Scenic Review & Local Guide | Badlands National Park

Q: Are there lodging options in Scenic?

No lodging in Scenic. Stay in Wall, Interior, or Rapid City.

Q: Is cell service reliable around Scenic?

Cell service is spotty and public WiFi isn’t listed; plan with offline maps.

Q: How far is Scenic from the Badlands Entrance Station?

About 50 miles (roughly an hour by car).

Q: Where should I resupply before entering the Badlands from Scenic?

Stock up in Wall or Rapid City; Scenic itself has no groceries or big stores.

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Overview

About This Town

Scenic sits on the park’s edge as a near-ghost town with almost no on-site services. There’s no lodging or groceries; the nearest gas is at the Badlands Trading Post, 3 miles from the park entrance. Plan to stay in Wall or Rapid City and drive in for Badlands visits.

The Vibe

The working-hub vibe you’re not getting here: hard to find, car-dependent, budget-friendly base with Badlands as the draw—stay elsewhere if you want any convenience.

Stock Up Here

Scenic is NOT a resupply point. Plan to stock up in Wall or Interior, or better, Rapid City before heading to the Badlands. Gas is available at the Badlands Trading Post (Conoco) 3 miles from the park entrance.

Late Night Intel

Assume 'Closes early' for any potential services. There are no known late-night options in Scenic; for food or fuel, go to Wall or Rapid City.

Town at a Glance

Town Type

Ghost Town / Quiet Outpost

Population

Distance to Park

50 miles (80 km)

Highlights

Known For

Remote edge of the Badlands with relics from a past townsite; bought by Iglesia ni Cristo in 2011 but little development followed.

Main Attractions

Badlands National Park Entrance Station about 50 miles away; historic townsite remnants and the remote landscape around Scenic.

What Makes It Special

Only a handful of old structures remain as markers of a once-bustling stop; the property’s ownership change in 2011 is a notable chapter in its quiet decline.

Seasonal Planning

Peak Season

Summer

Shoulder Season

Spring, Fall

Winter

Winter likely brings even fewer services; remote and austere.

Best Time to Visit

Shoulder seasons (April–May, September–October) are quieter; summer brings park crowds but Scenic stays sparse and services don’t appear.

Tips & Advice

Stock up in Wall or Rapid City before heading to the Badlands.
Gas at Badlands Trading Post (Conoco) 3 miles from the park entrance.
No lodging or groceries in Scenic—plan ahead.
Cell service is spotty; download maps offline.

Details

Services & Facilities

Lodging

Lodging not available in Scenic; stay in Wall, Interior, or Rapid City.

Dining

Price Range Not applicable; no on-site dining in Scenic.

None in Scenic; options in Wall/Interior over the hill.

Essential Services

Grocery: None in Scenic; closest groceries in Wall (Wall Drug, cafe) or Rapid City.
Gas: No Scenic stations listed; gas available at Badlands Trading Post (Conoco) 3 miles from the park entrance.
Gear/Outdoor Shops: No outdoor gear shops in Scenic.
Medical: Nearest hospital/urgent care in Rapid City, about 50 miles away.

Insider Tips

• Highway 44 route in the area is scenic but not busy. • Treat the remaining structures as historical markers—don’t trespass. • Dawn/dusk wildlife can spring onto the roads; drive with care. • Carry extra water and a full fuel tank before entering the area.

Things to Do

Summer Activities

Park visitation, scenic drives, wildlife viewing; expect minimal on-site services.

Winter Activities

Limited to driving through the area; services likely nonexistent or heavily reduced in winter.

Shopping

None in Scenic; rely on nearby Wall or Rapid City.

Breweries & Nightlife

No active bars in Scenic; Longhorn Saloon is a referenced building with unclear current status.

Events & Festivals

No events listed in Scenic; park events and nearby towns’ activities drive crowds.

Getting There & Staying

Nearest Airport

Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) ~50 miles away

Shuttle to Park

No shuttle service in Scenic; arrange own transport.

Cell/WiFi

Cell service spotty; no public WiFi listed.

Visitor Center

Badlands National Park Entrance Station for maps and information.

Best Area to Stay

Wall or Interior for lodging; Rapid City for widest options.

Book Ahead

Not applicable for Scenic itself; book in Wall/Interior or Rapid City if you’re staying nearby.

Visitor Information

Accessibility & Walkability

Car required; not walkable; remote terrain and wildlife hazards.

Family-Friendly

Limited services and remote setting; not ideal for kids seeking activities or amenities.

Nearby Facilities

Gas at Badlands Trading Post; groceries and lodging in Wall/Interior; hospital in Rapid City; airport 50 miles away.

FAQs

Is there gas in Scenic?

No on-site gas in Scenic. Gas is available at the Badlands Trading Post (Conoco) 3 miles from the park entrance.

Are there lodging options in Scenic?

Is cell service reliable around Scenic?

How far is Scenic from the Badlands Entrance Station?

Where should I resupply before entering the Badlands from Scenic?

Rustic lodge exterior with a wraparound porch and warm lighting at dusk

Circle View Guest Ranch

Ranch charm, Badlands views, breakfast included.

★★★★☆ 4.9 from 173 Google reviews

Scenic • Badlands National Park

~6 mi to park entrance

View details →

Book on Official Site

📖 worldpopulationreview.com 📖 citypopulation.de 📖 kiddle.co 📖 onlyinyourstate.com 📖 youtube.com 📖 adventure.com 📖 wikipedia.org 📖 badlandstradingpost.com 📖 sceniclaundry.com 📖 reddit.com 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

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