Are you wondering how many days to spend in Badlands? Let’s make sure that you have enough time to get to all of the incredible adventures in the park!
How many days should you spend in Badlands? This park is small, and you can get to all of the can’t-miss spots in one day. If you’re hoping to add in a longer hike or attend a ranger program, you’ll want two days in the park.
My name is Ash, and I’m a former park ranger. South Dakota is one of my favorite vacation destinations, and I can’t wait to help you plan your trip to this amazing area!
Let’s get deeper into the things you’ll want to consider when deciding how many days you should spend in Badlands.
Can I See Badlands National Park in One Day?
Yes! You can see a lot in one full day at the Badlands—in fact, I’ve got a list of things you can do in a day! Among the best things to see are several enchanting hikes, amazing areas to spot wildlife, and beautifully colored rock formations.
For instance, the Notch Trail is the most famous hike in the Badlands. This trail is more of an adventure—you’ll climb a wooden ladder, walk between cliffs, and find an incredible view over the valley at the end.
In addition to hiking, you can also stop by the Roberts Prairie Dog Town and look for these fun creatures making their home in the dirt. These prairie dogs are found all throughout Badlands — you’ll love spotting them along the roads!
Be sure to get to the park early in the morning or stick around later into the evening to experience this park in the low light of the sunrise or sunset. The badlands formations are magical during these hours! If you head to a great lookout spot such as Panorama Point, you’ll be breathless as the rocks take on their golden, colorful hues in this amazing park.
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!
Badlands in Two Days
Although you can see most of Badlands National Park in one day, two days opens up even more possibilities. I recommend grabbing a reservation at the campground or lodge for your stay because the magic of this park is in the sunset and sunrise views!
With two days at Badlands, you’ll be able to do some of the longer hikes in the park, in addition to any hikes or activities you weren’t able to finish on your first day. Work your way through this list of things you can’t miss, and then go back to your favorite areas and explore more in-depth.
If you’re visiting during the summer, you can also go to the South Unit of Badlands and visit the White River Visitor Center. While you’re there, you’ll learn more about the historical and cultural importance of the Badlands through interactive displays and videos before you head out for some backcountry camping.
I recommend spending two days at Badlands National Park if you don’t want to feel rushed or if you’re hoping to have multiple opportunities for wildlife viewing and photographing the formations in the best light!
Do you need help with your daily schedule for Badlands?
Get the inside scoop for your upcoming vacation —> this itinerary is the most detailed, epic, and easy-to-follow guide to the park!
Other Things to Consider
Before you solidify your travel dates or book your lodging for Badlands, you’ll want to think about a few things, such as:
How much time will it take to travel to and from Badlands (not including your sightseeing days)?
Many people forget to factor in the time it will take for them to drive to the park, which can cut into your sightseeing and leave you wishing for more time. For example, if you plan on spending one day in Badlands, but you don’t get to the park until 10 a.m., you’ll severely limit the things you’ll have time to see. This is especially true if you visit during the summer — parking lots will be completely full by then.
Are there any major holidays/fee-free days/festivals you’d like to be in the park for or avoid?
If you’re visiting over a holiday or fee-free day, the crowds will be higher, and parking lots will be packed. You may have a harder time getting around to all the can’t-miss spots, so some extra time could be beneficial.
Are there other national parks and points of interest you’re hoping to see on the same trip?
You can easily visit several other NPS sites, like Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Mount Rushmore, Devils Tower National Monument, and the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site on your trip to Badlands. Each area is unique, and you’ll find everything within an hour or two of the park.
Should I Visit Other Parks in the Area?
Yes! There is so much to do in the Rapid City area! Be sure to visit all of the NPS sites listed in the section above, and then add in other fun points of interest like Deadwood, Custer State Park, Spearfish, and Crazy Horse.
Badlands Itinerary Options
If you’re unsure where to visit or how to split your time between parks and monuments on your trip to Badlands, these itinerary options are for you!
After you decide how to split your time, these detailed itineraries will provide you with a ton of extra information on things to do, driving directions, lodging and dining options, and insider tips for your trip.
If you have:
A Weekend in the Black Hills
I recommend spending one day in Badlands, a half day at Mount Rushmore, and another half day in either Custer State Park or Wind Cave National Park. If it’s a long weekend, add in Jewel Cave or Deadwood.
One Week in the Black Hills
You can easily spend a week visiting all the main sights in the Rapid City area, including Badlands, Wind Cave, Deadwood, Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore, Devils Tower, Jewel Cave, and Spearfish.
If you’re hoping to get to all the best places and activities in the area, you can get my detailed hour-by-hour itinerary for the Black Hills here!
10 Days in the Dakotas
Day 1 — Fly into Rapid City
Day 2 — Rapid City area
Day 3 — Rapid City area
Day 4 — Rapid City area
Day 5 — Rapid City area, then drive to Devils Tower in the evening (2 hours)
Day 6 — Devils Tower
Day 7 — Drive to Medora, ND (3.5 hours)
Day 8 — Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Day 9 — Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Day 10 — Drive back to Rapid City to catch your flight (4 hours)
2 Weeks in the Black Hills and Wyoming
Day 1 — Fly into Rapid City
Day 2 — Rapid City area
Day 3 — Rapid City area
Day 4 — Rapid City area
Day 5 — Rapid City area in the morning, then drive to Devils Tower in the afternoon (2 hours)
Day 6 — Devils Tower in the morning, then drive to Red Lodge, MT, in the afternoon (5 hours)
Day 7 — Yellowstone National Park
Day 8 — Yellowstone National Park
Day 9 — Yellowstone National Park
Day 10 — Yellowstone National Park, then drive to Grand Teton in the evening (2 hours)
Day 11 — Grand Teton National Park
Day 12 — Grand Teton National Park
Day 13 — Grand Teton National Park
Day 14 — Drive back to Rapid City to catch your flight (8.5 hours)
Do you love to have a plan?
Get the inside scoop for your upcoming vacation —> this itinerary is the most detailed, epic, and easy-to-follow guide to the South Dakota parks!
Have a fantastic time in Badlands National Park!
More Badlands Trip Planning Information
South Dakota Parks Itinerary — a detailed hour-by-hour sightseeing schedule.
How to Get to Badlands — the best airports and roads in the area.
The Best Time to Visit — what to expect during each month of the year.
Weather, Hours, and Closures — important weather info and common closures.
Where Should I Stay? — the best options in and around the park.
All About Camping — learn about the park’s campgrounds and how to get a site.
8 Things You Can’t Miss on Your First Visit — the top 8 spots.
The Best Easy Hikes — the perfect trails for kids, wheelchairs, and beginners.
The Best Things to Do — activities for every adventurer.
The Ultimate Badlands Trip Planning Guide — everything you need to know.
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