Photo: NPS Photo
The rugged beauty of the Badlands draws visitors from around the world.
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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.
Notch 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.
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.
21 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
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.
Learn more about Backcountry Camping on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
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…
Learn more about Badlands Astronomy Festival on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
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…
Learn more about Badlands BADLibs on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Many different programs are led by rangers at Badlands National Park. Learn more about wildlife, geology, paleontology, and more by stopping at a ranger program during your visit! Visit this page to…
Learn more about Badlands Ranger Programs on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Enjoy incredible views of the Badlands by waking up early or staying out late. Sunrises and sunsets are photographer favorites for a good reason -- check out this page to learn all the best spots!
Learn more about Badlands Sunrises & Sunsets on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Become a Junior Ranger at Badlands National Park! By completing a fun activity book, you can earn a Junior Ranger badge and pledge to explore, learn about, and protect the parks.
Learn more about Become a Badlands Junior Ranger on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Enjoy beautiful views of the Badlands without a windshield! Biking in the park offers a chance to experience scenery firsthand -- from the back of a bike, it almost feels like you can reach out and…
Learn more about Bicycling in the Badlands on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Reservation required Fee applies
Set up camp at one of Badlands National Park's two official campgrounds. Whether you're seeing views of the Sage Creek Wilderness Area or Cedar Pass, you're sure to enjoy an overnight stay in the…
Learn more about Campgrounds on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)Showing 8 of 21
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2 campgrounds listed on Recreation.gov. Check availability and current conditions before you go.
Reservable Campground
Surrounded by the vast, open prairie and featuring expansive views of the Badlands, Cedar Pass Campground is a great base camp from which to explore Badlands National…
Reserve on Recreation.govOverview
Surrounded by the vast, open prairie and featuring expansive views of the Badlands, Cedar Pass Campground is a great base camp from which to explore Badlands National Park. Featuring 96 sites, this seasonal campground is open from late March through mid-October, and is conveniently located within easy walking distance of Cedar Pass Lodge & Restaurant and the Ben Reifel Visitor Center.
Recreation
An evening program led by park rangers is held nightly at the Cedar Pass Amphitheater. This event runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, beginning each evening with a half-hour educational talk about the Badlands, covering a wide array of topics that change every evening. Once the educational part of the presentation finishes, the rangers begin a guided night sky viewing program. Interesting facts and features of our night sky will be explored and pointed out for you via laser, and telescopes are often provided to view star clusters, planets, and the Milky Way.
The Amphitheater parking lot is conveniently located at the entrance to Cedar Pass Campground, in easy walking distance for most campers! For evening program start times, please see the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, Cedar Pass Lodge, or the host kiosk at the campground entrance.
Facilities
An evening program led by park rangers is held nightly at the Cedar Pass Amphitheater. This event runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, beginning each evening with a half-hour educational talk about the Badlands, covering a wide array of topics that change every evening. Once the educational part of the presentation finishes, the rangers begin a guided night sky viewing program. Interesting facts and features of our night sky will be explored and pointed out for you via laser, and telescopes are often provided to view star clusters, planets, and the Milky Way.
The Amphitheater parking lot is conveniently located at the entrance to Cedar Pass Campground, in easy walking distance for most campers! For evening program start times, please see the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, Cedar Pass Lodge, or the host kiosk at the campground entrance.
Natural Features
Cedar Pass Campground is surrounded by prairie grasslands and Badlands buttes, or geologic formations. These formations contain sandstone, siltstone, mudstone, claystone, limestone, volcanic ash, and shale. The natural beauty of this landscape makes for stunning sunrises and sunsets, while low population density and minimal light pollution creates a beautiful night sky most evenings.
Contact Info
This location is staffed. Please call (605) 910-9246 to speak with local staff.Nearby Attractions
Not reservable on Recreation.gov Campground
Sage Creek Campground is a primitive campground. There is no charge to stay here and camping is available on a first come first serve basis. The campground rarely fills…
Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Facility
Located at park headquarters, the Ben Reifel Visitor Center features exhibits, an air conditioned theater,and restroom facilities.
Interior, SD (605) 433-5361 Directions
Facility
The visitor center is located on the Pine Ridge Reservation and offers a staffed information desk, exhibits, restrooms, picnic tables, and water. Impromptu talks are…
2734 BIA 2, Porcupine, SD (605) 455-2878 Directions
Open 24 hours, daily · Badlands National Park
The park is open to visitors all year with the exception of weather closures.
Fee covers the entry of a private vehicle and its occupants for 7 days
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Fee covers the entry of an individual that is hiking, bicycling, etc... for 7 days
Commercial sedan, 1 to 6 passenger capacity. $25 plus $15 per person - 7 days for Original Manifest
Commercial van, 7 to 15 passenger capacity; $50 - 7 days for Original Manifest
Minibus, 16 to 25 passenger capacity; $60 - 7 days for Original Manifest
Motorcoach, 26 or more passenger capacity; $150 - 7 days for Original Manifest
This pass admits a single, private, non commercial vehicle and its occupants into the park. This pass does not include camping or give any type of discount at stores inside the park. Valid for one year from month of purchase.
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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.
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.
Mailing address: 25216 Ben Reifel Road, Interior, SD 57750
Ask about trails, fees, weather, events, or planning your visit.
AI answers can be wrong. Check official NPS info before you go.
