White River Visitor Center
Wide grassy field in Badlands National Park with yellow wildflowers, three curved wooden shelters, a small building on the right, and distant low hills under a cloudy sky.
Single-story beige visitor center with a tan metal roof, fenced yard, and green fields at Badlands National Park, with distant rolling hills.
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White River Visitor Center

Visitor Centers★★★★☆
Last Updated: January 2026

Overview

Why Visit

Cultural context and maps, plus a reliable bathroom stop in the South Unit.

Highlights

Best For

Maps, bathrooms, Lakota heritage context.

Highlights

Flush toilets, free Unigrid maps, Lakota heritage focus.

Parking Reality

The lot is small but has RV/trailer space in the back. It can fill up during peak times.

Permit Protocol

Backcountry permits issued elsewhere; Ben Reifel VC or Pinnacles Ranger Station. Prepare itinerary if you’re aiming for popular zones.

Facility Intel

Flush indoor toilets and potable water available; WiFi and cell service are unverified. Free Unigrid maps and topographic maps for sale.

Best Time to Visit

Weekdays, especially in shoulder seasons; mornings are quiet.

Tips

  • Grab free Unigrid maps at the desk
  • Indoor flush toilets are available
  • Backcountry permits aren’t issued here—visit Ben Reifel VC or Pinnacles Ranger Station
  • Gift shop not available at this location

Contact

ℹ️ Data Sources

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