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    Badlands / White River KOA

    3.7 (69 reviews)

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    Our site as seen from pool area
    Aggie06Cowgirl

    Very close to Badlands NP. There's a pool, mini golf & other amenities including camp store. Staff was friendly & grounds were clean. Sites are a little close together but not the worst

    Showers
    Liam D.

    Pros: super friendly staff, cute cabins, good wifi, clean, respectful neighbors. Gripes: the showers are absolutely horrifying. See pictures. Show some respect for your guests giving you their hard-earned money and clean the showers. I tried desperately to avoid touching anything, and God help you if you drop the soap. I can't imagine Moms and Dads having to take their kids into these showers. Yuk.

    Restroom/ shower/ sink.

    Good amenities like all KOA's but this one is the worst I've been too. I know it's camping but nobody cleans the bathroom or tent sink area. Tent Sink area has rat poop all over it. Bathroom is never wiped down, mopped, disinfected, shower curtains were all brown, mildew, mold in restroom. Campground they keep clean and they take out trash that's it.

    A very narrow site, making it impossible to use the fire ring. The neighboring site's ring on the side not shown was just as close.
    Lisa F.

    I really wanted to like this place. Unfortunately, we were assigned a really crappy campsite, that was so narrow there was no way to have a campfire without risking our camper and/or our truck. The neighboring site's fire ring was perilously close to our camper as well. Thank goodness they didn't have a fire, or we probably would have. I will give the park aces for the shower house. It was clean and the shower was plenty hot. If you will need cell service or Wi-Fi for work, this isn't your place. I had to drive to a neighboring campground/hotel for that. For $60/night, I expected more.

    Misty S.

    What a great place to camp and very affordable! The showers and bathroom are clean. We stayed for 1 night and a regular tent site cost $30. See the picture of the price list for RV's and cabin/tipi accommodations. If you don't have a reservation, you can still get a spot after hours if they are available. The sign up system is easy to use and there's an envelope drop box you can use if the office is already closed. There's a pool and hot tub next to the main office. There's also a general store and gift shop that sells souvenirs, general merchandise, food and beverages. The people that work here are nice and friendly.

    Cabin life.
    Riana A.

    This was the first KOA we stayed at while on our travels in South Dakota. I was not sure what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised. There are activities for the kids such as mini golf, swimming pool, and "fun cycles". We stayed in a cabin which had air conditioning, cool! The wifi worked well here and there, but we were told since there were more people using it that would happen. The bathrooms were very clean. I would definitely stay at this KOA again.

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    28 days ago

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    6 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Business owner information

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    Samantha D.

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    3 years ago

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    Samantha D.

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    5 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Clean bathrooms. The staff were helpful and friendly. Very close to entrance of Badlands NP. Cool mini golf

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    Samantha D.

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    5 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    6 years ago

    Awesome people running this KOA! Tons of stuff to do and super close to the Badlands!!

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Badlands / White River KOA

    Review Highlights - Badlands / White River KOA

    My wife and I have stayed in dozens of KOAs over the years, but this one is still one of our favorites.

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Cedar Pass Campground

    Cedar Pass Campground

    4.5(2 reviews)
    3.8 mi

    Did some tent camping here in the heat of summer! Every camp site here has a picnic table with a…read moreshaded structure that'll give much needed relief from the afternoon/evening sun. The bathrooms and showers are in very clean condition for a campsite. Showers are 50 cents for 4 minutes, with a machine to convert your bills to quarters outside it. You can't change the temp of the shower, so apparently our guys got hot showers, but the women's showers were great temperature. There's a nice sink for washing dishes. Found that it'll give very cold water which we used to help us cool off- this water is not for drinking but there are water fountains around. The staff is very friendly and helpful, you can reserve ahead or gamble and get a spot when you get there like we did. The visitor center and amphitheater for the star show is right next to this site. Trailheads for hikes like Castle and Notch are within a 15 minute drive. Beautiful scenery to wake up to, had wildflowers and the mountains/hills. Also heard coyotes both nights and saw deer, bunnies, and mountain bluebirds.

    Just a little past the Bad Lands park entrance brings you to the Amphitheater. If you come at…read morenight, there is no cost to enter the park. There is a nightly presentation by park rangers and volunteers that covers Reptiles and a Night Sky viewing. It starts at 9pm and goes for about 45 minutes. Staff were very friendly and kids can get a Junior Ranger badge for attending. They also bring out telescopes for you to check out the stars. A nice family activity worth checking out if you are staying in/near the Bad Lands.

