfires and wood collection are strictly prohibited throughout the campground. However, portable camp stoves and contained charcoal grills are permitted for cooking. Motor homes, pull-behind trailers, and recreational vehicles exceeding 18 feet in length are prohibited, though this restriction does not apply to horse trailers. A designated portion of the campground accommodates horse use. An active prairie dog colony is present in the campground area, and visitors should be aware that plague can occur in prairie dog populations.

Directions

The campground is located in the Sage Creek Wilderness and is accessible only via Sage Creek Rim Road. This unpaved road can be reached from Highway 44 to the north or Highway 240 (Badlands Loop Road) to the east.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed No
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $0

Vehicle

Max RV Length 18ft
Max Trailer Length 18ft
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites

Contact

Email badl_information@nps.gov
Phone +1 (605) 433-5361

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

Photos

The area surrounding the campground hosts one of the last mixed-grass prairies in the country.
The campground is first-come, first-serve and frequently reaches capacity during busy months.
Seasonal changes and extreme weather make careful planning a necessity for enjoying the campground.
No water in the Badlands is potable. Bring everything you need.
The campground is in the bison area and so be aware when exploring the campground and surrounding environs.

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