Campgrounds in the Badlands

[familyman5]

My family of seven will be exploring the badlands in about a month and I would like to get recommendations on campgrounds. We plan to spend about a week in Rapid City and ust a couple of days in the Badlands. We are traveling from the east so I was wondering if it is worth camping in the Badlands or just traveling what appears to be an hour or so from Rapid City. If you recommend campaign in the Badlands please let me know which campground you recommend for a 40 foot motorhome. Also are there specific sites to see in the Badlands or is it mostly just traveling through and looking at the scenery?

[steveh27]

https://www.nps.gov/badl/planyourvisit/camping.htm

There are 2 campgrounds in the park; 1 with electric and on the paved road and a fee, and Sage Creek which has no hookups, is free with buffalo. it is 13 miles off the paved road. The gravel road can be washboardy. I spent a night there alone and enjoyed it. Vault toilets were clean.

[PamfromVA]

Why don't you stay in the National Park? The sunsets and night sky are beautiful.

[accsys]

Rafter J is fine for the Rapid City area but for a visit to the Badlands, I would recommend a stop in Wall, SD which is right at the Badlands. Sleepy Hollow Campgrounds was fine for a day or two and it will also allow you time to visit Wall Drug not far from the campground. Visit the Minuteman missile sites that are also there if you get a chance.

[padre1944]

http://www.rafterj.com/

We've been there and it is great.