The Best South Dakota Campground to see the Northern Lights

We planned a trip to the Black Hills in South Dakota with a stop in the Badlands. Originally, we planned on boondocking on “the Wall”. Instead, an intense lightning storm rolled in and helped us change our minds to opt for a stay at the Badlands – White River KOA (Holiday). Knowing that light pollution is non-existent in this region, I searched my Aurora Now app to see if there was any chance of the dazzling Northern Lights making an appearance that night and surprisingly, there was! Even better, an unexpectedly intense geomagnetic storm produced a jaw-dropping view. I used my iPhone 13 Pro Max for these photos and didn’t edit. Look at those stars.

Camping or Boondocking on the Badlands Wall

The Wall is a stretch of land overlooking stunning scenery and a bucket list camping experience if you don’t mind boondocking or dry camping. The Wall is a short drive, six miles south of Wall, South Dakota, on Highway 240. As you’re driving, use the three tall radio towers on the left as your landmark for finding the camping location. Turn left onto a dirt road leading east until you see the “Badlands Wall.”  

The Wall View

Aurora borealis Views from Badlands – White River KOA

For those who prefer the comforts of a modern campground the Badlands – White River KOA is a perfect choice. Our daughter played in the pool with other camping kids the entire evening. We ordered burgers and onion rings at the onsite restaurant and ate at the outdoor pavilion where the movie Ice Age was playing on a huge screen TV.

By the evening, the aurora borealis grew stronger and stronger and I knew this KOA campground was the right decision. With the minimal light pollution, the KOA made the perfect location for sky gazing, even for nights the Northern Lights don’t appear.

Big Dipper and Northern Lights

Northern Lights from the Middle of KOA

Badlands Rainbow

After the storm passed, we were driving to the KOA and put popped this stunning rainbow.