Badlands National Park

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Layered badlands formations behind fields of green grass under cloudy and billowing clouds.

About Badlands National Park

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.

Quick Facts

State South Dakota
Designation National Park
State Code SD
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…

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle $30.00

Fee covers the entry of a private vehicle and its occupants for 7 days

Entrance - Motorcycle $25.00

Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.

Entrance - Per Person $15.00

Fee covers the entry of an individual that is hiking, bicycling, etc... for 7 days

Commercial Entrance - Sedan $25.00

Commercial sedan, 1 to 6 passenger capacity. $25 plus $15 per person - 7 days for Original Manifest

Commercial Entrance - Van $50.00

Commercial van, 7 to 15 passenger capacity; $50 - 7 days for Original Manifest

Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus $60.00

Minibus, 16 to 25 passenger capacity; $60 - 7 days for Original Manifest

Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach $150.00

Motorcoach, 26 or more passenger capacity; $150 - 7 days for Original Manifest

Operating Hours

The park is open to visitors all year with the exception of weather closures.

Wednesday All Day
Monday All Day
Thursday All Day
Sunday All Day
Tuesday All Day
Friday All Day
Saturday All Day

Activities

Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Astronomy Biking Camping Backcountry Camping Car or Front Country Camping Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use) Compass and GPS Food Hiking Horse Trekking Horse Camping (see also camping) Horseback Riding Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs

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