Badlands National Park, National Park in Interior, South Dakota
National Park

Badlands National Park

Interior · South Dakota

Overview

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.

Auto and ATVScenic DrivingAstronomyBikingCampingBackcountry CampingCar or Front Country CampingHorse CampingCompass and GPSFoodHikingHorse Trekking

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.

Key Facts

TypeNational Park
DesignationNational Park

Official Website

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

Gallery

Photos of Badlands National Park.

5 images

Things to do

Discover Badlands National Park.

a hiker in a red jacket sits next to a blue tent with badlands buttes in the background

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.

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three people stand silhouetted atop a badlands butte, pointing at the night sky.

Badlands Astronomy Festival

30-60 Minutes

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.

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drawing of a bison raising its tail

Badlands BADLibs

Have you ever played a game of Madlibs? Now you can try out a Badlands version! Pick out your favorite words, then fill them in to create your own wacky Badlands story. After that, share your BADLibs with us on social media -- and don't forget to have fun!

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a ranger points at a geologic column on a piece of paper in front of a badlands butte.

Badlands Ranger Programs

20-60 Minutes

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.

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badlands buttes are illuminated by red sunlight, which creates shadows in the canyons.

Badlands Sunrises & Sunsets

Enjoy incredible views of the Badlands by waking up early or staying out late. Sunrises and sunsets are photographer favorites for a good reason -- check out this page to learn all the best spots!

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a cartoon child stands next to a cartoon range and points at badlands formations

Become a Badlands Junior Ranger

30-45 Minutes

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.

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a woman bikes up a paved road with jagged badlands spires in the background

Bicycling in the Badlands

Enjoy beautiful views of the Badlands without a windshield! Biking in the park offers a chance to experience scenery firsthand -- from the back of a bike, it almost feels like you can reach out and touch the rugged buttes and twisted spires. Read here to learn more about rules, safety, and suggested routes.

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a cloudy blue sky appears over jagged badlands formations, framed by green grasses in the foreground

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.

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a large, flat table stands out from similarly brown badlands buttes.

Drive Around the South Unit of the Badlands

1-2 Hours

Enjoy stunning views of Badlands National Park's South Unit by driving around its perimeter.

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