Discover The Best Of Amazing Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park, located in southwestern South Dakota, is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts, adventurers, and anyone seeking a unique and stunning landscape. With its dramatic rock formations, rich fossil beds, and diverse wildlife, the park offers endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Let’s answer some of these questions: Where to stay near badlands? How long is the Badlands loop? What is there to do in the badlands?
Here’s your comprehensive guide to making the most out of your trip to Badlands National Park.
Getting There
Badlands National Park is easily accessible by car. The nearest major airport is Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP), approximately 70 miles west of the park, making it the closest airport for those flying in. You can rent a car from Rapid City and take I-90 East to reach the park. The drive itself is scenic, setting the stage for the beauty that awaits.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial is about an hour and a half or 85 miles from Badlands National Park. Along the way, you can make optional stops like Wall Drug Store, a famous roadside attraction offering free ice water (what’s made them famous), and unique souvenirs—a great way to break up the hour drive.
There are two units of the Badlands National Park. The north unit is more popular and easily accessible by driving and the south unit is less accessible as it is farther away and lies within Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, home to the Lakota People.
Best Time to Visit
The park is open year-round, but the best time of year to visit is during the late spring (April to June) and early fall (September to October) when temperatures are mild and the weather is generally pleasant. Summers can be hot with temperatures often exceeding 90°F, while winters can be cold and snowy.
I traveled there in September, it was during early fall. It was hot during the day but cool in the evenings, so be sure to dress in layers for comfort and get an early start for cooler weather.
Entrance Fees
Private Vehicle: $30 (valid for 7 days)
Motorcycle: $25 (valid for 7 days)
Individual (on foot or bicycle): $15 (valid for 7 days)
Annual Badlands Park Pass: $55
America the Beautiful National Parks And Federal Recreational Lands Pass: $80
When visiting any National Park, I always recommend starting at the visitor center. Your first stop should be the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, where you can grab a map, learn about the park, and ask about trail conditions. You’ll also find a gift shop to pick up some fun souvenirs or stamp your park passport.
Note the hours and days the center is open change with the seasons.
Other visitor centers include:
National Grasslands Visitor Center: Provides information about the Buffalo Gap National Grassland, located adjacent to the park.
White River Visitor Center: On the Pine Ridge Reservation, this center offers insights into the park’s relationship with the Lakota people.
End Of Door Trail
Where to Stay
Inside the Park
Cedar Pass Lodge: The only lodging within the park, offering cabins with amazing views of the dramatic landscapes and easy access to hiking trails.
Cedar Pass Campground: Equipped with basic amenities and located near the Ben Reifel Visitor Center.
Sage Creek Campground: A free, primitive campground offering a more rugged experience with no running water.
Nearby Accommodations:
Wall, SD: A small town just outside the park with several motels, hotels, and restaurants.
Rapid City, SD: A larger city offering a wide range of accommodations, dining, and entertainment options. It's about 75 miles and 1 hour west of the park. From this location, it is easy to visit other sites in South Dakota like the Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park, the Black Hills, and Wind Cave National Park.
Where to Eat
There is one place to get food in the park Cedar Pass Lodge, located just passed the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. Outside the park, there are several options for Wall and the Interior. But that being said pack snacks and water as there is not an abundance of options once in the park.
I enjoyed a stop at Wagon Wheel Bar in Interior—a little dive bar with loads of character. A great spot to grab a bite before heading back into the park!
Things to do in Badlands National Park:
Scenic Drives:
Badlands Loop Road (Highway 240): A 31-mile scenic drive with numerous overlooks and pullouts offering scenic views of the park’s iconic landscapes. Key stops include Big Badlands Overlook, Yellow Mounds Overlook, and Pinnacles Overlook. You can drive this in an hour if you don’t have much time. We spent a full day driving the loop, stopping at each trail along the way this scenic route.
Sage Creek Rim Road: A gravel road that offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience in the Sage Creek Wilderness Area with chances to see bison and pronghorn. Located west of HWY 240 which leads to the Pinnacles Entrance, this dirt road to this part of the park offers great things for backcountry hikers and camping. Note there is almost no shade and no water in this portion of the park. If you plan to visit I would recommend talking with a park ranger at the visitor center on how best to be prepared.
Hiking Trails:
Notch Trail: A moderately challenging 1.5-mile round trip fun hike featuring a ladder climb and rewarding views of the White River Valley.
Castle Trail: The longest trail in the park at 10 miles round trip, taking you through prairies and past dramatic rock formations. This can turn into longer hikes if you connect to Medicine Root Trail.
Window Trail: A short, easy 0.25-mile trail leading to a natural window in the rock formations.
Door Trail: A 0.75-mile trail that takes you through a break in the Badlands Wall to a surreal landscape beyond.
Cliff Shelf Nature Trail: A short hike at just 0.5 miles, offering a more shaded environment with lush greenery.
Notch Trail, Door Trail, Window Trail, and Castel Trail all can be accessed via the same large parking lot and has bathrooms available. Just inside the NorthEast Entrance.
Badlands is well known for its open hike policy
Click below for a map, but I highly recommend stopping at the visitor center to get a more detailed map.
Overlooks:
Bigfoot Pass Overlook: Great place to catch the sunset from the viewing platform overlooking the landscape of the badlands.
Yellow Mounds Overlook: These brightly formed mounds are stripped in yellow, orange, and reddish showing you the older formed rocks in the Badlands. With this open hike policy, you can explore as much as you like hiking up them for a better view.
Wildlife Watching:
Wild animals are common throughout the park, especially along Sage Creek Rim Road and Roberts Prairie Dog Town. You’ll spot bison, prairie dogs, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn—great for wildlife viewing and photography.
Don't forget to pack your binoculars!
Fossil Hunting:
Fossil Exhibit Trail: An easy, accessible trail where you can see replicas of fossils and learn about the park’s prehistoric past. Ranger-led fossil talks are also available during the summer.
Ranger Programs:
Guided hikes, talks, and evening programs: Available during peak season and offer educational insights into the park’s geology, wildlife, and history. Check in at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center to check the schedule.
Badlands Photography Tips:
Golden Hours: Early morning and late afternoon provide the best lighting for capturing the park’s stunning landscapes.
Wildlife: Bring a camera, if you have one, that can zoom in on distant animals without disturbing them.
Night Sky: Badlands National Park is a designated dark sky park, making it perfect for astrophotography. Don’t miss the opportunity to photograph the Milky Way.
Tips:
Stay Hydrated: Carry plenty of water, especially during the summer months.
Dress in Layers: Weather can change quickly; layers will help you stay comfortable.
Wear Sturdy Footwear: Trails can be rocky and uneven, so good hiking boots are recommended.
Protect Yourself from the Sun: Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
Get a Map: The park is huge and the landscape can seem the same. Stop by the ranger station and get a map
Pets are permitted in Badlands National Park but they are restricted on some trails in some areas.
Nearby Attractions:
If you have extra time on your trip, consider exploring nearby attractions such as Custer State Park, Wind Cave National Park, and the Crazy Horse Memorial. These spots offer great places for scenic views and wildlife encounters.
Minuteman Missile National Historic Site: A quick stop along I-90, located just a short distance from the park, is worth visiting to learn more about the Cold War era.
Black Hills: Just a drive away, this area features more great things for your itinerary, like Jewel Cave.
With a long weekend or even a South Dakota road trip, Badlands National Park and the surrounding areas offer something for everyone. Whether you’re hiking, driving a scenic route, or simply relaxing with the views, as one of the United States gems the Badlands promise an unforgettable adventure.