Badlands National Park

Notch Trail
This trail is only a mile and a half long, but you’ll still get a workout in while hiking it! Note that there is a ladder on the trail, but if that doesn’t bother you, you’ll love this experience. Hikers of all skill levels can happily enjoy the rock formations of the Notch Trail.

Stargazing
The Badlands of South Dakota offers some of the best, most ruggedly untouched beauty in the United States. If you want to enjoy the night sky, consider a tour with a park ranger or volunteer who can show you all the sky above the Badlands has to offer!

Sage Creek Rim Road
If you fancy a drive in your travel van, Sage Creek Rim Road. Not only can you enjoy the rock formations, but if you’re lucky you’ll get a glimpse at some of the wildlife that are native to Badlands National Park.

Salt Lake City – 665 miles
Denver – 375 miles
Las Vegas – 1,050 miles
Phoenix – 1,200 miles

The Wall Dispersed Camping

The Wall is an iconic spot for travelers and boondockers alike. If the name sounds familiar, there is also the famous Wall Drug Store in Wall, South Dakota. You should absolutely stop at Wall Drug on your way to the well-known dispersed camping site in Buffalo Gap National Grassland.

Cedar Pass Campground
Cedar Pass is one of only two official campgrounds of Badlands National Park. This is the only official paid campground of the park, with nearly 100 sites available. If you have your RV van rental, you’ll be happy to note that there are campgrounds with electrical hookups available.

Sage Creek Campground
Sage Creek is the other official campground in Badlands, but this one is free to use. While free, it is first come, first serve, and only has 22 sites. If you have a travel van, the spots at Sage Creek are 18 feet max. Anything larger cannot be accommodated.