South Dakota / Pennington County / Badlands National Park

Sage Creek Campground

Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. Sage Creek Rim Road is unpaved and may temporarily close after winter storms and spring rains.

About

Sage Creek Campground offers a primitive camping experience in the remote Sage Creek Wilderness area of Badlands National Park. This free campground features 22 first-come, first-served sites and rarely fills to capacity, making it an excellent option for those seeking solitude in the Badlands. The campground is accessed via Sage Creek Rim Road, an unpaved road that may temporarily close after winter storms and spring rains. Amenities are basic: covered picnic tables and vault toilets are provided, but there is no water available onsite. Campers must bring all water needed or obtain potable water at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. A portion of the campground is designated for horse use, and horse trailers are accommodated. Due to fire danger, campfires and wood collection are prohibited, though camp stoves and contained charcoal grills are permitted. The campground provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, as bison, bighorn sheep, and other wildlife roam freely through the area. The remote location offers spectacular night skies and stunning prairie sunrises and sunsets. RVs and trailers over 18 feet in length are prohibited (except horse trailers), and generators are not permitted. Camping is limited to 14 days.

Directions

The campground is located in the Sage Creek Wilderness. It is accessible via Sage Creek Rim Road, an unpaved road accessible from either Highway 44 or Highway 240.

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