Experience Mother Nature’s beauty and power in Badlands National Park. As you hike through expansive canyons and rugged backcountry trails in one of the world’s richest fossil beds, you’ll sense the awe-inspiring ancient world that once existed there. Whether you drive, bike, hike or camp, exploring this otherworldly national park will stick with you long after your trip — in all the best ways.
Badlands National Park Visitor Center
Get park maps, directions, wildlife information and answers to all your questions at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. While you’re there, don’t miss the museum exhibits, which showcase everything from ancient creatures that lived in the area millions of years ago to more recent histories of Lakota tribes. Explore the Fossil Preparation Lab and peruse the Badlands Natural History Association bookstore. The visitor center is open May through September from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and October through April from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, and hours may be abbreviated on other federal holidays.
Explore Things to Do in Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park Entrance Fee
There are standard weekly and monthly entrance fees at Badlands National Park. Purchase seven-day passes online or annual passes in person at any entrance station.
Standard Rates
Private Vehicle: $30
Motorcycle: $25
Pedestrian/Hiker/Cyclist: $15
Annual Entrance
The annual entrance fee is $55 and admits a single, private, non-commercial vehicle and occupants into the park. It is valid for one year from the month of purchase and does not include camping.
The Best Time to Visit Badlands National Park
The best time of year to visit Badlands National Park is mid-April through May or September through early October. The fall season offers incredible weather, so you can comfortably take advantage of all the outdoor recreation activities. Winter in Badlands National Park offers a stark beauty and a feeling of practically having the place to yourself. And there’s nothing quite like a Badlands sunrise. Trust us.
Badlands National Park Weather
Weather in the Badlands can be extreme, with summer temperatures reaching well above 100 degrees and winter temperatures as low as -40 degrees. If you visit the park during summer, plan your hikes and other activities in the early morning or later in the evening to avoid the high temperatures. For winter visitors, be prepared for 12 to 24 inches of snowfall and subzero temperatures.
Be aware that extreme weather events like violent thunderstorms, hailstorms and tornadoes are possible in the area. As you plan your trip, check the National Weather Service and local weather forecast to ensure you’ve packed the right gear and stay safe.
Places to Stay Near Badlands National Park
After a long day of exploring, find a comfortable place to recharge. There are many lodging options near Badlands National Park, from motels and RV parks to lodges and vacation rentals. There are two established campgrounds in the park and plenty to choose from in the nearby towns of Interior and Wall.
Respecting the Badlands Wildlife & Prairie Ecosystem
Badlands National Park has hundreds of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds and insects. Resilient creatures like bison, prairie dogs, black-footed ferrets, bighorn sheep, rattlesnakes and golden eagles make up this ecosystem, withstanding the extreme heat and extreme cold season after season.
The mixed-grass prairie environment supports wildlife by providing food and shelter, and this relationship goes both ways. Prairie dogs are essential to the land, as their digging churns up soil and encourages new plant growth. Bison help grasslands grow by grazing and creating bison wallows, which are large depressions in the ground created by bison lying down and rolling around. The wallows collect rainwater and provide an environment for water-dependent plants to grow.
As a guest of Badlands National Park, appreciate and observe nature and wildlife from a distance. Never try to approach, feed or touch a wild animal. Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you found them. Safe and sustainable travel helps preserve these crucial natural habitats so the Badlands’ wildlife and plants can thrive.
Learn more about safe & sustainable travel in South Dakota
Pet Policies
Pets are allowed in Badlands National Park, but 1) must be kept on a leash of no more than 6 feet at all times, and 2) are only allowed in developed areas like campgrounds or picnic areas. Pets are prohibited from hiking trails, public buildings and backcountry areas, including the Badlands Wilderness Area and any area with prairie dog colonies. If you bring your four-legged friend, always clean up after them and properly dispose of waste.
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
Airports Near Badlands National Park
Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) is 55 miles away (about a one-hour drive) from Badlands National Park. Allegiant, American, Delta, United and Boutique Air all fly in and out of RAP.
Nearby Attractions
Mount Rushmore National Memorial: 1-hour and 22-minute drive
Custer State Park: 1-hour and 9-minute drive
Crazy Horse Memorial®: 1-hour and 40-minute drive
Wind Cave National Park: 1-hour and 13-minute drive
Jewel Cave National Monument: 1-hour and 51-minute drive
Historic Deadwood: 1-hour and 30-minute drive
Missouri River: 1-hour and 51-minute drive
Plan Your Trip to the Badlands
