Badlands National Park

Zoom in to see details

Map Key

Favorites
Check-Ins

Overview

Badlands National Park features some of the most unique and rugged landscapes anywhere on earth. This awe-inspiring setting draws people from around the world to visit the park. The fascinating geologic features found in the park contain one of the world's most plentiful fossil beds. Early mammals such as the saber-toothed cat once walked here. The park protects 244,000 acres of mixed-grass prairie where bighorn sheep, bison, black-footed ferrets, and prairie dogs live today. Whether you are exploring the expansive prairie or taking in the views of the striking geologic features, Badlands is sure to leave a lasting impression.

To learn more about Badlands National Park, visit www.nps.gov.

Local Info

Please Note: There are no singletrack trails within Badlands National Park that are open to mountain bikes. Bicycles are only allowed on designated paved, gravel, and dirt roads within the park.This page serves as a general overview of the area. If you're visiting the park and looking for places to ride, check out the nearby town of Rapid City.

Visiting Tips

Badlands National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Entrance fees are collected at entrance stations throughout the year. The Badlands weather can be unpredictable with temperature extremes ranging from 116° F to -40° F. Visitors are urged to dress in layers and come prepared with hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and adequate water.

Fees & Passes:
To learn more about park fees, click here.

Purchase an annual pass for all national parks sites, $80

Camping & Lodging

Camping:
There are two campgrounds within Badlands National Park. Both campgrounds are open year-round, and camping is limited to 14 days. Reservations for Cedar Pass Campground can be made online or by calling (605) 433-5460. For more information about camping in the park, click here.

Cedar Pass Campground: 96 sites. Group sites are available.
Sage Creek Campground: Available on a first come, first served basis.

Backcountry camping is permitted and while a permit is not currently required, it is recommended that visitors planning on camping in the backcountry contact the Visitor Center for more information and to notify a ranger in order to ensure their safety. More information on backcountry camping can be found here.

Lodging:
For those looking for lodging options with more amenities, Cedar Pass Lodge offers individual cabins and rooms at the Badlands Inn. For more information or to make reservations visit cedarpasslodge.com.

Food & Drink

The Cedar Pass Restaurant and Store located at the Cedar Pass Lodge offers a variety of locally and regionally sourced dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Apart from this restaurant, there are no other dining options located within the park.

Other Activities

From camping and hiking to bird watching and auto-touring, Badlands National Park offers a variety of ways for visitors to explore the park. Additionally, be sure to check out the opportunities for mountain biking and rock climbing in and around the nearby town of Rapid City. Black Hills National Forest and Custer State Park offer a multitude of options for visitors to continue their exploration of South Dakota beyond their trip to Badlands National Park.