Parks / Badlands National Park
Badlands National Park
National Park · SD
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.
Official NPS page →Current Alerts (2)
Notch Trail Closure for Repairs
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.
Navigation
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.
Entrance Fees
Badlands National Park charges an entrance fee. No cash is accepted. Credit/debit card only. You may purchase a 7-day pass valid at only Badlands National Park privately or commercially. Private passes (private vehicle, motorcycle, or individual) can be purchased on recreation.gov or on-site, at one of the 3 entrance stations (Northeast, Pinnacles, or Interior). Commercial passes (sedan, van, minibus, or motorcoach) must be purchased on-site at one of the entrance stations. If you are visiting other federal recreation areas consider purchasing an Interagency Pass (Annual, Senior, Access, Military, etc.) when you arrive at the park. If you already hold one of the accepted entrance passes you do not need to purchase any of the 7-day passes. Site Passes purchased on Recreation.gov are non-refundable and non-transferable. Only purchase this Badlands National Park Site Pass if you do not plan to use another pass to cover the entrance fee.
Campgrounds (2)
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 flush toilets and coin operated showers in the summertime.
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. The campground rarely fills to capacity.
Details →Upcoming Events
Fossil Talk
Aug 31, 2026 · Fossil Exhibit Trailhead
Geology Walk
Aug 31, 2026 · Door Trail
Evening Prairie Walk
Aug 31, 2026
Evening Ranger Program
Aug 31, 2026 · Cedar Pass Amphitheater
Night Sky Program
Aug 31, 2026 · Cedar Pass Lodge Amphitheater
Evening Ranger Program
Sep 8, 2026 · Cedar Pass Amphitheater
Fossil Talk
Sep 8, 2026 · Fossil Exhibit Trail
Geology Walk
Sep 8, 2026 · Door Trail
Night Sky Program
Sep 8, 2026 · Cedar Pass Amphitheater
Evening Prairie Walk
Sep 8, 2026 · Ben Reifel Visitor Center
Things to Do
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.
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 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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Drive Around the South Unit of the Badlands
Enjoy stunning views of Badlands National Park's South Unit by driving around its perimeter.
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. Catch beautiful landscapes, informational exhibits, and glimpses of wildlife on this incredible drive.
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 North Unit of Badlands National Park.
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.
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 beautiful trail, a photographer scoping out a sunset spot, or simply a visitor seeking to explore the South Unit, Sheep Mountain Table offers incredible vist
Hiking Badlands Back Roads With Your Dog
Back country roads are a great place to escape the everyday with your pet.
Hiking the Badlands
Interested in hiking at Badlands National Park? Read about rules, official trails, and the park's open hike policy here.
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 invites horse owners to explore the Badlands Wilderness Area, consisting of 64,000 acres of eroded spires and mixed-grass prairie, or other designated areas of the park via horseback.
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 is over, you can submit this activity to earn a Junior Ranger patch!
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.
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 the information desk, watch the park film, check out a working fossil preparation lab, enjoy museum exhibits, or stop by the park bookstore.
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 working on Badlands fossils!
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 pick up maps, enjoy museum exhibits, and chat with rangers about the significance of the Badlands and treaties in Lakota heritage.
Visitor Centers
- Ben Reifel Visitor Center
- White River Visitor Center
Source: National Park Service.