Porcupine

Q: Can I find gas or an ATM in Porcupine after hours?

Gas stations and banks aren’t guaranteed to stay open late; fill up before you reach Porcupine and carry cash.

Q: Is cell service reliable in Porcupine?

Cell service is spotty in this region; plan with offline maps and expect dead zones.

Q: Where should I stay if I’m visiting Badlands from here?

Stay in Rapid City or Wall for options; Porcupine has limited lodging and few dining choices.

Q: How do I get maps or information about the park?

Visit Badlands National Park Visitor Center (Cedar Pass) for maps and updates; KILI radio can also be a local info source.

+2 more

Overview

About This Town

Porcupine is a working Lakota town known for its cultural heritage and as the unofficial capital of the Lakotah Republic. It isn’t a tourist trap, and lodging plus big stores are sparse; plan to Department-store shop in larger towns and drive in for Badlands day trips.

The Vibe

Working-town vibe with a strong Lakota cultural heartbeat; not walkable; plan to stay in nearby towns to save money; big park crowds go to the Badlands, not Porcupine

Stock Up Here

No large supermarkets in town; stock up in Rapid City before entering the Porcupine area. Gear and bulk items are cheaper there; local stores will be limited. • No guaranteed 24/7 gas; fill up in Rapid City or Wall on the way in • REI/Cabela’s and larger outdoor retailers are in Rapid City; plan to stock up there

Late Night Intel

Most kitchens close by 8–9 PM; late-night dining is scarce or nonexistent; if you’re rolling in after dark, expect limited options—drive to Rapid City for real late eats

Town at a Glance

Town Type

Local Haunt

Population

925

Distance to Park

1h15m–1h30m drive (about 50–60 miles)

Highlights

Known For

KILI radio (first American Indian-owned radio station) and a strong Lakota cultural presence

Main Attractions

KILI radio and authentic Lakota community culture

What Makes It Special

Officially tied to Lakota culture and KILI radio; a lived-in community feel with authenticity you won’t find in postcard towns.

Seasonal Planning

Peak Season

June–August

Shoulder Season

April–May, September–October

Winter

Rural winter; services may be limited; drive carefully and expect closures

Best Time to Visit

Shoulder seasons (April–May, September–October) are calmer; summer brings park activity but Porcupine stays low-key.

Tips & Advice

Gas up before you reach Porcupine; local stations aren’t guaranteed to stay open late.
Carry cash; ATMs and banks are not reliably documented in town.
Kitchens tend to close by 8–9 PM; plan dinners early or in Rapid City.
Parking is generally free street; watch signage and local rules.
Stock up before the park; Porcupine lacks big-box stores and full groceries.
No public shuttle to Badlands; you’ll drive yourself.

Details

Services & Facilities

Lodging

Very limited in Porcupine; consider staying in nearby Rapid City or Wall for more options

Dining

Restaurants 3

Price Range Budget-friendly; prices lower than in major park towns

Budget-friendly local diners and cafés; early closing common

Essential Services

Grocery: Small local markets and convenience stores; full-service supermarkets are unlikely in town
Gas: Standard hours; not guaranteed to be 24/7; fill up beforehand when possible
Gear/Outdoor Shops: No dedicated outdoor gear shops in Porcupine; stock up in Rapid City or Wall
Medical: Porcupine Clinic; Pine Ridge Hospital (15–20 miles away) with 24/7 ER

Insider Tips

• KILI radio is a local anchor—check broadcasts for events • Bring cash; local transactions may be cash-centric • Stock up in Rapid City before heading to Porcupine • No big-box stores in town; plan accordingly

Things to Do

Summer Activities

Park visits and scenic drives; local community gatherings may occur; peak park season brings more people to the region

Winter Activities

Limited services; remote town dynamics; expect longer waits for services and closed facilities during severe weather

Shopping

No formal shopping district; small local markets and services

Breweries & Nightlife

Few bars or nightlife options; social hubs are mostly local

Events & Festivals

No major events listed; expect a quiet calendar outside summer park draws

Getting There & Staying

Nearest Airport

Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP); about 70–80 miles away, roughly 1.5–2 hours

Shuttle to Park

No public shuttle to Badlands National Park

Cell/WiFi

Cell service spotty; Verizon/AT&T best bets; WiFi reliability uncertain; offline maps recommended

Visitor Center

Badlands National Park Visitor Center at Cedar Pass Entrance (park info and maps); check park maps for exact locations

Best Area to Stay

Stay in Rapid City or Wall for lodging and groceries; Porcupine itself has minimal accommodation

Book Ahead

Book ahead in peak season; otherwise, walk-ins may work in larger nearby towns

Visitor Information

Accessibility & Walkability

Car required; town is not walkable; expect rural driving; parking is available but watch local rules

Family-Friendly

Remote but generally safe; plan for long drives and early dinners; educate kids about remote town logistics

Nearby Facilities

Pine Ridge Hospital (15–20 miles) and Porcupine Clinic; basic lodging and groceries in surrounding towns; gas stations along routes

FAQs

Is there anything open past 9 PM in Porcupine?

Most kitchens close by 8–9 PM; late options are scarce; plan to eat in Rapid City or before you reach Porcupine.

Can I find gas or an ATM in Porcupine after hours?

Is cell service reliable in Porcupine?

Where should I stay if I’m visiting Badlands from here?

How do I get maps or information about the park?

📖 wikipedia.org 📖 going2paris.net 📖 kiddle.co 📖 niche.com 📖 datausa.io 📖 Current time information in Pennington County, US. 📖 gasbuddy.com 📖 esso.ca 📖 bia.gov 📖 sd.gov 📖 wellsfargo.com 📖 usbank.com 📖 bankeasy.com 📖 hamperapp.com 📖 myperfectweather.com 📖 bestplaces.net 📖 hotwire.com 📖 carrentals.com 📖 expedia.com 📖 rome2rio.com 📖 travelsouthdakota.com 📖 coveragemap.com 📖 usmobile.com 📖 weatherspark.com 📖 salary.com 📖 bitcoin.com 📖 friendsofpineridgereservation.org 📖 wirefly.com 📖 helplinecenter.org 📖 worldpopulationreview.com 📖 oglala.gov 📖 laundromatlocations.info 📖 avis.com 📖 alamo.com 📖 enterprise.com 📖 fuelmart.com 📖 bankwest-sd.bank 📖 theporcupinemountains.com 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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