    Badlands National Park - Picnic area near Deer Haven

    Badlands National Park

    4.8(330 reviews)
    30.8 mi

    Visiting the White River Valley Overlook inside Badlands National Park was one of the highlights of…read moreour trip. This is one of those places that completely catches you off guard in the best way. You pull over expecting a quick viewpoint, and then suddenly you're looking out over this massive, open valley that just seems to go on forever. The contrast between the rugged Badlands formations and the wide, rolling landscape below is incredible. It honestly feels like two completely different environments meeting in one place. The colors, the textures, and the sheer scale of it all make it feel almost unreal when you're standing there. What makes this stop even better is how easy it is to access. There's no long hike required--just park, walk a short distance, and you're right there taking in one of the best views in the park. It's perfect for all ages and a great place to pause and really appreciate the scenery. If you're visiting the Badlands, this overlook is absolutely worth the stop. It's peaceful, stunning, and unforgettable. Check out our videos on our socials @reessroots

    Breathtaking topography. Piques the curiosity. I mean, can you believe much of our land used to be…read moreunderground? Supposedly that's how ancient rapids carved the Badlands we see today. + Thankfully, restrooms and disposal bins at like every stop. + Water refill & A/C at the VC. - Virtually no shade. Desert climate out there. - And yet very crowded! People taking photos everywhere. Crowded museums.

    Photos
    Badlands National Park
    Badlands National Park
    Badlands National Park

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    Cedar Pass Campground

    Cedar Pass Campground

    3.2(20 reviews)
    3.8 mi

    We stayed here in early May and overall had a pretty good experience. We booked several months in…read moreadvance so we didn't have any problems getting in. We reserved four nights, realizing that we probably weren't going to come in until late the next morning, technically. We let the campground know ahead of time, hoping that would make our arrival go smoothly. They let us know that they'd put that information in our reservation. Something that is irritating is that you don't know your campsite assignment until you get there. We got in at about 5:30AM and while they had a box with the info for late arrivals, ours was somehow not there. We were exhausted, so we picked an open site and set up camp. Once the "office" opened at about 9AM, we asked if we could stay at that site and they said that we had to move to a different one. This could have been avoided if we were allowed to know our site beforehand or if they had actually had put our info in the after hours arrival box. This wasn't a huge deal, but it would have sucked if the campsite was busier and the had to wait to set up camp even though we paid for the night before. As many people have said, there is no privacy. This was fine for us, the campsites are decently spaced out so you aren't on top of other people. There is a nice little roof on top of the picnic table that blocks some of the sun when it's quite bright. There are no trees, so it gets very windy. Campfires aren't allowed, so you need to bring a camping stove if you want warm food. There is a nice spot designated for washing dishes and there is warm water. For whatever reason, the drinking fountains were not working, so we had to pull from the dish washing water. There are bathrooms with running water but one of the female stalls was out of order during our stay and the ground was flooded. We made it work, but you had to be careful to not get your feet wet. There are also coin operated showers and that building is nicely heated. It cost about $1.25 for a ten minute shower, which is very reasonable. The water was more on the lukewarm side, but nevertheless nice after a long day of hiking. We didn't go inside, but there was also a café and gift shop very close. The campground is in the heart of the Badlands and all of the amazing trails are very close driving distance. You are also about 30 minutes away from Wall if you need to hide from the weather. Custer State Park and Rapid City are a couple hours away, but we took a day to visit. If I wanted to set up shop in the Badlands again, I'd stay here again.

    These campgrounds had nice views and great amenities and convenience to all the hiking trails, but…read morevery different than camping in Minnesota where I'm from! PROS: - Bathrooms were a huge plus. Had 3 stalls, running water, flush toilets, multiple sinks, lights, & plugins. - Had multiple drinking water pumps throughout the camp to refill all your containers. - Each campsite had a picnic bench w/ built-in shade covering. - You can see the Badlands so great views from the site. CONS: - There are no trees & you're out in the open, so you can see everyone's campsite around you...and they can see you - They allow RVs in the same campsite as us regular tent-ers so they ruined some of the views. - No campfires were allowed so can't have a classic camping experience here. TIPS: - Bring a tarp to give you more shade & protection from the rain & wind. The picnic table covering wouldn't of been enough for my group. - Book site early for the best spots on the edge facining the Badlands. - Bring a gas grill to cook on since no campfires are allowed. - Weather changes constantly. Dont leave tent flaps open even if it's sunny, since it could rain while you're out hiking...not speaking from experience or anything. This campsite was overall a good option for my group here to do all the Badlands hiking trails, which we did but you'll have to see my review of Badlands National Park for more tips on that!

