National Park
Badlands National Park is a National Park in South Dakota. The NPS currently lists 1 active alert, 2 campgrounds and 2 visitor centers; entrance fees start at $15.
South Dakota National Park America the Beautiful pass accepted
Updated · NPS Data API
“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.”
Active alerts
1
Closures
0
Campgrounds
2
Visitor centers
2
1 active NPS alert as of Oct 28, 2026: 0 closures, 0 danger, 1 caution and 0 information.
Caution
Do 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.
Posted or updated Dec 16, 2020 ·Details on nps.gov
Badlands National Park charges an entrance fee. No cash is accepted. Credit/debit card only. You may purchase a 7-day pass valid at only Badlands National Park privately or commercially.
| Fee | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance - Private Vehicle | $30 | Fee covers the entry of a private vehicle and its occupants for 7 days Buy online |
| Entrance - Motorcycle | $25 | Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. Buy online |
| Entrance - Per Person | $15 | Fee covers the entry of an individual that is hiking, bicycling, etc... for 7 days Buy online |
| Commercial Entrance - Sedan | $25 | Commercial sedan, 1 to 6 passenger capacity. $25 plus $15 per person - 7 days for Original Manifest |
| Commercial Entrance - Van | $50 | Commercial van, 7 to 15 passenger capacity; $50 - 7 days for Original Manifest |
| Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus | $60 | Minibus, 16 to 25 passenger capacity; $60 - 7 days for Original Manifest |
| Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach | $150 | Motorcoach, 26 or more passenger capacity; $150 - 7 days for Original Manifest |
| Pass | Cost | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Entrance - Park | $55 | At the park |
The interagency America the Beautiful pass is accepted here. This park is cashless — bring a card or buy your pass online.
Backcountry camping in the Badlands can be an exciting adventure for prepared and experienced hikers. Read more about rules, safety, and recommendations for backcountry campers here.
Year-round
Celebrate the spectacular sights and science of night skies at Badlands National Park's annual Astronomy Festival. Join astronomers, rangers, and visitors for activities, discussions, and programs about the night sky.
30-60 Minutes Summer Pets allowed
Have you ever played a game of Madlibs? Now you can try out a Badlands version! Pick out your favorite words, then fill them in to create your own wacky Badlands story. After that, share your BADLibs with us on social media -- and don't forget to have fun!
Pets allowed
See all 21 things to do in Badlands →
Activities the NPS lists for Badlands.
Auto and ATVScenic DrivingAstronomyBikingCampingBackcountry CampingCar or Front Country CampingHorse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)Compass and GPSFoodHikingHorse TrekkingHorse Camping (see also camping)Horseback RidingJunior Ranger ProgramWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingPark FilmShoppingBookstore and Park StoreGift Shop and Souvenirs
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The park is open to visitors all year with the exception of weather closures.
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | All Day |
| Tuesday | All Day |
| Wednesday | All Day |
| Thursday | All Day |
| Friday | All Day |
| Saturday | All Day |
| Sunday | All Day |
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.
| Visitor center | Standard hours | Phone | Passport stamp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Reifel Visitor Center | Daily: 8:00AM - 5:00PM | 6054335361 | Yes |
| White River Visitor Center | Daily: 9:00AM - 4:00PM | 6054552878 | Yes |
| Campground | Total sites | Reservable | First-come | RVs | Fee | Reserve |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Pass Campground | 96 | 96 | 0 | Yes | $37 | Recreation.gov |
| Sage Creek Campground | 22 | 0 | 0 | Yes, up to 18 ft | Free | — |
Site counts and fees are from the NPS campground data. Fees show the first listed rate; availability is not shown here — check the reservation site.
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