National Park

Badlands National Park

National ParkOPERATIONAL★ 4.9
Badlands National Park cliff-like badlands formations loom over a prairie under dramatic storm clouds.

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.

Getting there & around

Getting There Airports
Rapid City Regional (RAP), 75 mi west; Sioux Falls Regional (FSD), 290 mi east
Getting There Driving Distances
Rapid City 75 mi; Wall 8 mi; Sioux Falls 290 mi; Denver 440 mi

More details

Park Code
badl
Operating Hours
Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours
Entrance Fee
$30.00 - Entrance - Private Vehicle
Quick Facts Entrance Fees
$30/vehicle (7 days); $25/motorcycle; $15/person on foot or bike; children 15 and under free; America the Beautiful Pass accepted.
Weather Info
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.

Location

Colorful Badlands erosion formations spread across rolling valleys with green grass and a distant ridge in Badlands National Park, South Dakota.View over the eroded badlands at Badlands National Park, with layered orange-brown buttes and deep gullies.Badlands National Park panorama of eroded buttes and grassy flats with yellow wildflowers in the foreground.Snow-covered road cuts through icy Badlands formations toward distant peaks in Badlands National Park.

Essential Badlands National Park guides

Use these first for the decisions that affect the whole trip. Every guide is part of this park's planning library.

Photography & scenery

7 Most Iconic Badlands Scenic Overlooks

Ranked guide to the 7 best scenic overlooks in Badlands National Park. Big Badlands, Pinnacles, and Wall Overview lead—each offers unique geology, wildlife, and

Sage Creek Campground

First-come primitive campground: no hookups, bring water, vault toilets, unpaved approach.

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Redwood Motel

Budget stay near Badlands. Clean rooms, pet-friendly, friendly staff.

Sunshine Inn

Sunshine Inn: we recommend budget-friendly stays near the park entrance, quick trail access, and practical amenities.

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Notch Trail

1.5 miles out-and-back; 50-ft ladder and cliff ledges — high exposure, big payoff at The Notch

Door Trail

Boardwalk start, rocky finish; 0.9 miles round trip; heat tests you, doorway panorama awaits.

Cliff Shelf Trail

0.5-mile loop; stairs drive the effort. Wildlife near the pond and geology signs reward the climb.

Badlands Ranger Programs

Learn Badlands geology, fossils, and night sky from expert rangers. Free daily programs May-September.

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Katie’s Kantina

Cheese-crusted tacos rule; Chickles and pulled pork burritos deliver.

Wakin’ Bacon

Crispy Bacon steals the show; Wakin' Bacon Burger anchors lunch.

Wasta Bar

Cheeseburger with locally sourced beef—crispy fries on the side, worth the bite.

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Scenic

Ghost town on the Badlands edge; no lodging. Stock up in Wall or Rapid City; gas at Badlands Trading Post.

Wasta

We recommend Wasta as a practical hub for western SD park trips—budget inns, quick I-90 access, and local tips.

Kyle

Kyle: ghost-town vibe after 9pm, limited services; gas and meals require planning.

Philip

Philip is a practical stop before Badlands; gas up, stock groceries, and eat early—kitchens shut by 9.

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Ben Reifel Visitor Center

We guide to Ben Reifel Visitor Center: NPS maps, trail updates, and Badlands highlights near Cedar Pass.

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Bald Eagle

Recovery champion of the skies — spot the white head and tail hunting fish over open water. Keep your distance!

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All Badlands National Park guides 8 published

Browse the complete planning library, grouped by the decision you are making.

Park strategy

When to visit

Trails & hiking

Wildlife

Photography & scenery

Sources

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated January 2026. Report an issue.