Badlands National Park - National Park Directory

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

Summer storms are frequently violent and unpredictable.

The yellow mounds are peaking out of the formations in this photo.

Badlands formations are very rugged and often have sharp peaks.

Jagged badlands buttes extended in horizon amid yellow flowers under a blue sky.

The park has seasonal changes in colors so plan ahead!

road leading between snow covered badlands formations

Winter in Badlands National Park often creates snow covered wonderlands throughout the park.

Photos: National Park Service

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…

Location & Map

Badlands National Park is located in South Dakota.

Get Directions

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

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.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address 25216 Ben Reifel Road, Interior, SD, 57750

Phone 6054335361

Email badl_information@nps.gov

Entrance Passes

Annual Entrance - Park $55.00

This pass admits a single, private, non commercial vehicle and its occupants into the park. This pass does not include camping or give any type of discount at stores inside the park. Valid for one year from month of purchase.

Topics & Themes

Archeology Arts Colonization and Settlement Farming and Agriculture Military Indigenous and Native Warrior Monuments and Memorials Native American Heritage Transportation Tragic Events Massacres Wars and Conflicts Indian and Frontier Wars Westward Expansion Homesteading Ancient Seas Animals Birds Bison Cats (wild) Horses (wild) Tortoises and Turtles Climate Change Fire Fossils and Paleontology Geology Grasslands Prairies Night Sky Astronomy Rock Landscapes and Features Scenic Views Trails Unique Species Endangered Wilderness

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…

Programs at Badlands National Park offer a wide variety of activities -- with guided walks, ranger talks, Junior Ranger programs,…

Hiking the Badlands

Interested in hiking at Badlands National Park? Read about rules, official trails, and the park's open hike policy here.

Rules & Tips Always carry water! Two quarts per person per two hour hike is recommended. Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen…

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…

Enjoy the Night Sky

Night Sky Viewings are a great way to see the dark skies of the Badlands. Park rangers and astronomy volunteers…

Badlands Astronomy Festival

Celebrate the spectacular sights and science of night skies at Badlands National Park's annual Astronomy Festival. Join astronomers, rangers, and…

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…

Visitor Centers

Ben Reifel Visitor Center

Located at park headquarters, the Ben Reifel Visitor Center features exhibits, an air conditioned theater,and restroom facilities.

Hours: Hours vary depending on season. Be sure to scroll further down to view hours

White River Visitor Center

The visitor center is located on the Pine Ridge Reservation and offers a staffed information desk, exhibits, restrooms, picnic tables, and water. Impromptu talks are…

Hours: This visitor center is located on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and is only open seasonally. 2025 Summer season, the last day White River Visitor Center will be open is September 20.

Campgrounds

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…

96 Sites

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.…

22 Sites

🗺️ Guided Tours & Experiences

Discover Badlands National Park with expert-led tours

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

🏨 Find Hotels Near Badlands National Park

Compare accommodation options for your visit