Badlands National Park
242,756
Acres
1 million/year
Annual Visitors
$30
Entry Fee
April through October
Best Time to Visit
National Park Service
National Park
You drive across South Dakota expecting flat and then the ground just falls away. 244,000 acres of buttes and spires so sharply eroded they look like the planet is showing you its bones. The formations expose 75 million years of geological history in horizontal stripes. Every hour the light shifts and the whole place becomes a different photograph.
Our Badlands Articles

National Parks
National Parks
Hiking the Notch Trail in Badlands National Park

Educational Resources
10 Amazing Facts About Badlands National Park

National Parks
15 Best Hikes in Badlands National Park
National Park Guides
A Guide to Badlands National Park

Videos
Badlands National Park (Video) by More Than Just Parks

National Parks
20 Things to Do in Badlands National Park
When to Visit Badlands
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Month-by-Month Conditions
Tap any month for details
Month
High
Low
Crowds
Roads
Jan
82°
67°
Low
Open
Feb
79°
64°
Low
Open
Mar
69°
53°
Light
Open
Apr Best
56°
39°
Heavy
Open
May Best
43°
24°
Heavy
Open
Jun Best
33°
13°
Heavy
Open
Jul Best
30°
10°
Peak
Open
Aug Best
33°
13°
Peak
Open
Sep Best
43°
24°
Heavy
Open
Oct Best
56°
39°
Heavy
Open
Nov
69°
53°
Light
Open
Dec
79°
64°
Low
Open
Best months to visit
Crowd level (low to peak)
Campgrounds in Badlands
Cedar Pass Campground
$37/nightLocated near the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, the Cedar Pass Campground has 96 level sites with scenic views of the badlands formations. This campground offers...
Reserve a SiteSage Creek Campground
$0/nightSage Creek Campground is a primitive campground. There is no charge to stay here and camping is available on a first come first serve basis....
Trip Essentials
Gear and guides we recommend for Badlands. Affiliate links help support our work.
Trail Map
Badlands National Geographic Trails Illustrated
View on Amazon
Guidebook
Badlands field guide with trail details and planning info
View on Amazon
Hotels Near Badlands
Compare lodges, cabins, and hotels near the park
Search on Booking.com
America the Beautiful Pass
$80/year. Covers entrance fees at all 2,000+ federal recreation sites.
Get the Pass
Sun Hat
Full-brim coverage for exposed trails with zero shade.
View on REI
Water Bottles
Carry at least 2 liters. More in desert heat.
View on REI
Hiking Boots
Ankle support and grip for rocky, uneven terrain.
View on REI
Getting to Badlands
Gateway Towns
- Wall, SD
- Interior, SD
- Rapid City, SD
Nearest Airports
- RAP Rapid City Regional 55 mi
Badlands Map
VC Visitor Center
CG Campground
Nearby Park
Nearby National Parks
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