Rent Camping & Backpacking Gear in Badlands National Park

Renting camping and backpacking gear for Badlands National Park allows you to explore South Dakota’s dramatic rock formations and open prairie landscapes without purchasing equipment you may only use occasionally. Whether flying into Rapid City or planning a regional road trip, renting makes it easier to prepare for exposed terrain, variable temperatures, and limited shade. LowerGear supports nationwide travelers with professionally prepared rental equipment shipped directly to your destination.

See All Rental Gear
for Badlands

Our rental inventory includes desert-ready tents, hydration systems, backpacks, sleeping bags, camp cooking gear, lighting, and navigation tools. Brands commonly found across our rental fleet include Deuter, MSR, Kelty, and Garmin. All gear is professionally cleaned, inspected, and prepared before shipment.

Campgrounds in Badlands National Park

Cedar Pass Campground offers established sites near the park’s scenic drive and trail access points. Sage Creek Campground provides a more primitive experience on the park’s western side. Weather conditions can shift quickly across the prairie, so preparing for wind exposure and temperature changes is important.

Best Hikes in Badlands National Park

Popular routes include the Notch Trail, which climbs through a canyon and along a log ladder, and the Castle Trail, one of the park’s longest maintained routes. Off-trail hiking is permitted in many areas, allowing visitors to explore open formations and mixed grass prairie landscapes.

Prairie Climate and Terrain Considerations

Badlands features exposed terrain with limited tree cover. Summer temperatures can be high, while evenings and shoulder seasons may bring cooler conditions. Adequate hydration, sun protection, and wind-resistant shelter are important for comfort and safety.

Recommended Gear Rentals for Badlands

• Backpacking Tent – 2 Person – compact shelter for established or primitive sites.
• Water Bladder – 3 Liter – supports extended hikes across exposed terrain.
• Sleeping Bags – Warm Weather – suitable for summer prairie camping.
• Hiker Pump Water Filter – useful when planning longer outings.

How Rentals Work

Select your rental gear online and choose dates that allow adequate transit time. Rental days are not charged while gear is in transit. See the video below for additional shipping details.

Planning Resources for Your Badlands Trip

Preparation for prairie and canyon hiking involves careful packing and hydration planning. Below is a general list of items people often consider bringing (not all apply to every trip):

Backpack • Water storage • Tent • Sleeping bag • Headlamp • Stove • Fuel • Map • GPS device • First-aid kit • Sun protection • Cook pot • Extra batteries • Trekking poles • Camp shoes • Toiletries • Trash bags • Food storage

• Treating Water While Backpacking and Camping
• Who Has the Right-of-Way on the Hiking Trail?
• Which Gear to Rent for Your Backpacking Trip

Explore Rental Categories

• Tent & Shelter Rentals – backpacking and camping options.
• Water Storage & Filters Rentals – hydration systems for exposed landscapes.
• Backpack Rentals – fitted packs for day hikes or overnight trips.
• Sleeping Gear Rentals – seasonal options for prairie climates.
• See 20+ Rental Categories – find all gear for any camping or backpacking trip!