BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK
“Peaks and valleys of delicately banded colors—colors that shift in the sunshine…
…and a thousand tints that color charts do not show. In the early morning and evening, when shadows are cast upon the infinite peaks or on a bright moonlit night when the whole region seems a part of another world, the Badlands will be an experience not easily forgotten.”
— FREEMAN TILDEN (FULL ACCOUNT HERE)
Welcome to the Ultimate Badlands Trip Planning Guide
Dramatic towers, majestic wildlife, and open views that stretch on for miles characterize beautiful Badlands National Park. As you explore this park, embrace the harsh and rugged landscape surrounding you.
Standing next to the colorful and delicate formations in Badlands National Park ignites a yearning to be wild and free., and now it’s your turn to experience this magical place — it’s your turn to be a part of its story.
BADLANDS AT-A-GLANCE
Location: South Dakota
What It’s Famous For: Badlands formations and fossils!
Highest Elevation You Can Reach by Road: 3,247 feet above sea level (Pinnacles Entrance)
Established: November 10, 1978
Size: 244,000 acres
Crowd Levels: Moderate, with around 1 million visitors each year.
COMMON BADLANDS TRIP PLANNING QUESTIONS
Where is Badlands, and how do I get there?
Badlands is located in western South Dakota about 1 hour from Rapid City, 4 hours from Sioux Falls, and 5 hours from Casper, WY.
I suggest flying into Rapid City or driving along Interstate 90. In this article, I share details about the best airports and roads in the area.
Is Badlands open year-round?
Badlands is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — but that doesn’t mean that you’ll be able to do everything you’re hoping to do.
Learn more about the weather, hours, and common closures that may affect your trip to the park.
How many days should I spend in Badlands?
You’ll want at least one full day in Badlands, but try to stay a night in the park!
See my recommendations for the amount of time to spend in the park, as well as how to split your time between multiple parks.
When is the best time to visit Badlands?
If you’re just getting started with your Badlands trip planning but are unsure of the best time to go, I’ve got you covered!
Here are my suggestions if you’re hoping to:
- Beat the crowds: September
- Travel during the summer: June
- Go backpacking: September
- Save money: May or October
- Have a unique adventure: December
This article provides a month-by-month breakdown of what to expect in Badlands — including information on weather, closures, crowds, and which points of interest will be open.
THINGS TO DO IN BADLANDS
8 Things You Can’t Miss on Your First Visit
- Notch Trail
- Roberts Prairie Dog Town
- Panorama Point
- Cliff Shelf Nature Trail
- Yellow Mounds Overlook
- Saddle Pass
- Pinnacles Overlook
- Door Trail
This popular article outlines each can’t-miss spot in Badlands in great detail. You’ll learn about the important things you need to know about each stop, and driving directions are included.
The Best Things to Do in Badlands:
IF YOU LOVE RANGER PROGRAMS
- Fossil Talk
- Night Sky Program
- Geology Walk
IN WINTER
- Overlooks
- Door Trail
- Wildlife Viewing
IF YOU DON’T WANT TO HIKE
- Badlands Loop Road
- Sage Creek Rim
- Prairie Dog Town
IN A WHEELCHAIR
- Fossil Discovery Trail
- Ranger Programs
- Window Trail
This massive list of things to do in Badlands will cover the travel needs of your entire group.
In addition to the items mentioned above, it also includes high-adventure activities, things to do with a dog, biking, things to do with kids, best hikes, and more. There’s something for everyone!
The Best Easy Hikes
Looking for good beginner-friendly, kid-friendly, or wheelchair-friendly trail options? This list details the best easy hikes in Badlands.
Dog-friendly Activities
Learn about all the places you can bring your dog in and around Badlands.
SOUTH DAKOTA PARKS ITINERARY
Do you LOVE to have a plan while traveling?
You’ve probably been spending a lot of time and money to make your trip possible. But don’t forget about the most important part — the day-to-day details!
When you get to South Dakota, will you have all the information you need to confidently navigate around the park and avoid the crowds?
This hour-by-hour itinerary will make sure you see the best of the South Dakota National Parks and the Black Hills — no more research needed!
LODGING IN BADLANDS
Where Should I Stay?
This article provides information on the gateway towns and lodging options in the Badlands area.
All About Camping
Learn all about the campgrounds in Badlands and how to snag a site.
GETTING AROUND BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK
Cars
You can drive to all viewpoint and trailhead parking areas with your own car. If you’d like some help planning your day so that you can get parking without having to circle parking lots, take a look at this itinerary.
Oversized Vehicles
Badlands is very popular for tour buses and RVs, so if you are in an oversized vehicle, you will find big enough parking spots at many points of interest. In the middle of the day, it may be nearly impossible to find parking in these parking lots with a big vehicle, so definitely pack your patience!
Planning a trip to Badlands can be overwhelming.
How do you make a solid plan if you’ve never been to the park before? How do you keep everyone in your group excited and engaged?
You can spend hours on the internet searching for things to do, but you still won’t find the insider tips and first-hand knowledge that I’ve gained from working as a park ranger.
If you’re hoping to see the best sights without getting stuck in traffic, circling parking lots, or being surrounded by people, check out this South Dakota Parks Itinerary.
You will see all of the can’t-miss spots, plus get lodging and dining guides, driving directions, and insider tips!
Thanks for using the Ultimate Badlands Trip Planning Guide
You may also be interested in one of these nearby national parks:
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Wind Cave National Park
Yellowstone National Park
Disclosure: This Badlands Trip Planning Guide may contain affiliate links, which means that (at no extra cost to you) I receive a small compensation if you make a purchase. I don’t recommend anything that I don’t personally love and use myself! Thanks for your support. — Ash