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.
Plan a Visit
Core visitor information on this page is sourced from the National Park Service. NPD proximity sections use NPS reference coordinates and straight-line distance. Local source bundle updated Sep 27, 2026. View the official NPS page.
Weather & Conditions
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.
NPS Reference Location
Park state / territory membership: South Dakota. This map uses the National Park Service reference coordinate. It may represent an administrative or reference point rather than a park entrance, trailhead, visitor center, or the nearest access point. Use the official NPS directions below when planning travel.
Entrance Fees
Fee covers the entry of a private vehicle and its occupants for 7 days
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Fee covers the entry of an individual that is hiking, bicycling, etc... for 7 days
Commercial sedan, 1 to 6 passenger capacity. $25 plus $15 per person - 7 days for Original Manifest
Commercial van, 7 to 15 passenger capacity; $50 - 7 days for Original Manifest
Minibus, 16 to 25 passenger capacity; $60 - 7 days for Original Manifest
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.
Activities
Current Alerts
Notch Trail and all areas within 100’ of the designated trail closed while park staff are repairing the section of the Notch trail ladder that has become a safety hazard for hikers.
Do not rely on GPS digital navigation systems to find your way to Badlands National Park. Please note that the Visitor Center at 25216 Ben Reifel Road, Interior SD 57750 is located just off I-90.
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 DirectionsContact & Address
The NPS-listed address may be an administrative office, visitor center, mailing/contact location, or other park facility rather than a park entrance.
Entrance Passes
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
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…
Hiking the Badlands
Interested in hiking at Badlands National Park? Read about rules, official trails, and the park's open hike policy here.
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…
Badlands Astronomy Festival
Celebrate the spectacular sights and science of night skies at Badlands National Park's annual Astronomy Festival. Join astronomers, rangers, and…
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…
More Things to Do
Additional activities and experiences from the National Park Service.
Campgrounds
Set up camp at one of Badlands National Park's two official campgrounds. Whether you're seeing views of the Sage Creek Wilderness Area…
Visit the White River Visitor Center
The White River Visitor Center is the main facility in the South Unit of the park. Be sure to stop by to…
Backcountry Camping
Backcountry camping in the Badlands can be an exciting adventure for prepared and experienced hikers. Read more about rules, safety, and recommendations…
Pick Your Park Adventure in the Badlands
Pick your park adventure in the Badlands by deciding where to go next at the end of every chapter. Once your adventure…
Horseback Riding in the Badlands
Enjoy views of the Badlands from the saddle! Although no commercial horse rental or day rides are available in the park, Badlands…
Visit the Fossil Preparation Lab
Visit the Fossil Preparation Lab in Badlands National Park, where visitors have the opportunity to engage with paleontologists and other park staff…
Spotting Wildlife in the Badlands
Many animals call Badlands National Park home. Learn more about these critters and where you can find them on this page.
Hiking Badlands Back Roads With Your Dog
Back country roads are a great place to escape the everyday with your pet.
Drive Around the South Unit of the Badlands
Enjoy stunning views of Badlands National Park's South Unit by driving around its perimeter.
Explore Sheep Mountain Table
Sheep Mountain Table is a great place to enjoy stunning views of the Badlands landscape. Whether you’re a hiker looking for a…
Drive Sage Creek Rim Road
Enjoy views of badlands formations and glimpses of wildlife from Sage Creek Rim Road, one of the dirt roads located in the…
Drive Badlands Loop Road (Highway 240)
Enjoy the sights of Badlands National Park by driving its most popular road -- Badlands Loop Road, also known as Highway 240.…
Showing 18 of 21 NPS Things to Do records available for Badlands National Park.
Visitor Centers
Ben Reifel Visitor Center
Located at park headquarters, the Ben Reifel Visitor Center features exhibits, an air conditioned theater,and restroom facilities.
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…
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…
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.…
Nearby National Park Service Sites
These sites are ordered by straight-line distance between NPS reference coordinates. This is useful for comparison, but it is not road mileage. Trails, parkways, rivers, and distributed units may extend far from their reference point.
Nearby Cities for Trip Planning
These cities are ordered by straight-line distance from the NPS reference coordinate. They are comparison starting points, not official park gateways or road-distance estimates. Trails and other distributed units may extend far beyond this reference point.
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