This place is known for its rugged beauty worldwide. Striking geologic deposits have one of the world's richest fossil beds where you can imagine prehistoric animals roaming, such as the rhino, horse, and saber-toothed cat. Covering over 244,000 acres, it protects an expanse of mixed grass prairie where bison, big horn sheep, prairie dogs and black-footed ferrets live today.
Current Park Alerts
Live from the National Park Service · Official park site →
Plan Your Visit
Hours & Season
The park is open to visitors all year with the exception of weather closures.
Entrance Fees
- $30 – Entrance - Private Vehicle
- $25 – Entrance - Motorcycle
- $15 – Entrance - Per Person
Weather
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.
Things to Do
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! Visit this page to find program descriptions, locations, and typical times.
Hiking the Badlands
Interested in hiking at Badlands National Park? Read about rules, official trails, and the park's open hike policy here.
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 working fossil preparation lab, enjoy museum exhibits, or stop by the park bookstore.
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 look through telescopes.
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, discussions, and programs about the night sky.
Become a Badlands Junior Ranger
Become a Junior Ranger at Badlands National Park! By completing a fun activity book, you can earn a Junior Ranger badge and pledge to explore, learn about, and protect the parks.
Getting There
Address: 25216 Ben Reifel Road Interior SD 57750
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.
Get driving directions → Official NPS directions →Where to Stay – Campgrounds
Cedar Pass Campground
96 sites · $37/night
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…
Sage Creek Campground
22 sites · Free
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…
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Badlands National Park?
The entrance fee for Badlands National Park is $30. See Plan Your Visit above for vehicle, per-person, and annual-pass rates.
Do I need a reservation or permit to visit Badlands National Park?
Some entry windows or activities at Badlands National Park require a reservation or permit. Check the Current Park Alerts and Things to Do sections above, and confirm on the official NPS site before you go.
When is Badlands National Park open?
The park is open to visitors all year with the exception of weather closures.
What are the best things to do in Badlands National Park?
Popular things to do in Badlands National Park include Badlands Ranger Programs, Hiking the Badlands, Visit the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, Enjoy the Night Sky. See Things to Do above for photos and details.
Are there campgrounds in Badlands National Park?
Yes — Badlands National Park has 2 campgrounds, including Cedar Pass Campground, Sage Creek Campground. See Campgrounds above for site counts, fees, and booking links.