National Park
Badlands National Park
- Midwest
- 6 hikes
- 10 places to see
- 1 current alert
Current alerts
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Caution
Do not rely on GPS digital navigation systems to find your way to Badlands National Park. Please note that the Visitor Center at 25216 Ben Reifel Road, Interior SD 57750 is located just off I-90.
From the National Park Service, as of October 30, 2026, 5:14 am. Check nps.gov before you go.
Latest news
- Prescribed Burn Planned at Badlands National Park to Improve Habitat and Reduce Wildfire Risk
- Prescribed fire planned this week at Badlands National Park
- New Concessioner Chosen for Lodging, Campground, Food & Beverage, and Retail Services at Badlands National Park
- Badlands Astronomy Festival to Be Held July 18th-20th, 2025
About Badlands
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.
From the National Park Service.
- Region
- Midwest
- State
- South Dakota
- Designation
- National Park
- Entrance fee
- $30, private vehicle
- Hikes on this page
- 6
- Places to see
- 10
- Articles
- 1
Know before you go
Fees, hours, weather and getting to Badlands.
Entrance fees
- $30 Private Vehicle Fee covers the entry of a private vehicle and its occupants for 7 days
- $25 Motorcycle
- $15 Per Person
Passes
- $55 Annual Entrance - Park
Hours
Open 24 hours a day, every day.
The park is open to visitors all year with the exception of weather closures.
Weather and when to go
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.
Getting there
Badlands National Park is located 75 miles east of Rapid City, South Dakota. Physical Addresses for GPS* Park Headquarters: 25216 Ben Reifel Road, Interior, SD 57750. Northeast Entrance (I-90, Exit 131): 21020 SD Hwy 240, Interior, SD 57750. Pinnacles Entrance (I-90, Exit 110): 24240 Hwy 240, Wall, SD 57790. Interior Entrance: 20640 SD Hwy 377, Interior, SD 57750.
- Gateway towns
- Wall, SD · Interior, SD
- Nearest airports
- Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP)
Contact the park
- Address
- 25216 Ben Reifel Road, Interior, SD 57750
- Phone
- (605) 433-5361
- Official site
- nps.gov/badl
From the National Park Service, checked weekly. Fees, hours and road conditions change: confirm with the park before you go.
Trip planner
A day-by-day plan for Badlands
Tell us your dates and what you are into. We group the stops by where they are, so each day is one part of the park, not a zigzag.
The trails and places you save below go into your plan as must-sees.
Plan your park trip Free. No account needed.
Where to stay for Badlands
The gateway towns, closest first. Add your dates in the planner to search for your own nights.
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Wall, SD Closest
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Interior, SD
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Guided tours and trips
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Things to do in Badlands
The park service's own list, with how long each takes.
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Badlands Ranger Programs
Many different programs are led by rangers at Badlands National Park. Learn more about wildlife, geology, paleontology, and more by stopping at a ranger program during your visit!…
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Hiking the Badlands
Interested in hiking at Badlands National Park? Read about rules, official trails, and the park's open hike policy here.
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Badlands Astronomy Festival
Celebrate the spectacular sights and science of night skies at Badlands National Park's annual Astronomy Festival. Join astronomers, rangers, and visitors for activities, discussi…
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Visit the Ben Reifel Visitor Center
There's something for everyone at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center in the North Unit of Badlands National Park. Swing by the information desk, watch the park film, check out a workin…
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Enjoy the Night Sky
Night Sky Viewings are a great way to see the dark skies of the Badlands. Park rangers and astronomy volunteers are available to point out objects in the night sky and help you lo…
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Campgrounds
Set up camp at one of Badlands National Park's two official campgrounds. Whether you're seeing views of the Sage Creek Wilderness Area or Cedar Pass, you're sure to enjoy an overn…
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Visit the White River Visitor Center
The White River Visitor Center is the main facility in the South Unit of the park. Be sure to stop by to pick up maps, enjoy museum exhibits, and chat with rangers about the signi…
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Backcountry Camping
Backcountry camping in the Badlands can be an exciting adventure for prepared and experienced hikers. Read more about rules, safety, and recommendations for backcountry campers he…
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Pick Your Park Adventure in the Badlands
Pick your park adventure in the Badlands by deciding where to go next at the end of every chapter. Once your adventure is over, you can submit this activity to earn a Junior Range…
Places to see
Visitor centers & lodging
Campgrounds in Badlands
Run by the park service. Reservable sites book on Recreation.gov; first-come sites do not.
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Sage Creek Campground
Sage Creek Campground is a primitive campground. There is no charge to stay here and camping is available on a first come first serve basis. The campground rar…
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Cedar Pass Campground
Located near the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, the Cedar Pass Campground has 96 level sites with scenic views of the badlands formations. This campground offers f…
Reading about Badlands
What to pack for Badlands
Gear & Essentials
Tell us about your trip and we will add what else you will want:
The basics
Worth having in the car whatever the park.
For this trip
Traveling with kids
Bringing a pet
RVing
Backcountry
Winter conditions
On the water
Photography
Accessibility
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