Badlands National Park
SD
Park Alerts (1)
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.
Things To Do
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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.
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.
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.
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 or Cedar Pass, you're sure to enjoy an overnight stay in the park.
Backcountry Camping
Backcountry camping in the Badlands can be an exciting adventure for prepared and experienced hikers. Read more about rules, safety, and recommendations for backcountry campers here.
Available Activities
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.
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.
Plan Your Visit
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Badlands National Park
The park is open to visitors all year with the exception of weather closures.
Entrance Fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
Fee covers the entry of a private vehicle and its occupants for 7 days
Entrance - Motorcycle
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Entrance - Per Person
Fee covers the entry of an individual that is hiking, bicycling, etc... for 7 days
Commercial Entrance - Sedan
Commercial sedan, 1 to 6 passenger capacity. $25 plus $15 per person - 7 days for Original Manifest
Commercial Entrance - Van
Commercial van, 7 to 15 passenger capacity; $50 - 7 days for Original Manifest
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
Minibus, 16 to 25 passenger capacity; $60 - 7 days for Original Manifest
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
Motorcoach, 26 or more passenger capacity; $150 - 7 days for Original Manifest