About Cedar Pass Campground
Overview Surrounded by the vast, open prairie and featuring expansive views of the Badlands, Cedar Pass Campground is a great base camp from which to explore Badlands National Park. Featuring 96 sites, this seasonal campground is open from late March through mid-October, and is conveniently located within easy walking distance of Cedar Pass Lodge & Restaurant and the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. Recreation An evening program led by park rangers is held nightly at the Cedar Pass Amphitheater. This event runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, beginning each evening with a half-hour educational talk about the Badlands, covering a wide array of topics that change every evening. Once the educational part of the presentation finishes, the rangers begin a guided night sky viewing program. Interesting facts and features of our night sky will be explored and pointed out for you via laser, and telescopes are often provided to view star clusters, planets, and the Milky Way.The Amphitheater parking lot is conveniently located at the entrance to Cedar Pass Campground, in easy walking distance for most campers! For evening program start times, please see the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, Cedar Pass Lodge, or the host kiosk at the campground entrance.Facilities An evening program led by park rangers is held nightly at the Cedar Pass Amphitheater. This event runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, beginning each evening with a half-hour educational talk about the Badlands, covering a wide array of topics that change every evening. Once the educational part of the presentation finishes, the rangers begin a guided night sky viewing program. Interesting facts and features of our night sky will be explored and pointed out for you via laser, and telescopes are often provided to view star clusters, planets, and the Milky Way.The Amphitheater parking lot is conveniently located at the entrance to Cedar Pass Campground, in easy walking distance for most campers! For evening program start times, plea
How to Get There
From Sioux Falls:Travel west on I-90 to exit 131. Turn south onto Hwy 240, the Badlands Loop Road and enter Badlands National Park at the Northeast entrance. Travel 8 miles (13 km) to Cedar Pass Lodge, making a slight left onto Hwy 377. Cedar Pass Campground will be on your left.From Rapid City:Travel east on I-90 to exit 110. From exit 110, turn south onto Hwy 240, the Badlands Loop Road and enter Badlands National Park at the Pinnacles entrance. Travel 30 miles (48 km). Turn right on Hwy 377. Cedar Pass Campground will be on your left.From Rapid City: (alternate route)Travel east on I-90 to exit 131. Turn south onto Hwy 240, the Badlands Loop Road and enter Badlands National Park at the Northeast entrance. Travel 8 miles (13 km) to Cedar Pass Lodge, making a slight left onto Hwy 377. Cedar Pass Campground will be on your left. Scenic Highway 44:Travel southeast on Hwy 44 to the town of Interior and continue northeast on Hwy 377 two miles (3 km) to Cedar Pass Lodge
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 8)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Cedar Pass Campground
Heading to Cedar Pass Campground? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Cedar Pass Campground?
No central reservation system listed for Cedar Pass Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10288228) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Cedar Pass Campground?
From Sioux Falls:Travel west on I-90 to exit 131. Turn south onto Hwy 240, the Badlands Loop Road and enter Badlands National Park at the Northeast entrance. Travel 8 miles (13 km) to Cedar Pass Lodge, making a slight left onto Hwy 377. Cedar Pass Campground will be on your left.From Rapid City:Travel east on I-90 to exit 110. From exit 110, turn south onto Hwy 240, the Badlands Loop Road and ente…
How do I contact Cedar Pass Campground?
You can reach the park at phone: 605-433-5460.
References & Official Resources