Badlands Loop Road
Badlands Wall
Ben Reifel Visitor Center
Fossil Preparation Lab
Hiking Trails
Pinnacles Overlook
Roberts Prairie Dog Town
White River Visitor Center
Yellow Mounds Ooverlook
Black Hills National Forest
Custer State Park
Deadwood, South Dakota
Minuteman Missile National Historic Site
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
National Grasslands Visitor Center
Sturgis, South Dakota
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Wall Drug Store
Wind Cave National Park
With its rugged terrain and extreme temperatures, the Badlands National Park is best to visit during the shoulder seasons. The summer months can be hot and humid, and temperatures can reach 100 degrees. On the other end, winters can be bitterly cold with temperatures well below freezing and one to two feet of total snowfall.
Mid-April through May and September through early October is the time to visit the Badlands as the summer tourists have faded and the temperatures have cooled.
There are a lot of different attractions in Badlands National Park. The park is split into two sections. The North Unit is the most visited part of the park. This is where you will find the Badlands Loop Road, Sage Creek Wilderness Drive, and Roberts Prairie Dog Town. The South Unit was a former Air Force bomb range during World War II. Park rangers advise visitors not to go hiking in this section since there are still unexploded bombs here.
If you do one thing in Badlands National Park, it's to drive along Badlands Loop Road. This road runs through the most scenic part of the park and has different overlooks, hiking trails, and boardwalk trails.
There are also a lot of attractions to visit near the park like Wall Drug Store, Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, Wind Cave National Park, Mount Rushmore National Museum, and Rapid City.
There are an incredible amount of amazing things to do in Badlands National Park. It's a true nature-lovers national park where you can experience nature on a grand scale. A few of the top outdoor activities are hiking, wildlife viewing, camping, and biking.
The Badlands National Park has several trails full of scenic overlooks. The parks most popular trail is Notch Trail, which takes visits through a canyon to a stunning viewpoint of the unique landscape. Another popular trail is Castle Trail, which is the park's longest trail that offers beautiful views of prairie grass and natural rock formations. Other popular trails include the Fossil Trail, Dorr Trail, and Saddle Pass Trail. If you prefer biking or hiking, there are paved paths and dirt roads where visitors are allowed to ride their bikes.
Badlands National Park is home to a good amount of wildlife. Visitors will get to see prairie dogs, bighorn sheet, bison, elks, black-footed ferrets and more.
The only place to purchase food inside of Badlands National Park is at the Cedar Pass Lodge, located just down the road from the visitor center. The lodge offers both sit-down meals as well as grab-and-go snacks. You can choose from breakfast, lunch & dinner and they have some crowd favorites like breakfast burritos, burgers, pecan salad, and more! You're also allowed to bring food into the parks to set up a picnic at popular locations like Pinnacles Overlook, Yellow Mounts, and White River Valley Overlook.
There are several restaurants near the park such as Wall Drug Store, Dakotah Steakhouse, Buffalo Dreamer, Tally's Silver Spoon, Badlands Saloon and Grille, Fat Boy's BBQ, and Red Rock Restaurant.
Badlands National Park is best known for its beautiful landscape. The park has two developed campgrounds, plus plenty of campground and RV parks right outside of the park. Since the Badlands does not see as many visitors as the Grand Canyon or Yosemite, it's noticeably less crowded making it easier to truly enjoy its beauty and explore its outdoor adventures.
Since Badlands is so remote, you'll feel like you're in the middle of nowhere. Because of this, there are incredibly dark night skies which create jaw dropping views of the Milky Way. There's also unique wildlife like bison, bighorn sheep, and golden eagles. A day here truly isn't enough, and camping is the perfect solution to making the most out of exploring this park.
This remote and beautiful KOA is just 5 miles from Badlands National Park. The rugged beauty of the Badlands includes a rich fossil bed and the nation's largest protected mixed-grass prairie, where you will find bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, mule deer and prairie dogs. Some of the darkest skies in North America await stargazers, and opportunities for photography and hiking abound. The campground is in a quiet rural setting with hundreds of large shade trees beside the White River.
Love the proximity to the National Park and the cook shack makes great pancakes. Did not like the mosquitoes!
September, 19, 2023, RV Camper
We stayed three nights. The proximity to Badlands NP was very good, 10-15 minutes away. The RV sites were well shaded by mature trees and the setting was very pleasant. The Cook Shack served up delicious breakfasts (we didn't try the dinner service). Only issue was the host of flies that felt the same! Overall, this is a very nice place to stay.
September, 19, 2023, RV Camper
Excellent location. However the cabin had no hot water. After waking up to a cold shower the first morning I notified the office who told me they knew and a worker had went out at 6am to throw a breaker. Had already showered. Hot water later in morning. Next day wake up to even colder shower. Again I notified office and since we were checking out the lady didn’t seem to care nor offer comp.
September, 19, 2023, Cabin Camper
Well kept! Nice food options! And very friendly staff! Thanks!!!
September, 19, 2023, RV Camper
Loved it! Loved the cook shack, very nice to have the option to order food instead of cooking when low on groceries!
