Badlands National Park

Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, or $15 per person/cyclist (valid for 7 days)

Established: January 25, 1939 (as Badlands National Monument)

Location: South Dakota

Nearby Communities: Philip, Wall, Interior

Park Size: 242,756 acres (982.40 km²)

Reservations: While reservations are not required to enter the park, they may be required for certain activities.

Visitor Centers: Ben Reifel is the main visitor center located at Park Headquarters. There is an additional visitor center open in the summer, White Rim Visitor Center, on the Pine Ridge Reservation.

Did you know that Badlands National Park is home to a fossil preservation lab? You can engage with paleontologists and learn all about their work.

Badlands National Park is one of the best locations in the United States for epic stargazing.

Wildlife viewing is a popular activity here. You can see big-horned sheep, bison, pronghorn antelope, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets.

There are many scenic drives in the park, including Sage Creek Rim Road, Badlands Loop Road, and Sheep Mountain Table Road.

Badlands National Park is located about 75 miles east of Rapid City, accessible from Interstate 90.

Interstate 90 exits with access to the park include 131 (Ben Reifel Visitor Center) and 110 (Pinnacles Entrance).

The park is also accessible from Highways 240, 44, and 377 for those looking for a more scenic route.

The closest airports to Badlands National Park are Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) and Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD). Denver International Airport (DEN) is a great option if you’d rather fly to a major city.

The closest cities to Badlands National Park are Rapid City (62 miles, 1 hour), Sioux Falls (274 miles, 4 hours), and Denver (381 miles, 6 hours).

Camping in the Park: Cedar Pass Campground, Sage Creek Campground, Backcountry Camping

Camping Near the Park: SOBO’s Campground, Sleepy Hollow Campground & RV Park, Badlands KOA, Minuteman RV Park & Lodging

Lodging in the Park: Cedar Pass Lodge

Lodging Near the Park: Badlands Budget Hostel, America’s Best Value Inn, Best Western Plains Motel, Days Inn, Travelodge, Badlands Frontier Cabins

Spring: April and May have very pleasant weather. Color starts to return to the Badlands after a long winter. Crowds are typically low this time of year.

Summer: This is the hottest time of year in the park. If you visit during this season, be sure to get an early start to beat the heat. July and August are the most popular times to visit. Occasional thunderstorms and hail may occur as well.

Fall: September and October also have pleasant weather, similar to spring. This is a perfect time for camping. It is also typically cheaper this time of year when nearby communities lower lodging rates.

Winter: Winter is a particularly beautiful yet challenging time to visit the park. Snow blanketing the badlands is a stunning sight, but you may not find it worth the frigid temperatures and high winds.

Badlands National Park is not particularly dog-friendly.

Before bringing any pets to the park, it’s important to note that prairie dogs carry many diseases. Bringing your pets near their colonies may put them at risk.

Pets are not allowed on any hiking trails. They are permitted in developed areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas, and areas open to vehicles.

When visiting with your pet, they are required to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. Owners must promptly dispose of all pet waste. Pets may not be left unattended at any time.