Rate Badlands National Park
Learn and Explore
Since 1916, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of our national parks. With the help of volunteers and partners, we safeguard these special places and share their stories with more than 275 million visitors every year. But our work doesn’t stop there.
We are proud that tribes, local governments, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and individual citizens ask for our help in revitalizing their communities, preserving local history, celebrating local heritage, and creating close to home opportunities for kids and families to get outside, be active, and have fun.
Taking care of the national parks and helping Americans take care of their communities is a job we love, and we need—and welcome—your help and support.
Our Mission
The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I obtain a park entrance pass?
Only 118 of your 417 park sites charge entrance fees. You can obtain park entrance passes by visiting a park site that charges an entrance fee. Entrance fee sites have passes available; we recommend calling a park prior to your visit. (See the park search to locate a specific park.) There are a number of entrance passes available, including park-specific passes as well as passes that offer entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites in addition to the national parks (Annual, Military, Senior, 4th Grade, Access, and Volunteer passes). Learn more about the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.
About this location:
National Park
Operating Hours & Seasons
Badlands National Park
The park is open to visitors all year with the exception of weather closures.
Standard Hours
- Sunday:Open 24 hours
- Monday:Open 24 hours
- Tuesday:Open 24 hours
- Wednesday:Open 24 hours
- Thursday:Open 24 hours
- Friday:Open 24 hours
- Saturday:Open 24 hours
Fees & Passes
Entrance Fees:
- $20.00 – Private Vehicle
Fee covers the entry of a private vehicle and its occupants for 7 days - $10.00 – Individual (Hiking, Bicycling, etc…)
Fee covers the entry of an individual that is hiking, bicycling, etc… for 7 days - $10.00 – Motorcycle
Fee covers the entry of a motorcycle and its occupants for 7 days - $25.00 – Commercial Sedan, 1 to 6 passenger capacity
Commercial sedan, 1 to 6 passenger capacity. $25 plus $10 per person – 7 days for Original Manifest - $50.00 – Commercial Van, 7 to 15 passenger capacity
Commercial van, 7 to 15 passenger capacity; $50 – 7 days for Original Manifest - $60.00 – Commercial Minibus, 16 to 25 passenger capacity
Minibus, 16 to 25 passenger capacity; $60 – 7 days for Original Manifest - $150.00 – Commercial Motorcoach, 26 or more passenger capacity
Motorcoach, 26 or more passenger capacity; $150 – 7 days for Original Manifest
Entrance Passes:
- $40.00 – Badlands National Park Annual Pass
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.
About
Good Times in the 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 mammals such as the rhino, horse, and saber-toothed cat 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.
Directions
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.
Visitor Centers
White River Visitor Center
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 offered daily throughout the summer season. Ben Reifel Visitor Center
Located at park headquarters, the Ben Reifel Visitor Center features exhibits, an air conditioned theater, a new film, Land of Stone and Light, and restroom facilities.
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.
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