Badlands National Park
2 campgrounds in the park · 38 nearby · 1 free and dispersed site within 50 mi
Photo: NPS Photo
2 current alerts
As of Sep 20, 2026 · from nps.gov
- Park closureNotch Trail Closure for RepairsNotch 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.
- CautionNavigationDo 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.
At a glance
- Entrance
- $30 per vehicle
- Open
- Year-round
- In the park
- 2 campgrounds
- Near the park
- 38 campgroundsWithin 50 mi
- Free and dispersed
- 1 siteWithin 50 mi
- Annual pass
- $55Badlands only
Where to camp
Camping in the park 2
Camping near the park 38
Free and dispersed nearby 1
See them on the mapServices nearby: 3 dump stations · 5 rest areas
About Badlands
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…
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.
Photos: NPS Photo
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
Plan your visit
Getting there
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…
Weather
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…
Plan your visit
Fees and passes
- Private vehicle$30
- Motorcycle, 7 days$25
- Per person$15
- Badlands annual pass$55
Hours
The park is open to visitors all year with the exception of weather closures.
Getting there
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.
Weather
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.
Camped at Badlands? You could be the first to say which site you'd pick again.
Reviews, photos and cell signal reports from real stays help the next camper choose between Cedar Pass Campground and Sage Creek Campground.