At a glance
The rugged beauty of the Badlands draws visitors from around the world. These striking geologic deposits contain one of the world’s richest fossil beds. Ancient horses and rhinos once roamed here. The park’s 244,000 acres protect an expanse of mixed-grass prairie where bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets live today.
Things to do: Auto and ATV · Scenic Driving · Astronomy · Biking · Camping · Backcountry Camping · Car or Front Country Camping · Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use) · Compass and GPS · Food · Hiking · Horse Trekking · Horse Camping (see also camping) · Horseback Riding
ParkAtlas, maintained by Stellaroos, combines its park and trail dataset with public information from the National Park Service. NPS data snapshot retrieved . Fees, access, and conditions can change; verify current details with NPS before traveling.
Popular trails
Curated routes with approximate round-trip distance. Tap one to log it in the app.In the app, tap one to log it.
Camping
Approximately 198 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reservations are strongly recommended in peak season (June – August).
Best time to visit
Peak season: June – August. The park is open year-round, though some roads and facilities close or run reduced hours in winter.
The Badlands weather is variable and unpredictable with temperature extremes ranging from 116° F to -40° F. Summers are hot and dry with occasional violent thunderstorms. Hailstorms and occasional tornadoes can descend on the Badlands with sudden fury. Winters are typically cold with 12 to 24 inches of total snowfall.
Pack for Badlands
Four things worth having for desert heat and long exposed miles. From the full gear list; links support ParkAtlas.
Outdoor Research Echo sun hoodie
Sun protection without the sunscreen-on-your-arms routine. Dries in minutes.
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LMNT electrolytes
Water alone isn't enough on a hot day. One packet per bottle.
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Sun Bum sunscreen
High elevation sun is not the sun you're used to. Reapply at lunch.
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YETI Rambler bottle
Ice at the trailhead is still ice back at the car.
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Entrance fees
- Entrance - Private Vehicle — Fee covers the entry of a private vehicle and its occupants for 7 days$30
- Entrance - Motorcycle — Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.$25
- Entrance - Per Person — Fee covers the entry of an individual that is hiking, bicycling, etc... for 7 days$15
- Commercial Entrance - Sedan — Commercial sedan, 1 to 6 passenger capacity. $25 plus $15 per person - 7 days for Original Manifest$25
- Commercial Entrance - Van — Commercial van, 7 to 15 passenger capacity; $50 - 7 days for Original Manifest$50
Annual Entrance - Park: $55. An America the Beautiful pass ($80/yr) covers every national park.
Getting there
Nearest city: Rapid City, SD. Park center: 43.850°, -102.340°.
Badlands National Park is located 75 miles east of Rapid City, South Dakota. Physical Addresses for GPS* Park Headquarters: 25216 Ben Reifel Road, Interior, SD 57750. Northeast Entrance (I-90, Exit 131): 21020 SD Hwy 240, Interior, SD 57750. Pinnacles Entrance (I-90, Exit 110): 24240 Hwy 240, Wall, SD 57790. Interior Entrance: 20640 SD Hwy 377, Interior, SD 57750.
Coming from a big city? See every park near Denver or Minneapolis.
Common questions
How much does it cost to visit Badlands National Park?
Entrance - Private Vehicle: $30. Entrance - Motorcycle: $25. Entrance - Per Person: $15.
When is the best time to visit Badlands?
Peak season is June – August. The park is open year-round, with some roads and facilities on reduced winter schedules. The Badlands weather is variable and unpredictable with temperature extremes ranging from 116° F to -40° F. Summers are hot and dry with occasional violent thunderstorms. Hailstorms and occasional tornadoes can descend on the Badlands with sudden fury. Winters are typically cold with 12 to 24 inches of total snowfall.
Can you camp in Badlands National Park?
Yes — about 198 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reserve ahead in peak season.
What is the closest city to Badlands National Park?
Rapid City, SD is the nearest major city. Badlands National Park is located 75 miles east of Rapid City, South Dakota. Physical Addresses for GPS* Park Headquarters: 25216 Ben Reifel Road, Interior, SD 57750. Northeast Entrance (I-90, Exit 131): 21020 SD Hwy 240, Interior, SD 57750. Pinnacles Entrance (I-90, Exit 110): 24240 Hwy 240, Wall, SD 57790. Interior Entrance: 20640 SD Hwy 377, Interior, SD 57750.
What are the best hikes in Badlands?
Popular trails include Notch Trail (1.5 mi), Door Trail (0.8 mi), Window Trail (0.3 mi), Saddle Pass Trail (0.3 mi). The park has roughly 11 named trails.
Plan your trip
The practical bits, so more of the weekend goes to the trail.