Backcountry Camp off the Fossil Trailhead, Badlands NP
Wall, South Dakota
Details
Distance
1.2 miles
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Cameron Cech
Visiting or driving through Badlands National Park and have time to spend a night? If you are equipped, do yourself a favor and hike 0.5 mile off this trail and witness one of the most stunning starscapes in the United States while being surrounded by canyons that drown out all sound.
Backcountry camping at Badlands National Park is very easy. While it is recommended that you contact a staff member at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center or Pinnacles Entrance Station, it is not required. As long as you follow the rules, you can camp anywhere in the park at any time. If you do have any questions, visit or stop in at the visitor's center.
If you have a GPS, the coordinates of the destination are 43.774645, -102.006392.
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Reviews
Hey everybody, apparently Robby Schiller never did his homework before he stuck his foot in his mouth. (so much like the radical left) Im kinda thinking he is just a 'green' idiot, trying to keep others from enjoying a kool beauty that is free to all Americans. Badlands National Park rangers do not lie like Robby. They will confirm the fact that u can camp at unmarked areas...as long as u r 1/2 mile off path, and can not b seen by others. No fires, just cook stoves. Please dont let misinformation direct your steps-----political or not
5.0
Hey everybody, You can’t camp here. It’s actually super uncool that “the outbound” would literally put GPS coordinates for a spot that you certainly can’t camp. You will very likely get kicked out if you try anyway. But the worst part of all of this is how much trash there was back there (likely because of this dumb ass article). If it seems too good to be true, it usually is.
1.0
Amazing time. Perfect campsite. Was completely alone in my own canyon ! Highly Highly recommend. I also recommend not driving right through the badlands. Spend some time there it's a hidden gem.
5.0
Absolutely breath taking and worth every second
5.0
Out of this world night views. Gets pretty windy at night, but awesome and quiet spot to camp.
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Drive the Sage Creek Rim Road
Hike the Castle/Medicine Root Trail in Badlands National Park
Hike the Badlands' Notch Trail
Window Trail in Badlands NP
Door Trail in Badlands NP
Hike the Cliff Shelf Nature Trail
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