Badlands National Park
Official park boundary · National Park Service
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.
Badlands National Park is a national park of the United States in southwestern South Dakota. The park protects 242,756 acres of sharply eroded buttes and pinnacles, along with the largest undisturbed mixed grass prairie in the United States. The National Park Service manages the park, with the South Unit being co-managed with the Oglala Lakota tribe.
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.
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.
Source: National Park Service
Fee covers the entry of a private vehicle and its occupants for 7 days
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Fee covers the entry of an individual that is hiking, bicycling, etc... for 7 days
Commercial sedan, 1 to 6 passenger capacity. $25 plus $15 per person - 7 days for Original Manifest
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
- 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.
- Hiking the Badlands
Interested in hiking at Badlands National Park? Read about rules, official trails, and the park's open hike policy here.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Source: National Park Service
- Cedar Pass Campground
- Sage Creek Campground
- Ben Reifel Visitor Center
- White River Visitor Center
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