    Photos
    Cedar Pass Campground - Nice area to climb around near camp

    Nice area to climb around near camp

    Cedar Pass Campground - Site #86

    Site #86

    Cedar Pass Campground

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    Sage Creek Campground - Lots of spaces for tents with their own covered picnic tables, and horse area with pens.

    Sage Creek Campground

    4.5(4 reviews)
    27.9 mi

    We rolled into this *free* campground once it was already dark. Most of the campers were settling…read morein for the night. There are two pit toilets (enclosed restroom with actual toilet seat) and places for trash/recycling right by it. Some of the sites have the sun shade for the picnic benches, others do not. There are prairie dogs all over, watch your step for their holes when setting up! Beautiful place to watch for shooting stars. I think our groups favorite part was waking up to the sunrise and sound of bison- we hadn't seen one on our trip yet.. saw one as we walked up the hill and then found the entirety of the herd. The bison made their way across the prairie, one came into the camp and enjoyed using the wooden post to scratch himself. Tent camping went without a hitch!

    Be prepared do some driving on rough, loose-gravel roads to get to this campground. Easy to find on…read moregoogle maps if you need directions, though it'll be quicker if you take the northern route as opposed to the southern one (from the Ben Reifel Visitor Center). The site itself is a cul de sac of sorts with picnic tables (half had shade cover, half did not) next to the inside part of the road. My fam and I got there on a mid-day Sunday and there were plenty of spots. Set up our tent next to a shaded picnic table. LOTS of cute prairie dogs everywhere--but they mind their own business as they squeak their day away. By nightfall, almost all of the picnic table/camping spots were taken, but everyone was quiet and respectful after dark. The restrooms had vault toilets and were surprisingly clean with plenty of toilet paper and hand sanitizer, didn't stink either, and no random bugs. As soon as dusk came, the prairie dogs all disappeared (for good reason) and the coyotes came out--they were VERY noisy with their constant howling. It was BEAUTIFUL at night, either the moon illuminated everything, or the river of stars--just wow. My kids and I had a great time here. Things to note: 1. Please be watchful of and stay very close to your pets, especially small ones (dogs/cats), PARTICULARLY at night if they need to go out to do their thing. The coyotes will likely see them as food and you won't see/hear them coming. 2. There is a horse campground next door. My only gripe about Sage Creek is that the riders bring their horses through the human campground sometimes and leave horse poop all over the place, despite clear instructions not to do so (it says they must go around the campground and pick up their horse poo). 3. No generators allowed... but pretty sure the horse campground folks had their generators running until at least midnight. :-/ 4. Make sure you have enough water for drinking, washing, etc. There is no water at this site. Please dispose of grey water appropriately. No electricity either. 5. There are a few hiking trails in the area. No map of those hiking trails though. 6. Buffalo are free to roam in the area. They weren't on the campground when I was there, but found them just around a bend when I left the site. Most importantly, have a great time! Be patient, be filled with wonder.

    Photos
    Sage Creek Campground - Overlook from the paths that go up the hill (campsite circle is on left, herd of bison on right)

    Overlook from the paths that go up the hill (campsite circle is on left, herd of bison on right)

    Sage Creek Campground - Sunrise

    Sunrise

    Sage Creek Campground - Lots and lots of space!

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    Lots and lots of space!

    Sleepy Hollow Campground & RV Park - Office

    Sleepy Hollow Campground & RV Park

    3.6(38 reviews)
    26.1 mi

    Nice place, I'm not sure about some of the bad reviews about this campground but we stayed 4 nights…read morehere and it was just fine. The sites are small but not postage sized. It's very well maintained grass cut, bathroom's clean and nice. No mosquitoes like reported however it's been very dry here this season and all the pads are level. The tent sites are very nice. Yes, it's next to some rail road tracks but we've only seen two go through about mid morning. Didn't find the pool, I don't think it exists anymore. We picked this campground because it's central to all of the sites to see in this region.

