Everyone in South Dakota is familiar with Badlands National Park, and most of us have visited at least once. But here’s a more remote part of the park that you might have missed. If you’re looking to get far away from people and be surrounded by prairie, big sky and lots of wildlife, this is the place to be.
Take Sage Creek Road to access the Sage Creek Wilderness Area. It’s a dirt road, but most cars can handle it just fine, as long as it hasn’t rained hard recently.
glorybe2013/TripAdvisor
You’ll see fields of sunflowers alongside the road…
glorybe2013/TripAdvisor
…and you’ll wind through some of the prettiest country in South Dakota on this road.
Lindsey F./TripAdvisor
If you really want to get out into nature, take a three-day backpacking trip. You can make a 22-mile loop. Backpacker.com has created a backpacking trip with full directions. Check it out.
birdwatcherjpm/TripAdvisor
Or, plan a camping trip. The Sage Creek Campground is accessible right off Sage Creek Road. The best part? It’s free to camp here! The Park Service notes that this campground is rarely filled to capacity.
momvolk/TripAdvisor
Take a five minute walk from the campground and you’ll find pretty Sage Creek, with its grassy banks.
Greg W./TripAdvisor
Keep an eye out for wildlife during your visit.
Lindsey F./TripAdvisor
Herds of bison roam this country, and they are everywhere.
John S./TripAdvisor
In fact, you might find yourself getting a little more up close and personal with the wildlife than you’d planned!
heamars/TripAdvisor
You’ll likely see some bighorn sheep during your visit, too.
parentsof5/TripAdvisor
parentsof5/TripAdvisor
Prairie dog towns are sprinkled throughout this wilderness area. Is there anything more adorable than a prairie dog?
Joy S./TripAdvisor
Snakes live on this prairie as well. Most are non-venomous, but you should watch for rattlesnakes.
Birdwatcher_jpm/TripAdvisor
If you’re looking for peace and solitude, this is the place to find it.
Joy S./TripAdvisor
The sunset is gorgeous here.
momvolk/TripAdvisor
Have you ever camped or backpacked in the Sage Creek Wilderness Area? Tell us what you thought about the experience.
glorybe2013/TripAdvisor
Lindsey F./TripAdvisor
birdwatcherjpm/TripAdvisor
momvolk/TripAdvisor
Greg W./TripAdvisor
John S./TripAdvisor
heamars/TripAdvisor
parentsof5/TripAdvisor
Joy S./TripAdvisor
Birdwatcher_jpm/TripAdvisor
Are you ready for a really cool hike? Take a look at this trail!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
