National Park · South Dakota
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.
Things to do
- Auto and ATV
- Scenic Driving
- Astronomy
- Biking
- Camping
- Backcountry Camping
- Car or Front Country Camping
- Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)
- Compass and GPS
- Food
- Hiking
- Horse Trekking
- Horse Camping (see also camping)
- Horseback Riding
- Junior Ranger Program
- Wildlife Watching
- Birdwatching
- Park Film
- Shopping
- Bookstore and Park Store
- Gift Shop and Souvenirs
Weather & when to go
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.
Entrance fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
Fee covers the entry of a private vehicle and its occupants for 7 days
$30.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
$25.00
Entrance - Per Person
Fee covers the entry of an individual that is hiking, bicycling, etc... for 7 days
$15.00
Commercial Entrance - Sedan
Commercial sedan, 1 to 6 passenger capacity. $25 plus $15 per person - 7 days for Original Manifest
$25.00
Commercial Entrance - Van
Commercial van, 7 to 15 passenger capacity; $50 - 7 days for Original Manifest
$50.00
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
Minibus, 16 to 25 passenger capacity; $60 - 7 days for Original Manifest
$60.00
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
Motorcoach, 26 or more passenger capacity; $150 - 7 days for Original Manifest
$150.00
Operating hours
Badlands National Park
The park is open to visitors all year with the exception of weather closures.
Campgrounds
Sage Creek Campground
Cedar Pass Campground
FAQ
- How much does it cost to visit Badlands National Park?
- Entrance to Badlands National Park costs $30.00 (Entrance - Private Vehicle), $25.00 (Entrance - Motorcycle), $15.00 (Entrance - Per Person). The America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers entry at every NPS site.
- What are the hours at Badlands National Park?
- The park is open to visitors all year with the exception of weather closures.
- Do I need a reservation for Badlands National Park?
- No timed-entry reservation is currently required to enter Badlands National Park. Campgrounds and permits may still need to be booked separately on Recreation.gov.
Related guides
Trip plans and deep-dives from the PeepTrip blog featuring Badlands National Park.
One Day in Badlands National Park: Itinerary
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