Badlands National Park

The Basics

Many visitors explore the park on the Badlands Loop Road. The scenic drive offers ample vistas, places to see wildlife, and lots of photo opportunities. To head deeper into the park, take a hike on one of the area’s many trails or join a ranger-led program, such as a geology or fossil-focused hike. You can also learn more about the animals that once roamed this area at the Fossil Preparation Lab.

The park offers a number of campsites at the Cedar Pass Campground and the Sage Creek Campground (a free, primitive campground). You can take multi-day backpacking trips into the park’s backcountry. For more information, stop at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center or Pinnacles entrance station.

Things to Know Before You Go

• You must pay an entrance fee to access the park, but you do not need reservations to go camping.

• Ranger-led programs are only available in the summer.

• The park offers covered picnic areas; to purchase food, stop by the Cedar Pass Lodge, which offers items like a buffalo burgers and line-caught fish.

• The park has wheelchair-accessible visitor centers, campsites, and vista points.

How to Get There

Located just off I-90, the park is a convenient detour on a cross-country road trip; take exit 131 for SD-240. The most convenient airport is in Rapid City; to reach the park, head east on 1-90 to the park’s northwest entrance, about an hour away.

When to Get There

The park is open all year round, but the most popular time to visit is during the summer. Overcrowding is rarely an issue, but if you want to have the place to yourself, visit in the spring or fall. If you don’t mind colder temperatures, you can also visit in the winter; snow accumulation is rare.

Must-Visit Parks in South Dakota

While in South Dakota, don’t miss the state’s other acclaimed parks: The famous stone likenesses of past presidents at Mount Rushmore National Memorial are at the top most visitors’ lists of the lists. You can also explore one of the country’s longest cave systems at Wind Cave National Park, or do more wildlife viewing at Custer State Park.

How many days do you need at Badlands National Park?

A weekend is enough for a leisurely drive through Badland National, but those hoping to tack on some outdoor adventures should plan for three days or more. This allows time to soak up the beauty of the Badlands at sunset, camp under the stars, and embark on a short backpacking trip.

What is the best month to visit Badlands National Park?

September or October are the best months to experience ideal weather at Badlands National Park. In fall, temperatures are cooler and the crowds are thinner than in summer, allowing you to get unobstructed views of this picturesque location.

How long does it take to drive around Badlands National Park?

You can drive the 39-mile (63-kilometer) Scenic Byway in Badlands National Park—including photo stops—in a couple of hours. However, if you're interested in hiking the trails further into the terrain, you may need to add a day or two to fully experience the area and its beauty.

Is Badlands National Park worth it?

Yes, Badlands National Park is worth a visit. It offers postcard-worthy landscapes with unique rock formations, canyons, and a diverse range of wildlife in the grasslands. It’s a must-see for nature lovers and photographers visiting South Dakota, with activities including hiking, stargazing, and scenic drives.

What should you not miss at Badlands National Park?

For an overview of South Dakota's Badlands National Park, drive the Scenic Bypass Loop—a self-driving loop that passes through some of the best parts of the park. Stop at the Pinnacles Overlook and Yellow Mounds Overlook for dramatic views of jagged rocks, then head off on the Notch Trail hike, famous for its log ladder.

What do I need to know before going to Badlands National Park?

Be prepared for extreme weather, especially in summer and winter. Badlands National Park has a harsh desert climate, so pack seasonally appropriate layers and gear and bring enough water. Also, keep your eyes peeled for the park's unique wildlife, including bison, bighorn sheep, and coyotes—especially early in the morning.

Ways to explore

Many visitors explore the park via Badlands Loop Road. The scenic drive offers ample vistas, wildlife-viewing opportunities, and plenty of photo stops. To head deeper into the park, take a hike on one of the many trails, join a ranger-led program, such as a geology hike, or take a guided tour. You can also learn more about the animals that once roamed this area at the Fossil Preparation Lab.

For overnight visitors, the park offers many campsites at the Cedar Pass Campground and the Sage Creek Campground, and avid explorers can take multi-day backpacking trips into the park’s backcountry.

Accessibility

The Ben Reifel Visitor Center and White River Visitor Center are both accessible to wheelchair users. Most scenic overlooks and wayside exhibits are accessible, and the Fossil Exhibit Trail and Window Trail have accessible boardwalks.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Plenty of water, sunscreen, binoculars, camera, snacks

What to wear

Layers to adjust to varying temperatures, sturdy shoes for trails, a hat

Not allowed

Pets on trails; littering; disturbing flora, fauna, and fossils

Amenities

Visitor centers, trails, restrooms, camping and picnicking areas, scenic drive

Address 

Badlands National Park sits in western South Dakota, not far from Mount Rushmore. The park's North Unit is easily accessible via Interstate 90, making it a convenient stop for road trippers crossing the Great Plains.

Driving

Interstate 90 provides access to South Dakota Highway 240, also known as Badlands Loop Road, by way of Wall or Cactus Flat. You can find parking in various lots and at overlooks.

Public transportation

Public transportation options are limited. Your best bet is to book a guided tour that leaves from Rapid City—there are plenty of options, from photography tours to cycling tours and more.

Best times to visit

Dawn and dusk are best to photograph the beauty of the park—they’re also the best times to catch wildlife.

Best days to visit

Weekdays during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) offer the most peaceful experience at Badlands National Park.

Best months to visit

Spring (May to June) and fall (September to October) are great for weather that’s generally mild and comfortable—the summer heat and the summer crowds have passed.

Special events

The park hosts daily ranger programming and campground events (such as stargazing) during the high season. There’s also the Badlands Astronomy Festival, typically held in July.