Cedar Pass Campground

Boardwalk through Cedar Pass in Badlands National Park reveals layered eroded badlands formations under a dramatic cloudy sky.

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.

Quick facts

Reservation System: Cedar Pass Lodge website and Recreation.gov
Reservation Window: Reservations can be made at least three days in advance; advance bookings are highly recommended, especially in peak season
Reservation Tips: Book at least three days ahead; peak season fills quickly; check winter availability; use Recreation.gov or stay/ site
Season Dates: Year-round operation with limited winter availability; peak season from late March through mid-October

Reservations & season

Reservation System: Cedar Pass Lodge website and Recreation.gov
Reservation Window: Reservations can be made at least three days in advance; advance bookings are highly recommended, especially in peak season
Reservation Tips: Book at least three days ahead; peak season fills quickly; check winter availability; use Recreation.gov or stay/ site
Season Dates: Year-round operation with limited winter availability; peak season from late March through mid-October
Fills Up Speed: High; peak season often fully booked
Per Night Cost: Non-electric tent $23, electric tent $38, non-electric RV $42, electric RV $47, group sites $42; add'l person $4/night
Extra Vehicle Fees: Not explicitly stated; typical campsite practice is two vehicles per site
Day Use Fees: Park entrance fee $30 per vehicle, valid for seven days
Passes Accepted: America the Beautiful pass

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total: 96
Site Types: Tent, RV, Group
Site Type Breakdown: 23 electric RV sites, 73 tent sites
RV Max Length: 40
Group Sites Available: 1
Group Site Capacity: Four group sites, each up to 10 people
Hookups: 22 sites with 30/50 amp electrical hookups; no water or sewer at individual sites; dump station available
Site Features: Picnic tables and shade structures at every site; no fire rings at individual sites
Ground Type: Gravel and dirt mix varying by site
Site Privacy: Moderate privacy; loops with neighboring sites

Facilities

Bathroom Types: Flush toilets with lighting
Showers Available: Pay showers: $1.25 for 10 minutes, $0.50 for 4 minutes, $0.75 for 6 minutes
Potable Water: Potable water spigots are available
Dump Station: On-site RV dump station in Group Loop for a $1 fee
Trash Service: Garbage and recycling bins available
Camp Store: Basic supplies and ice may be available at Cedar Pass Lodge
Firewood Availability: Firewood not available on-site
Cell Service: Spotty around Ben Reifel Visitor Center; AT&T and Verizon service inconsistently available
Nearby Facilities: Cedar Pass Lodge store/ice; Wanblee ~10 miles; Rapid City ~1.5 hours

Access

Road Type: Paved campground roads
Road Conditions: Generally good, paved within campground; accessible for larger rigs
Vehicle Restrictions: No specific length limits published for the campground; 40 ft recommended based on broader park context
Clearance Needed: Standard clearance; sedan friendly
Gate Hours: No night gate lock times specified
Distance From Entrance: About 30 minutes from the South Entrance to the park entrance station
Nearest Gas Services: Wanblee ~10 miles; Rapid City ~1.5 hours
Accessibility: Two ADA RV sites (#12, #20); first-come, first-served
ADA Accessible Sites: Two ADA RV sites: #12 and #20; first-come, first-served and not guaranteed

Rules & safety

Food Storage Requirements: General wildlife safety and proper food storage; no bear boxes listed
Fire Restrictions: Campfires are not permitted due to fire danger
Pets Allowed: Yes
Pet Restrictions: Leash required; pets allowed in campground; not advised on many trails
Generator Hours: Generators allowed, but not during quiet hours (10 PM–6 AM)
Quiet Hours: 10 PM–6 AM
Max Stay Limit: No published maximum stay limit for Cedar Pass Campground; check Recreation.gov listings for any site-specific limits.
Alcohol Permitted: 0

What it is like

Onsite Activities: Access to Badlands trails and wildlife viewing; proximity to Cedar Pass Lodge
Wildlife Viewing: Prevalent wildlife activity; stay alert and store food properly
Shade Coverage: Shade structures at all sites
Scenic Views: Views of Badlands geology and open skies
Noise Level: Moderate due to proximity to roads and lodge traffic
Best Time To Visit: Late spring to early fall; peak season fills quickly
Vibe Check: Functional basecamp near park highlights; cleanliness and convenience trump wilderness seclusion; you’ll hear occasional road noise but you’re close to essentials
Camp Here If Skip If: ✅ BOOK IF: You want paved access, electric options, and a central Badlands basecamp; you don’t mind some road noise; ❌ SKIP IF: You seek a deeply forested, isolated vibe and full hookups
Tips Advice: 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

More details

Park Area: Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Family Friendly Notes: Flush toilets, pay showers, and family-friendly proximity to park highlights; group sites available; quiet hours observed
Nearby Attractions: Ben Reifel Visitor Center nearby; Wanblee ~10 miles; Rapid City ~1.5 hours
Terrain Type: Badlands terrain with eroded formations
Setup Strategy: 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
Bath Laundry Recon: Showers are coin-operated with clear pricing; there is a dedicated shower setup, but laundry details aren’t listed
Review Summary: Rated 4.1 from 177 reviews. Guests note straightforward access, good proximity to Badlands wonders, and value, with high demand in peak season and reliable facilities for basic camping needs.