Cedar Pass Campground Review & Camping Guide

Q: Can I cook with a fire ring at Cedar Pass Campground?

No; campfires are not permitted due to fire danger.

Q: What about electric service and water at sites?

22 sites have 30/50 amp electrical hookups; no full hookups with water/sewer; potable water spigots are available.

Q: How do I book and when should I plan to arrive?

Book at least three days in advance via Cedar Pass Lodge or Recreation.gov; peak season fills fast and arrivals before noon help with walk-ins.

Q: What is the parking and vehicle limit per site?

Typically two vehicles per campsite; exact limits aren’t published—plan accordingly and verify at check-in.

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Overview

About This Campground

Alright, Cedar Pass Campground sits inside Badlands National Park with 96 sites, including 23 electric RV spots and 73 tent sites. Group sites are available (four total, up to 10 people each) and generators are allowed outside of quiet hours. Water spigots, flush toilets, and pay showers keep the basics reliable, while fire rings aren’t provided at individual sites. Expect a practical basecamp that’s easy to access and well-suited for park exploring.

Highlights

Site Types

Tent, RV, Group

Scenic Views

Views of Badlands geology and open skies

Nearby Attractions

Ben Reifel Visitor Center nearby; Wanblee ~10 miles; Rapid City ~1.5 hours

Family Friendly

Flush toilets, pay showers, and family-friendly proximity to park highlights; group sites available; quiet hours observed

Best Time to Visit

Late spring to early fall; peak season fills quickly

Camping Tips

Reserve early via Cedar Pass Lodge or Recreation.gov
Arrive before noon for walk-in spots
Bring water and plan for pay showers
Fires are prohibited; monitor wind and dry conditions

RV Driver Intel

The Setup

Big rigs: paved loops and wide internal roads; some sites with 30/50 amp power; no full hookups; dump station on-site; plan for space in group loops; keep to quiet hours after 10 PM

The Vibe

Functional basecamp near park highlights; cleanliness and convenience trump wilderness seclusion; you’ll hear occasional road noise but you’re close to essentials

Bath & Laundry

Showers are coin-operated with clear pricing; there is a dedicated shower setup, but laundry details aren’t listed

Details

Campsite Information

Total Sites: 96

RV Max Length: 40

Hookups: 22 sites with 30/50 amp electrical hookups; no water or sewer at individual sites; dump station available

Site Types

Tent, RV, Group

Each Site Includes

Picnic tables and shade structures at every site; no fire rings at individual sites

Activities

Access to Badlands trails and wildlife viewing; proximity to Cedar Pass Lodge

Amenities & Facilities

Campground Amenities

Showers: Pay showers: $1.25 for 10 minutes, $0.50 for 4 minutes, $0.75 for 6 minutes
Restrooms: Flush toilets with lighting
Water: Potable water spigots are available
Trash: Garbage and recycling bins available

Facilities

RV Dump Station: On-site RV dump station in Group Loop for a $1 fee
Camp Store: Basic supplies and ice may be available at Cedar Pass Lodge
Firewood: Firewood not available on-site
Amphitheater: Not available

Utilities

Restrooms: Flush toilets with lighting

Showers: Pay showers: $1.25 for 10 minutes, $0.50 for 4 minutes, $0.75 for 6 minutes

Policies & Rules

Reservations

Cedar Pass Lodge website and Recreation.gov (Booking: Reservations can be made at least three days in advance; advance bookings are highly recommended, especially in peak season)

Pet Policy

Pets Allowed - Leash required; pets allowed in campground; not advised on many trails

FAQs

Are there ADA-accessible sites and how to access them?

Two ADA RV sites exist (#12 and #20); they’re first-come, first-served and not guaranteed.

Can I cook with a fire ring at Cedar Pass Campground?

What about electric service and water at sites?

How do I book and when should I plan to arrive?

What is the parking and vehicle limit per site?

📖 recreation.gov 📖 parkrangerjohn.com 📖 mybackyardandbeyond.com 📖 staybadlands.com 📖 nps.gov 📖 thedyrt.com 📖 hipcamp.com 📖 nationalparkstraveler.org 📖 rvshare.com 📖 youtube.com 📖 simplyawesometrips.com ⭐ Google Reviews 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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Cedar Pass Campground