Wasta, SD: Quiet Town 65 Miles from Badlands National Park

Q: How far is Badlands National Park from Wasta?

About 20 miles, roughly a 25–30 minute drive.

Q: What lodging options exist in Wasta?

Wasta Hotel (historic landmark), Wastabound Motels LLC, and The Wagon Wheel are among the lodging options.

Q: Is cell service reliable in the area?

Cell service can be spotty; WiFi is available at some lodgings but may be slow.

Q: Is there a shuttle to Badlands from Wasta?

No public shuttle service to Badlands from Wasta.

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Overview

About This Town

Wasta is a tiny I-90 outpost with limited services and early closures. It's a practical stop rather than a tourist trap, with Badlands about 20 miles away and Rapid City offering groceries and medical care about 40 minutes away.

The Vibe

A practical, no-frills highway outpost between Rapid City and the Badlands; you’ll want a car and a plan, not a postcard.

Stock Up Here

Gas up at the 24/7 Express Gas Station in Wasta. Groceries are scarce locally, so plan to swing by Rapid City (about 40 minutes away) for heavier supplies. Sunrise Campground has on-site laundry facilities for campers. There are no dedicated outdoor gear stores in town; for equipment, head to Rapid City or other larger towns nearby.

Late Night Intel

Kitchens likely die by 9pm; Wasta Bar is the only late option Tue–Sat for burgers/drinks; closed Sundays and Mondays.

Town at a Glance

Town Type

Ghost Town Outpost

Population

Distance to Park

20 miles (25-30 minutes)

Highlights

Known For

24/7 Express Gas Station; Armed Forces Museum & Gift Shop

Main Attractions

Armed Forces Museum & Gift Shop; Wasta Bar

What Makes It Special

Ultra-lean stop on a cross-state corridor with a 24/7 gas option and a small Armed Forces Museum; historic Wasta Hotel hints at a bygone era.

Seasonal Planning

Peak Season

Late May through August

Shoulder Season

May and September

Winter

Very cold; snow possible; limited services

Best Time to Visit

Shoulder seasons: May and September, when crowds ease and driving is smoother.

Tips & Advice

Gas up at the 24/7 Express Gas Station in Wasta; it's your lifeline.
Groceries and major medical care require a drive to Rapid City (about 40 minutes).
Wasta Bar serves burgers and drinks Tue-Sat; kitchen likely closes by 9pm.
Sunrise Campground & RV Park has laundry; plan accordingly.
Parking is limited; no shuttle to Badlands; drive in and park carefully.

Details

Services & Facilities

Lodging

Hotels/Motels 3

Motels and a historic hotel; no major chains; limited options.

Dining

Restaurants 1

Price Range $

Burgers and drinks at the Wasta Bar

Essential Services

Grocery: None in town; limited at gas-station mini-mart
Gas: 24-hour Express Gas Station
Gear/Outdoor Shops: None in town
Medical: Nearest major facilities in Rapid City (~40 minutes)

Conveniences

Laundry Facilities

Insider Tips

• Gas up at the 24/7 Express before entering Badlands. • Don’t rely on cell maps—download offline. • Sunrise Campground has laundry; bring quarters. • Rapid City is your backup for groceries and gear; plan ahead.

Things to Do

Summer Activities

Badlands access via a short drive; scenic overlooks; light hiking around the park

Winter Activities

Very cold; snow possible; limited services

Shopping

Minimal: gas station mart, Armed Forces Museum gift shop

Breweries & Nightlife

Wasta Bar

Events & Festivals

No major events listed

Getting There & Staying

Nearest Airport

Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP)

Shuttle to Park

false

Cell/WiFi

Cell service spotty; WiFi at some lodgings with variable reliability

Visitor Center

Badlands National Park Visitor Center near the Entrance Station

Best Area to Stay

Stay in Wasta for budget; 25–30 minute drive to the Badlands

Book Ahead

Walk-ins fine, but peak season is better with a few weeks’ heads-up

Visitor Information

Accessibility & Walkability

Car required; not very walkable; limited sidewalks

Family-Friendly

Quiet town; safe, but few kid-friendly activities and limited dining options

Nearby Facilities

Sunrise Campground & RV Park (laundry); Armed Forces Museum & Gift Shop; Wasta Bar; 24/7 Express Gas Station; Wastabound Motels LLC; Wasta Hotel; The Wagon Wheel