September, 19, 2023, RV Camper
All Sites
Check-in: 1:00 pm, Check-out: 11:00 am
Accommodations, RV Sites, Tent Sites
Check-in: 1:00 pm, Check-out: 11:00 am
Make KOA your camping destination spot near the Black Hills for relaxation and sightseeing, or stop here on your way to Yellowstone National Park.
Ways to Stay
At KOA, campers can stay in a cozy Camping Cabin or enjoy a full bathroom in a Deluxe Cabin. If you are looking for RV camping in Rapid City, you can enjoy Pull-Thru and Back-In RV Sites with 50 max amp hookups and 80-foot max pull thrus. These convenient paved campsites accommodate RVs with multiple slide-outs, and Deluxe RV Sites with a KOA Patio™ include additional outdoor seating areas. If you prefer traditional camping, you can also enjoy one of our convenient Individual Tent Sites.
Convenient Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities at KOA. Our clean bathrooms provide showers and hot water, so you can spend each day refreshed. Take advantage of on-site laundry facilities, and visit the KOA store for any of your camping needs, including firewood and propane. KOA's friendly campground staff are knowledgeable and ready to help you with any of your camping needs.
KOA Campsites provide picnic tables and fire rings, so you can enjoy delicious campfire meals right outside your tent, RV or cabin. Our campsite is pet-friendly, so you and your four-legged companion can run, play and enjoy our KampK9® dog park. Some sites include cable TV, so you can catch up on your favorite shows or check the weather forecast while you camp. At KOA, you can enjoy a carefree, relaxing getaway with convenient amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
Campground Recreation
If you are looking for family-friendly campgrounds near Rapid City, South Dakota, KOA offers campground recreation and planned activities for campers of all ages to enjoy. Take a dip in the swimming pool or sit back and relax in the hot tub between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend.
Enjoy a hot pancake breakfast every morning between May 1 and October 1. Once a week, you can enjoy an ice cream social or have a tasty, healthy treat at a watermelon feed. Roast some marshmallows at a s'mores party or enjoy a fun train ride around the campground.
Campers can also enjoy fun games such as horseshoes and life-size chess. Book transportation with Black Hills Tours and get picked up from the campground to see attractions such as Mount Rushmore, Iron Mountain Road and Needles Highway. At KOA, you can sign up for guided tours or rent a car to embark on your own excursions.
Local Area Attractions
There are plenty of fun things to do in Rapid City, South Dakota, and the surrounding area. Hike nearby hiking trails or bike around the city for a fun day in the sun. Fish for rainbow, brook and brown trout in peaceful mountain lakes. You can also practice your golfing skills at nearby golf courses, try geocaching or take your family out for a fun day full of laser tag, go-carts and paintball.
If you enjoy antique shopping, you can find great antique shops throughout the Rapid City area. Travel outside the city to find exciting attractions such as the Crazy Horse Mountain Memorial. Explore any of the five nearby state parks, and make sure to visit Custer State Park to explore South Dakota's largest and oldest state park. There are many places you can enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, bird watching, boating, swimming and fishing.
Book a Getaway at Rapid City/Black Hills KOA Holiday
Experience all that South Dakota has to offer at KOA. Whether you are planning a fun-filled family vacation, looking to visit Mount Rushmore or simply wanting to relax in the serenity of the Black Hills, KOA will provide a comfortable place to rest your head at night.
Enjoy campground activities and sit around a cozy campfire at night or explore South Dakota's top attractions. No matter what you do during your stay, KOA will provide the comfort and convenience to make for an incredible getaway. Book a stay at KOA with your hosts, Recreational Adventures Co. to begin your South Dakota adventure. Reserve your site online or call 800-562-8504 today!
Very nice campground, great spacious sites, utilities are great, WiFi very good, well stocked store, beautiful pool, close to all attractions. We’d definitely stay again and highly recommend.
September, 19, 2023, RV Camper
We came in after an exhausting day, but you were ready for us. We appreciated the escort to the site, and that the site was spacious and had a level asphalt pad. We made use of the showers while we were there, the laundry facilities, and even had those delicious pancakes one morning. One observation: we were at the furthest end of the park, and no restrooms on that level. It was a LONG walk
September, 19, 2023, RV Camper
Great place to camp
September, 19, 2023, RV Camper
The campground is FANTASTIC! What’s not to love about a beautiful pool/hot tub, clean laundry room, all you can eat pancakes $3, and mostly an amazing and helpful staff.
September, 19, 2023, RV Camper
The campground was very nice . bath and showers and pool were wonderful. All the employees were very friendly and helpful
September, 18, 2023, RV Camper
All Sites
Check-in: 1:00 pm, Check-out: 11:00 am
KOA Journey campgrounds are the perfect oases after a day on the road. Whether it’s along the way or a quick getaway, they’ve got you covered. Located near the highways and byways of North America with long Pull-thru RV Sites, they deliver convenience to the traveling camper. Pull in, ease back and take a load off.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
KOA Resorts offer a carefree vacation in the great outdoors. Enjoy robust recreation and staff-led activities, kick back and relax by the resort-style pool, or grab a bite to eat, all while never leaving the campground. And with plenty of RV Sites with KOA Patios® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths to meet your needs, it’s the ultimate camping getaway.
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout.