    Arrived around 5:00 pm called ahead to say we would be late arrival. Office stated they would be…read moreopen until 8;00pm which is nice for late arrivals. Our site number E41 was level and clean. Check in was friendly and easy. Full hook up which was nice with cable. We did laundry and machines worked well and room was clean. Nice park for a few days to visit badlands and the city of wall. Downtown was just a few blocks away. Only problem we occurred was when it rained the sure flooded right at our steps of the RV. Had to literally jump out to the side. Did call office and ask if they could put some gravel to raise the side, however no one showed up. Luckily the rain passed thru and we were able to leave the next day.

    Photos
    Sleepy Hollow Campground & RV Park - Lots of resides and campground has a lot of potential, whoever is running it is not doing their job

    Lots of resides and campground has a lot of potential, whoever is running it is not doing their job

    Sleepy Hollow Campground & RV Park - Walk to Wall Drug

    Walk to Wall Drug

    Sleepy Hollow Campground & RV Park

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    Kadoka Kampground - This appears to be "the office" and rang the bell several times, finally called a cell number and got fast service

    Kadoka Kampground

    2.7(3 reviews)
    22.8 mi

    Phone calls are the fastest and easiest way to contact the owner…read more We needed a place to stop and rest for the evening and wanted a shower. The showers had plenty of hot water, clean bathroom, it was 80 and the building was comfortably cool. The place looks kind of sketchy but the owner was very nice. There was city water, sewer and electric. Shade trees and a grass. Dog friendly with Ace as the park's dog greeter. I think he is a bird dog, he's very nice black guy and Happy!! No pool is OK tho this is not a destination place. There was so local road construction while we were there, May 2026. Across the street at the gas station with a nice little bar and restaurant. Close to the Badlands loop. We would definitely stay here again.

    Okay, so this is not a destination type place. However, when I called needed a place for my kids…read moreand myself, I had a very warm and positive response to hold a space. They only take cash ($30/night). I was worried we wouldn't make it and have no place to stay, so called again and was assured there was space and to not rush out of the severe weather we were avoiding under a bridge and hour away where several other RV's and semi's had overturned. So, my first impression was quite favorable. We did arrive at dusk and seemed a bit desolate at perhaps a bit shady as nobody answered in the "office" which was literally through a huge garage that seemed a bit down and out to come up to the side of a trailer with a door bell that nobody answered. I did get an immediate response to the phone number and was so happy to see someone to greet us and even help back in during the night (usually my boys help, but it was definitely a trying day and they were happy to stay put)... very helpful assistance and advised us of the full hookups (all working) and the restroom/showers which were very basic but found them to be clean. There was a pool but not in order and was advised on the initial phone call that there is no pool, it's not really a campground and basically rv parking.. With the motorcycles all around for Sturgis and the storm, none of that mattered.. we needed a place to stop and rest and this truly fit that bill.. there were a few others that arrived after us with similar travel issues and I believe we were all thankful for the overnight stop and availability. Would I book this place with intention to stop as a destination? Well, no, there's not much for amenities and really is an overnight stop unless you need to be monthly, though there is grass and shade which speaks better than some of the KOA's on our cross country trip. The restrooms and showers were clean, full hook ups, but cash only and does appear a bit run down at first glance. Seems to be many full time residents if that matters. It didn't to us and wouldn't matter if we needed an overnight again.. We had low expectations from reviews, was worried when nobody answered the doorbell for some time.. but if we needed a stop in Kadoka again I'd be comfortable for a night here again.

    Photos
    Kadoka Kampground - Through the door labeled "Office"

    Through the door labeled "Office"

    Kadoka Kampground - Our campsite.. trees and grass were refreshing after so much rock and dirt

    Our campsite.. trees and grass were refreshing after so much rock and dirt

    Kadoka Kampground - Ok, the picnic table was not usable as the sitting bench was not attached and fell off when my son sat on it.. we put it back in place

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    Ok, the picnic table was not usable as the sitting bench was not attached and fell off when my son sat on it.. we put it back in place

    Badlands / White River KOA - campgrounds - Updated July 2026

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